13 February Construction Cancer Risks Construction Cancer Risks – according to the HSE, the construction industry has the largest burden of occupational cancer amongst the industrial sectors. It accounts for over 40% of occupational cancer deaths and cancer registrations. It is estimated that past exposures in the construction sector annually cause over 5,000 occupational cancer cases and approximately 3,700 deaths. … Read More
28 January COSHH for small business COSHH Risk Assessment can be daunting for smaller businesses. Most of the businesses in the UK are small or medium-sized enterprises. The same health and safety laws apply to small businesses as apply to big ones, with a few exemptions on written risk assessments and policy documentation for very small companies. Note: these size-based exemptions … Read More
19 January Food Safety 48 Hour Rule Do you know the Food Safety 48 Hour Rule? As a food handler, you must let your employer know immediately if you: Are suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea or if you have an infected cut or sore If you have suffered from the above whilst abroad If someone in your family is suffering from any of … Read More
17 January Food Safety – Pest Control We already know that human beings carry a number of bacteria around with them; the same is true of insects, birds and animals. Pests can contaminate food with bacteria and disease, but they also cause physical contamination from droppings, urine, fur and feathers. Food Safety Pest Control should be managed properly. Pest problems can result … Read More
15 January Food Safety – Cross Contamination This is the first in a series of Food Safety blogs that we are writing, we’ll cover some of the most important aspects of Food Safety and provide you with some helpful advice to help your business, and your customers, stay safe. Cross contamination is the term used to describe when harmful bacteria is moved … Read More
5 January ISO45001 Update At this stage, unfortunately, there is not that much of an update. The Health and Safety Standard ISO 45001 is being produced to provide organisations with a framework that is designed to help them to identify health and safety risks and apply appropriate control measures. It will replace OHSAS 18001 and will help organisations to follow … Read More
9 December Flashback arrestors are a legal requirement on oxy-acetylene sets Are you aware that flashback arrestors are a legal requirement on oxy-acetylene sets? The regulations about the use and maintenance of oxy-acetylene equipment were updated in late 2014 under The Acetylene Safety (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2014 and included a new mandatory requirement to use suitable flashback arrestors. The HSE have expressed concern … Read More
7 December Asbestos in schools – Councils have paid over £10 Million in compensation According to an investigation into asbestos in schools by the BBC, 32 councils in England have settled claims from 220 retired teachers, school staff and ex-pupils in the last ten years. According to the BBC, it is likely the compensation claims exceeded £10m because ten councils did not disclose information about how many asbestos cases … Read More
2 December Cold and Flu Prevention in the Workplace Cold and Flu Prevention – It’s that time of year again, the time when you start hearing coughing and sneezing throughout the office and a box of tissues is placed conveniently near your computer keyboard. This month, we focus on ways to prevent the spread of cold and flu in the workplace. But first, some … Read More
21 November Winter Weather – Don’t slip up this winter Winter weather can be the cause of many accidents – Don’t slip up this winter. Accidents involving slips & trips tend to peak in the autumn and winter due to: reduced daylight cold winter weather spells causing ice and snow to build up on paths Every year the snow and ice that covers the country receives national … Read More