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Neal's Notes For MAY 2009

New easy-to-read law poster

The HSE is introducing an easier-to-read version of the law poster that all employers must display. It will provide clearer information for workers about their right to work in places where their health and safety is properly protected. An option is for the provision of a pocket card. All current law posters must be replaced by April 5th 2014

Confused by safety jargon?

Ever found yourself confused by jargon and wrestling with acronyms when you're researching technical matters? Fear not for help is close at hand with the publication of the latest edition of Safety Jargon Buster, a handy guide through the minefield of technical terminology used by hazardous area equipment suppliers. The guide has been updated with a raft of new terms and definitions to reflect the increasing importance of site safety and is available free. This PDF guide uses hyperlinks and a quick navigation tool to provide an easily understood glossary of safety industry terms. The jargon buster is available free on applications and is the latest in the series of functional safety material written by safety expert, and occasional contributor to HazardEx, Stuart Nunns. Nunns is manager for safety critical consultancy for ABB and has been named an IEC61508 Safety Guru. His most recent guide entitled 'A methodology for achieving Functional Safety certification to IEC61508', is also now available. This guide provides a detailed explanation of the key areas that users need to consider when designing, implementing and operating a functional safety programme. Providing a perfect partner for the jargon buster, the guide is based on a real example involving a global company which undertook third-party accreditation for its functional safety management against the requirements of IEC 61508 and IEC 61511. Visit www.hazardexonthenet.net to down-load the pdf file

Display screen courses from enricoSmog ergonomic practitioners

Ergonomic risk assessments

Thu7th May 09Leeds
Tue12th May 09Perth
Wed13th May 09Glasgow
Thu14th May 09Newcastle
Thu21st May 09Bournemouth
Thu18th June 09Birmingham DSE
Fri19th June 09Birmingham RA
Thu2nd July 09London Erg RA

Risk assessments for older and disabled workers

Mon29th June 09London

Risk assessments for workers with Upper Limb Disorders

Fri3rd July 09London
Apart from this extensive range of DSE and ergonomic risk courses, enricoSmog also provides risk assessments for older and disabled workers and risk assessments for workers with upper limb disorders. This company can also carry out in-houses courses and a wide variety of ergonomic assessments. Contact is Duncan Abbott on 01747 871868

More drugs and alcohol in the workplace?

There is compelling evidence that the use of drugs and alcohol at the workplace is on the increase and the need for an effective misuse policy to ensure health and safety at work has never been more evident. Recent research has shown that regular drug or alcohol abusers are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work. They are also three times more likely to take sick leave and are five times more likely to claim compensation following an accident.

They can also be a third less productive and ten times more likely to be late. For this reason, Grendonstar - one of the UK's leading authorities on the problems associated with drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace - has developed a six-step process designed to improve safety, maximise staff retention and minimise lost productivity and absence from work.

The company has combined staff welfare and employee welfare issues with the need to meet current health and safety legislation. This tried and tested approach to the avoidance of drug and alcohol at work is based on a positive philosophy that both educates and motivates staff whilst providing invaluable assistance to management. Accidents, lateness and absenteeism can all be reduced, and productivity and staff morale can be greatly improved.

A welfare based substance abuse policy can be introduced, quickly and efficiently, as part of an ongoing health and safety initiative to safeguard against these problems. Sainsbury's Supply Chain started looking into the benefits of a substance misuse policy as long ago as 2001. Supply Chain worked with Trade Unions, partnership groups and colleagues to produce a welfare based policy. The policy went live on 1 August 2002 after a period of implementation. Since implementation the company can prove the benefits in reductions of accident and absence statistics, financial benefits and most importantly our colleagues' welfare.

The Six Step Process

Assess the risk to the business of drugs and alcohol misuse and evaluate current company resources, culture and attitudes.
Consult, develop and publicise a corporate policy.
Develop a programme of awareness and training for all employees and encourage those with problems to seek help.
Develop procedures for testing if required.
Implement policy and provide management training.
Monitor policy and procedures on an ongoing basis using key performance indicators

Free shows, free seminars

That's the offer from www.HealthandSafetyevents.co.uk starting at the Reebok Stadium Bolton from October 6th to 7th. Pre-register for this excellent safety show and the next one at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey on February 23-24 2010.

Shocking Figures

Each year around 1,000 accidents at work involve electric shocks and burns! The guidance on the regulations recommends that a poster containing emergency resuscitation procedures be displayed in locations where persons may be at greater risk of electric shock. Search no more. Visit www.stanssafetyposters.co.uk for a range of safety posters which includes an electric shock poster at only £14 plus a minimal amount for p and p. Or ring Stan on 0208 653 4648 for a next day delivery

Assessing First-aid Needs by Croner, a Walters Kluwer business

Assess the first-aid needs appropriate to the workplace, taking into account the nature of the undertaking, how hazardous work activities are, numbers and types of employees, and the workplace location. Provide materials, equipment and facilities identified as necessary. Appoint and train sufficient staff in appropriate locations as first-aid personnel. Provide first-aid personnel with necessary refresher training. Ensure employees are familiar with the identity and location of the nearest first aider, first-aid box and first-aid room. Display the names and locations of first-aid personnel and equipment on the first-aid box, on the door of the first-aid room and noticeboards. Ensure information displayed on noticeboards, the first-aid room and first-aid boxes is updated to reflect any changes in location or appointed personnel. Regularly check the contents of each first-aid box and the first-aid rooms to ensure sufficient supplies are available. Replace supplies after equipment has been used. Ensure there is easy access to first-aid equipment and first-aid room at all times. Put procedures in place to summon professional medical assistance if needed. Record all treatment given by first-aid personnel.

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