Updated Coronavirus Advice
On Thursday 12th March, PM Boris Johnson announced new measures aimed at protecting the elderly and those most vulnerable to the coronavirus, which included:
- Anyone with a “new, continuous” cough or high temperature is advised to self-isolate for seven days.
- Testing will now only focus on identifying people with the virus in hospital.
- Schools are being advised to cancel trips abroad.
- People over 70 and those with pre-existing health conditions should not go on cruises.
If you are showing symptoms, or are concerned you have the virus, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
For advice for employees in the situation that a worker becomes infected, please look at the government’s advice here. It is updated regularly as the government changes its approach.
We have updated our coronavirus poster and toolbox talk in light of the updates mentioned above.
New Coronavirus E-Learning Course
The constant news and information being released about the coronavirus can seem overwhelming. Our new Coronavirus online training course provides relevant & factual information relating to COVID19, based on advice issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Health Service (NHS), the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP).
The course outlines:
- The importance of good hygiene, primarily proper hand washing, cleaning surfaces, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing.
- How to keep up to date with the latest public health and travel advice.
- When and how you should self-isolate.
- Some of the common misconceptions that are circulating about Covid-19
This information is provided in an easy 10-minute course that costs just £8+VAT.
If you are interested in purchasing the course, please get in touch with us at WA Management.
New Research Blog On Discrimination
This week we released a new research blog that focuses on issues raised by our Hazard of the Month for March, Discrimination. This has been shaped by the occurrence of International Women’s Day on 8th March, a day to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women. Additionally, with the current outbreak of coronavirus, discrimination against people of Asian ethnicity is also something that is prevalent and must be tackled. This research blog encourages some of the progression that has been seen for women in the Health and Safety sector, but also raises awareness of the issues they still face, such as the pay gap and ill-fitting PPE. It offers advice on how you can challenge these inequalities in your workplace as an employer, plus an insight into the rise of racism in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
Fine After Self-Employed Roofer Falls From Roof
A company specialising in roofing work has been fined after a self-employed roofer was seriously injured when he fell from a roof. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that, on 1 September 2016, a self-employed roofer was carrying out work for Phoenix Roofing and Cladding Limited, placing new roof panels and other materials on a roof at an industrial unit at the Butlerfield Industrial Estate, Newtongrange. Whilst traversing the roof, the roofer slipped and fell through an existing rooflight and landed on a suspended ceiling below. An investigation by the HSE found that the fall from height was possibly due to the unsafe working environment and unsafe methods of working being undertaken. It was established the main cause of the incident was insufficient identification of risk in the work being done. Phoenix Roofing and Cladding Limited of Meeks Road, Falkirk pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974 and were fined £20,000. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Stuart Easson said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”
Read more on the case from the HSE.
Three Contractors Injured At Power Station
An electricity power station company has been prosecuted after three contractors were injured by a sudden release of water and sludge while carrying out maintenance work at a Cheshire power station. On 18 January 2018, three workers contracted by Keadby Generation Limited, were removing a recirculation pump for maintenance in the Flue Gas Desulphurisation area of Fiddlers Ferry Power Station in Warrington. Approximately 38.5 metres cubed of diluted slurry and associated stored energy was released while the pump was being removed, resulting in the contractors being knocked off the concrete plinth where they had been working. The trio sustained multiple fracture injuries. The HSE’s investigation found that the pressurised contents of the pump and associated pipework had not been discharged prior to work commencing due to the drain pipe being blocked. This resulted in the release of stored energy during the removal of the pump instead of during the isolation process. Keadby Generation Ltd had failed to undertake a suitable and sufficient assessment of the hazards and risks associated with the work and had not implemented a safe system of work. Keadby Generation Limited, of Keadby Power Station, Trentside, Keadby, Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £200,000 with costs of £7,163.20.
Read more on the case from SHPOnline.