Health & Safety Newsletter From the Health and Safety Executive

Health & Safety Newsletter
From the Health and Safety Executive
Issue 31
London 2012 lessons
HSE is challenging the construction
industry to learn from the London 2012
construction project.
It could have been avoided
Local exhaust ventilation can help clean
the air. But for some workers it’s too late,
as the damage has already been done…
Challenging the regulators
We look at the new independent
regulatory challenge panel
Contents
A full list of the articles in this issue
Building on London 2012 lessons
3
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Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
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Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
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What’s new RIDDOR
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4
Helping to refocus health and safety
Challenging the regulators
Construction industry urged to build
on London 2012 lessons
5
Why not sign up for a free eBulletin?
Dates for your diary
News
10
8
FAQs
14
In the dock
‘I’m very bitter _ it could have been
avoided’
16
Grasping the wellbeing nettle
20
18
Accident case study
Health case study
What’s new from HSE
2
Issue 31
2012 is not just an important year for
Olympians, the Queen, and that group of
people who believe the world is going to
end on 21 December. It’s also a big one for
those of us in the health and safety world.
Challenges include doing all we can
to make sure the exemplary health and safety
record for London 2012 preparations remains at
gold medal standard. This massive construction
project is currently proving that you can deliver
on time and within budget, without compromising
health and safety. Now we’re encouraging others
in construction to build on these lessons. Find out
more on page 5.
The impact of the Löfstedt review and the Red
Tape Challenge will also be felt this year as
regulations are streamlined and a range of other
recommendations are taken on board. We’ve got
a brief catch-up on what’s currently happening and
we’ll report on how things are shaping up in future
issues, so watch this space.
As ever, if you’ve any thoughts on the Newsletter
or suggestions for future editions, email me at
[email protected]
And don’t forget, if you’re not already a regular
subscriber, just click on the tick on the front page
and we’ll make sure you never miss an issue. (And,
if you’re one of those who think we’re all doomed
come December, do still sign up as you’ll get at least
a couple more editions!)
Colette Manning Editor
Produced in-house by HSE
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
News
FAQs
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What’s new RIDDOR
Helping to refocus health and safety
A programme of modernisation for the health and
safety regime in Great Britain is currently underway.
Driven by Government, the reform programme
includes a number of reviews commissioned by
ministers which aim to:
n
n
n
n
reduce bureaucracy and red tape;
simplify health and safety legislation and requirements;
shift the focus of enforcement activity away from businesses that do the right thing; and
concentrate on high-risk areas and serious breaches of health and safety regulations.
Reform of the system will help to refocus health
and safety on those things that matter – supporting
those who want to do the right thing and reducing
rates of work-related death, injury and ill health.
HSE has agreed to meet the timetable set
by the Government for implementing those
recommendations for which it is responsible.
Read more about the reviews of health and safety
legislation, and how HSE is responding to the
challenges for reform set by Government:
Common Sense, Common Safety
Löftstedt
Red Tape Challenge
3
Issue 31
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
Challenging the regulators
One of the recommendations in
the recently published Löfstedt
report was the formation of an
independent regulatory ‘challenge
panel’. The initiative was launched
on 5 January and here we explain
how it works.
What is the Independent
Regulatory Challenge Panel?
It’s a panel of independent experts who
will look into complaints about health
and safety advice given by HSE and
local authority inspectors.
What are the benefits of having
such a panel?
HSE inspectors have a very good
record of providing advice to
dutyholders and we can usually sort
out any disputes through our internal
complaints procedure.
We don’t envisage this changing but the
panel should be helpful in promoting
good and proportionate advice on
health and safety to a wider audience.
It will also help achieve greater
consistency than has previously been
4
Issue 31
possible in the local authority area
because of the different governance
arrangements.
What if I disagree with an
enforcement notice issued to
my company. Can I complain to
the panel?
No, they don’t deal with formal
enforcement action (such as notices or
prosecutions) as these have existing
routes of redress through tribunals or
the courts.
What kind of complaints will
they look at?
