Dean Howells Essential Safety, Health & Safety Blog

Changes to RIDDOR Reporting Requirements - Posted 10th April 2012

From the 6^th of April the requirements to report some injuries in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) are changing.

The main change relates to the period that employees are unable to carry out their normal work duties as a result of an accident at work to be reportable, which is extended from the previous 3 days to 7 days. Inevitably, this will result in a reduced reporting requirement for many employees.

However, it is important to note that “over 3 day” injuries must still be recorded as such. A simple note within your Accident Book will suffice.

It is also worth remembering that only fatalities and major injuries are now reportable to the Incident Contact Centre by telephone on 0845 300 9923 (Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm).

All other reportable injuries & incidents are now only reportable via the online system at http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/online.htm

Our Next Public Course for Fire Marshal Training is 22nd March 2012

Our Next Public Course for Fire Marshal Training is 22nd March 2012

at Corby Enterprise Centre, 9.30am-1.00pm

Only £39 plus vat

Click here for full details

Essential

Lofsted Health & Safety Report Summary - Posted 5th December 2011

Professor Löfstedt’s long-awaited report to Government entitled: “Reclaiming health and safety for all: An independent review of health and safety legislation” was released last week. Following the report, The Government has announced plans to begin a major cut back of health and safety red tape as early as January next year. 

We have summarised the main recommendations from Professor Löfstedt’s report and will share these over the next few blog postings. Of course, much of the detail regarding implementation of these recommendations is still to be finalised, but these are our views, based on information currently available. 

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 should be amended to remove the requirement for HSE to approve the training and qualifications of appointed first-aid personnel.

Currently, all training organisations offering first aid at work course must be approved by the HSE.

If adopted, this recommendation could open up the provision of first aid training to a much wider group, and will almost certainly reduce costs.

 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) and its associated guidance should be amended by the end of 2013 to provide clarity for businesses on how to comply with the requirements.

RIDDOR seems to be the perennial regulatory football at the moment, receiving a regular kicking from anyone and everyone tasked with looking into health & safety regulation.

The reality is that, without RIDDOR, we would have very little data to identify where and how accidents are occurring in the UK – And how to prevent them.

We predict clearer guidance for guidance for employers regarding exactly what is, and what is not, reportable under RIDDOR.

Essential

How to Complete Fire Safety Checks & Inspections - Posted 11th October 2011

At Essential, we are often asked to clarify the requirements for fire-related tests & inspections at commercial premises. Although some premises may contain other specialist installations & equipment not addressed below, these are the main tests and inspections that should be carried out on a periodic basis:

Daily:

• Check the fire alarm panel for faults
• Visual inspection for defects or blocked escape routes

Weekly:

• Test the fire alarm from a different Manual Call Point (Breakglass)
• Carry out sprinkler & smoke control tests
• Check the batteries in torches etc.

Monthly:

• Carry out a functional test of all emergency lighting
• Visually inspect all fire extinguishers
• Check all fire doors and fire exit doors

6-Monthly:

• Ensure that the fire alarm is serviced by a competent engineer.

Annually

• Emergency lighting should be tested for it’s full duration (normally 3 hours) by a competent engineer.
• Fire extinguishers should be serviced by a competent engineer
• The fire risk assessment should be reviewed

With the exception of the daily inspections, all of the above should be recorded in the Fire Safety Log Book, retained on the premises.

For a free Fire Safety Log Book, email: info@essentialconsult.co.uk

Next Health & Safety and Fire Training courses 11th & 12th October 2011, Corby

Essential Health & Safety Skills for Managers - 11th October 2011 - One Day Course

Corby Enterprise Centre - just £89 plus vat.

Essential Fire Marshal Training - 12th October 2011 - Half Day Course

Corby Enterprise Centre - just £39 plus vat

Contact Essential on 01536 460171 or email info@essentialconsult.co.uk

Health and Safety and Fire Marshal Training Courses - Posted 4th August 2011

Essential Health & Safety Skills for Managers Training Course 11th October 2011

Full Day Practical Course £89.00 vat.                                  For more details click here

Fire Marshall Training Course 12th Octoner 2011

Half Day Course £39.00 plus vat                                            For more details click here

Essential

 

Health and Safety Skills and Fire Marhsall Training Courses from Essential- Posted 27th July 2011

Current Training Courses on Offer from Essential - Location: Corby Enterprise Centre

Essential Health and Safety Skills for Managers - 12th October 2011- Full Day - £89 plus vat

A practical “How to” course, full of interactive, practical exercises and case studies delivered in an interesting and innovative style.

 

Fire Marshal Training - 11th October 2011 - Half Day - £39 plus vat

Fire Marshals / Wardens are considered by Fire Authorities to be a key component of most premises fire safety precautions. This course will cover all the aspects including a practical session using fire extinguishers.

Full details of the courses and how to book can be found on the Essential website.

Essential

 

 

 

How To Clear Snow From Pavements - Posted 15th Deecember 2010

 The Lord Young report, Common Sense Common Safety contained some advice regarding clearing snow and ice from pavements. Information from the public services website, Directgov says that “there's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Follow the snow code when clearing snow and ice safely”. 

They advise you to be careful and not to make pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths. People walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. The helpful tips from the snow code include: 

Clear snow or ice early - It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow. If possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.

Don’t use water, use salt or sand - Water may refreeze and turn to black ice which increases the risk as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot. Leave the salt in the bins for the public highways.

Think about where you put the snow - Take care not to block people’s paths or drains. Make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.

Be a good neighbour -Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather and help clear their paths if you can. If you’re worried about their health and well being, contact your local council.

Steps and steep pathways - Extra care and salt may be needed in these areas.

Essential Safety

Work Related Driving - Posted 20th September 2010

 Work related driving can be defined as any occasion when an employee is required to drive as part of their work. This might include, but is not limited to:

· Driving to sites

· Driving to meetings/seminars

· Visiting clients/customers

· Travelling to airports etc as part of a longer trip

 

It has been estimated that up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve somebody who is at work at the time. This may account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week.

Many incidents happen due to inattention and distraction as well as failure to observe the Highway Code. All employees have a legal duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their acts or omissions. This duty equally applies whilst they are driving as part of their work. Some things to think about are: 

• Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Inspections
• Journey Planning
• Managing Driver Fatigue
• Use of Mobile Telephones Whilst Driving
• Breakdowns
• Personal Security

If you would like further guidance or a full policy for your workplace contact Essential Safety.

 

How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet - Posted 21st August 2010

 

Manufacturers and suppliers are legally obliged to provide information regarding the hazardous nature of any substances they supply. Commonly referred to as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), this information must follow a standard format under a series of different headings.

 

Whilst MSDS's provide important information about a substance they DO NOT assess the risks. However, the information contained within the MSDS is a vital part of any COSHH Assessment.

 

During the course of our work on behalf of our Clients, we see MSDS’s of varying quality & detail – Some very good, and some not so good! And manufacturers do not always make it easy to realistically assess the risks from the use of their substance. We recently came across one that recommended a full face visor and overalls when applying floor paint! Of course, with a little judicious investigation of the material in question, we were able to recommend more appropriate controls for our Client – saving them time & money! Unfortunately, manufacturers can be as guilty as the next person of an over-cautious approach to controls in the workplace.

 

Even with the better examples, finding the important information within an MSDS is often a task in itself – and that’s before we can get round to assessing the risks.

We have a simple guide "How to Read a Material Safety Sheet". Just email and request this from essentialsafety@gmail.com

 

Essential Safety