Category: Information and Research

WA Management blog posts in the form of Information Sheets and Research Blogs.

LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation)

Dust being blown about in the air.

LEV (Local Exhaust Extraction) is an engineering control system to reduce exposures to airborne contaminants such as dust, mist, fumes, vapour or gas in a workplace by capturing the emission at source and transporting it to a safe emission point or to a filter/scrubber. Common components of an LEV system are as follows; Hood: This […]

Covid-19 Toolbox Talk Update

'Coronavirus Update' in a blue font alongside two blue megaphone illustrations against a slightly transparent green background which features viruses under a microscope.

We have updated our Covid-19/Coronavirus Toolbox talk to include all of the recent guidance. We have also changed the format to aid you in easy printing where needed! The above can also be used in conjunction with our Coronvirus posters=:

Hearing Protection

A pair of orange ear muffs hanging off a post.

Hearing Protection Noise is part and parcel of our day to day lives; however, too much noise can cause permanent damage to our hearing. Both Acute and Chronic Noise exposure can lead to impaired hearing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), psychological effects such as stress as well as cardiovascular effects such as hypertension. It was […]

Lone Working

A person holding a black phone which is on the dialing screen with a keyboard in the background.

Working alone is not against the law, however, there are increased and specific risks that may occur as a result of lone working. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states that every employer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees. […]

Equality, Diversity and Unity

A women wearing a red jacket with a hi-vis vest on top, safety goggles and hearing protection.

March’s Hazard: Discrimination We have announced that the Hazard of the Month for March is Discrimination, particularly in the workplace. This was influenced 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, […]

Eye Protection

Safety glasses resting on top of a pair of grey work gloves.

The eyes are very sensitive organs; however, vision is the most dominant sense; making about 80% of our impressions of the surrounding environment. Therefore, while working, it is important to protect the eyes from damage; while maintaining optimal vision to allow us to carry out tasks correctly. A multitude of hazards are common threats to […]

Glove Symbols

A person drilling with a yellow and black drill, wearing a pair of bright green safety gloves.

Types of Hazards: During many tasks the hands are at significant risk of injury, therefore, the operative may be required to wear gloves as a last line of defence, after all other hazard controls have been put in place. It is generally accepted that the majority of hand injuries come from cuts and abrasions, with […]

Getting the Job Done Right

Controlling dust on site with an on-tool extraction.

Unsuitable PPE/Equipment As you may have already seen on our social media, WA Management’s hazard of the month for February is ‘Unsuitable PPE/Equipment.’ We have chosen this hazard after noticing instances on sites visits where PPE such as respiratory masks were being used despite not being face-fitted or incorrect working at height equipment being employed that was unsuitable for the task at […]

Controlling Dust

Dust being blown about in the air.

Construction work can sometimes produce dusts that can put workers health at risk and cause a number of lung diseases including: Lung Cancers, Silicosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma. Construction dust is a general term that describes three main types found on a construction site, these are: Silica Dust – Created when working […]

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

A worker carrying a piece of construction material.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992), or MOHR, are regulations created that cover the safe ‘transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force.’ The load in question can be an object, person or animal. Who does MOHR apply too? The regualtions […]