If you think the advice you’ve been
given is incorrect or goes beyond
what is required to control the risk
adequately, you can make a complaint
to the panel. But before doing that, you
should try to resolve the issue with the
relevant HSE or local authority (LA)
inspector and their manager.
Who is on the panel?
Independent people who have the
competence and experience to assess
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regulatory advice. Although the panel’s
role is advisory, the regulators will
respect its independence and take on
board its advice where appropriate.
I have a complaint from an event
that happened a year ago. Can I
put this before the panel?
No. They will only consider cases from
30 June 2011 onwards and the outcome
will be made available on HSE’s
website.
And if I am still not satisfied?
If you don’t accept the findings of the
panel, you can follow the existing
complaints procedures, including writing
to the Chief Executive of HSE or the
relevant LA Chief Executive. You can
also write to your MP for HSE matters
or the Local Government Ombudsman
for LA cases.
Finally, what if I want to
challenge non-regulators?
A second panel will be set up later this
year for those who wish to challenge
claims made about health and safety
requirements by non-regulators. This
panel will be headed up by the Chair
of HSE.
Link to ‘Challenge panel’
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
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What’s new RIDDOR
Construction industry urged to build on London 2012 lessons
HSE started working with the ODA
soon after London was awarded
the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic
Games, setting out clear targets of
what standards were expected and
encouraging strong leadership and
sharing of good practice.
HSE is challenging the
construction industry to
learn from the London 2012
construction project and improve
the safety record of one of the
most dangerous occupations in
Britain.
The research report, Leadership
and worker involvement on the
Olympic Park, shows how the
Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA)
instilled a culture of health and
safety leadership, combined
with open dialogue with workers,
to encourage their active
participation. It is the first in a
series of research reports that
HSE will publish as part of the
London 2012 Learning Legacy.
The ODA’s top-level commitment to
health and safety was apparent from
the start and helped create a safe
working environment for the thousands
of workers on site.
The London 2012 construction project
has had an exemplary health and
safety record. It demonstrates that
building projects on time and within
budget does not mean compromising
on the safety of your workers.
Stephen Williams, HSE’s Director
for London 2012, said: ‘The report
shows how strong leadership and
worker involvement are key to a safer
working environment. The ODA’s
creation of a ‘fair blame’ culture
allowed workers to raise issues without
fear of reprisal, learning lessons to
apply across the site and reducing the
risk in hazardous activities.
‘Many of the lessons learned are easily
transferable. No matter what size your
organisation, no matter what size your
project, small changes in the way you
operate can have a huge impact on
the health and safety of your workers. I
want the rest of the construction industry
to follow London 2012’s lead and raise
the bar on its safety performance.’
The research report sets out how
project leaders engaged with the supply
chain to develop a more collaborative,
challenging and learning culture where
(continues on page 6)
5
Issue 31
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
(continued from page 5)
... build on London 2012 lessons
Case study
each contractor assumed accountability for health
and safety, not only for their own area, but across the
whole site. HSE has prepared a series of short case studies
to demonstrate some of the new and practical
solutions used to manage health, safety and
welfare during the construction phase of the
A range of measures were implemented to facilitate
worker involvement, including:
nmultiple opportunities for two-way dialogue;
nsupervisor training;
nbehavioural safety initiatives;
nreward and recognition for positive health and safety behaviour.
These, together with a ‘fair blame’ culture, helped
create an environment where workers felt comfortable
raising health and safety issues and could participate
in solving problems.
What is a ‘fair blame’ culture?
A ‘fair blame’ culture is one in which staff are not
blamed, criticised or disciplined as a result of a
genuine slip or mistake that leads to an incident.
The research report is the first in a series that HSE will
publish as part of the London 2012 Learning Legacy.
More about HSE’s role in London 2012
6
Issue 31
London 2012 project. Here’s an example but you’ll
find plenty more at:
www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/london-2012-games/
case-studies.htm
Preventing falls during off-loading of vehicles
Background
Solution
A multi-storey car park was constructed on the
Olympic Park. The structure involved the delivery,
unloading and placing of hundreds of items of
steelwork and precast concrete floor slabs by tower
crane.
