Many companies use contractors for specialist tasks that their own employees are unable to carry out. This could involve working on critical process plant and equipment or carrying out non-routine activities where there is a greater potential for harm if their work is not properly managed. So, how can you act responsibly to ensure that […]
A contractor is anyone who works for you who is not a direct employee – in many industries they are commonly found on site, and it is essential that they are managed properly in order to avoid risks to themselves and others on site. 1. Identify the job and its hazards To be able to […]
IOSH warns against losing focus on building safety IOSH is urging the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to maintain its firm commitment to high standards and sustain the momentum behind the industry’s necessary cultural transformation. The global professional body is concerned that delays in the approval processes could fuel claims that building safety requirements are holding […]
As part of February’s Hazard of the Month, Working at Height, we’re highlighting two key areas: Working at Height and Managing Health and Safety. Working at Height When managing the risks associated with working at height, a structured, step-by-step hierarchy of controls must be followed. The first consideration is whether working at height can be avoided […]
NHS Trust fined after it failed to manage hand-arm vibration risks An NHS Trust has been fined £40,000 after several employees were diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), following prolonged exposure to vibration from work equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) began an investigation into Chesterfield Royal Hospital […]
Construction work naturally comes with many risks to health and safety, and control measures are heavily focused on physical hazards to counter this. However, it is important to remember the role stress plays in health and safety challenges faced by those in the construction industry. In the UK 22.1 million Working days lost due to […]
Mindfulness, the practice of noticing our surroundings in the present moment without judgement, may be the key to reduced stress in the workplace. It can help to reduce stress, while improving focus and productivity. 1. Take breaks regularly Research has shown that incorporating regular breaks into your work day can help to improve productivity. With […]
Employment Rights Bill praised by IOSH The UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill is ‘a watershed moment and a bold, long-overdue step forward for worker rights’, according to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The Bill is set to become law after it cleared the House of Lords. It introduces sweeping reforms designed to […]
As part of January’s Hazard of the Month, Stress, we’re highlighting two key areas: Stress Awareness and Mindfulness. Stress Awareness Employers have a legal duty to identify and manage workplace stress risks in order to safeguard employee wellbeing. There are six main factors that can contribute to stress at work: Demands: Difficulty managing workload or job […]
Stress causing mistakes at work, research finds According to new research, over half of Brits (52.6%) are making mistakes at work due to stress, and 1 in 4 Brits have rung in sick at least once due to how stressed they’re feeling. The HSE’s latest statistics show that 964,000 workers this year have suffered from […]