The team designing and constructing the car park
considered the arrangements for managing vehicle
movements and preventing falls from lorries during
off-loading.
Hazard
Vehicle movements
around the structure
and falls from vehicles
were identified as
significant risks since
hundreds of vehicle
movements would
be taking place with
materials and plant
needing to be offloaded.
Vehicle movement around the
construction site
A traffic-management plan was prepared and
implemented with well-defined and signed routes
to keep vehicles and
pedestrians apart.
A mobile platform was
installed and fitted with
moveable overhead
beams, to which fall
arrest systems were
fitted. This system
allowed those slinging
loads to work safely at
height.
Fall arrest systems allow safe
working at height
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
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Issue 31
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Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
IOSH
HSE’s Chair Judith Hackitt and Professor Ragnar Löfstedt,
Director of King’s Centre for Risk Management, are among
those taking part in panel discussions at this year’s IOSH
conference and exhibition from March 6.
The two-day event, which takes place at Manchester Central,
has the theme: ‘Health and safety: Changing perceptions’.
The agenda will focus on providing takeaway solutions to
health and safety challenges, learning from real experiences,
and maintaining core skills in both health and safety.
The exhibition includes over 100 stands as well as free
presentations at the spotlight theatres. The conference
will address legislation and enforcement, working smarter,
behavioural safety and culture and health.
For more information on IOSH 2012, visit the conference
website: www.ioshconference.co.uk
Safety & Health Expo 2012
Dates for your diary
Find out more about what’s happening in the world of health and safety events, conferences and
seminars during 2012: http://hse.gov.uk/events/index.htm. Or sign up here for an Events eBulletin.
8
Issue 31
Come and have your health and safety questions answered
by our experts at HSE’s stand at Expo from 15-17 May
in Birmingham. Looking at ‘Innovations, Education and
Solutions’, Expo will see a range of manufacturers,
distributors and suppliers showcasing their latest
innovations.
Leading speakers from the industry will discuss the issues of
the day and there will be over 50 hours of educational content
and demonstrations. Find out more at www.safety-healthexpo.co.uk
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
News
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
Construction inspection initiative
Changes to RIDDOR
Construction inspectors from HSE are carrying out an
intensive, national campaign targeting refurbishment sites and
those involving roof work. The initiative began on 20 February
and will run until 16 March.
The Löfstedt review has led
to changes to the Reporting
of Injuries, Diseases and
Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations 1995
(RIDDOR).
More than one in five of the 2128 construction sites visited
unannounced during last year’s initiative failed safety checks.
A total of 735 enforcement notices were issued at 475
sites, with inspectors giving orders for work to be stopped
immediately in more than 362 cases, for either unsafe work
being carried out at height or where sites lacked ‘good order’.
In 2010/11, 54% of deaths in the construction industry
occurred during refurbishment, repair and
maintenance activities.
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
From 6 April 2012, subject
to Parliamentary approval,
RIDDOR’s over-three-day
injury reporting requirement will change. From then the trigger
point will increase from over three days’ to over seven days’
incapacitation (not counting the day on which the accident
happened).
Want to find out more? Download the new guidance.
Have your say
Take the opportunity to influence health and safety policy.
HSE is proposing to revoke one order and six regulations that
are redundant or have been overtaken by more up-to-date
legislation. The consultation period ends on 12 March 2012.
To find out more: CD238 - Proposals to revoke seven
Statutory Instruments
9
Issue 31
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
FAQs
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
Does health and safety
legislation apply to
volunteers?
Health and safety legislation
doesn’t generally apply to
someone who is not an
employer, self-employed or an
employee.
What is the maximum/
minimum temperature
in the workplace? What
breaks am I allowed
under the Working
Time Regulations?
Can a person be left
alone in the workplace?
These are just some of
the frequently asked
questions you’ll find on
HSE’s website.
You can see more
questions and find out all
the answers in detail here
but, meanwhile, here’s
a typical question and
answer.
The Health and Safety at Work
etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) and
the regulations made under
it apply if any organisation
(including a voluntary
organisation) has at least
one employee.
The HSW Act sets out the
general duties that employers
have towards employees. It
also requires employers and
the self-employed to protect
people other than those at
work (eg members of the
public, volunteers, clients and
customers) from risks to their
health and safety arising out
of, or in connection with, their
work activities.
You can find more information
on the
Voluntary organisations site
10
Issue 31
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
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What’s new RIDDOR
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
In the dock 1
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
A Suffolk plumber who put lives at
risk by illegally working on domestic
gas appliances has been sentenced
to six months in prison.
An HSE investigation
found Mr Jowett
carried out work
on gas fittings and
appliances at a
number of addresses
in the Lowestoft area
between May 2009 and
October 2010. He falsely told
householders he was Gas Safe
registered and used an invalid number
on the safety certificates he issued.
One piece of work carried out by
Mr Jowett at the Red Rose Indian
restaurant in Lowestoft was judged by
a qualified engineer to be so dangerous
it represented ‘an immediate danger to
life or property’. Leaking gas led to the
restaurant being forced to close for two
days.
Issue 31
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
Jailed for illegal gas work
Paul Jowett, 40, of Lowestoft, admitted
five breaches of gas and health and
safety regulations when he
appeared at Ipswich Crown
Court.
11
News
The court also heard that Mr Jowett
continued to do work on gas appliances
despite a written warning from HSE and
being served with a Prohibition Notice
on 22 April 2010.
Mr Jowett admitted to breaching health
and safety regulations and was sent to
prison for six months.
HSE inspector Edward Crick said:
‘When unqualified workers try to bypass
the law, they are not only putting
themselves at risk of prosecution
and potentially a large fine or a spell
in prison, they are also putting their
customers’ lives at risk.
‘To make matters even worse,
Mr Jowett was told to stop working on
gas appliances, and took no notice. He
ignored the Prohibition Notice he’d been
served with, showing a complete lack of
concern for public safety.
‘Working with gas appliances is
difficult, specialised and potentially very
dangerous. Only engineers who are
qualified and registered should attempt
it. HSE will not hesitate to prosecute
those who break the law in this way.’
(continues on page 12)
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
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More fake gasmen whose lies risked lives...
In the dock 2
A gas fitter from Bradford left an elderly
woman at risk when he fitted a new boiler at
her home.
Gareth Harland, of Milligan Avenue,
failed to seal the flue to the building.
Unhappy with the work, the woman
called Gas Safe and found out
he wasn’t registered. A Gas Safe
inspection later classified the work
as ‘at risk’.
Around the same time, Mr Harland
fitted a new boiler for a couple
in Otley. They discovered he
wasn’t accredited by the Gas Safe
Register when he failed to contact
the manufacturer about the boiler
warranty.
It emerged that Mr Harland had let
his Gas Safe registration lapse but
carried on working as a gas installer.
The court heard that Mr Harland was
in the process of re-registering with
Gas Safe Register and, while he was
under their supervision, he installed a
boiler at a firm in Bradford which was
found to be unsafe.
Find out if a gas worker is registered at:
http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/about.aspx
12
Issue 31
He was given a 12-month community
order of 200 hours unpaid work, and
was ordered to pay £1000 costs and
a further £350 in compensation to the
Otley householder.
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
(continued from page 11)
In the dock 3
In the dock 4
A Gloucestershire man has
been prosecuted for carrying
out remedial gas work at a
restaurant in Cheltenham
while falsely claiming to be
registered with the Gas Safe
Register.
An illegal gas engineer lied
to a householder about being
registered to the industry
body and left one property at
risk of explosion after carrying
out work at premises in
Cheltenham.
Timothy Smith from Tewkesbury,
Gloucestershire, inspected
and tested gas pipework and
appliances and issued the owner
of the Raja Balti restaurant in
North Street, Winchcombe, with
a gas safety inspection report
and certificate.
Cheltenham Magistrates Court
heard Christopher Clark, 39,
a self-employed gas engineer,
commissioned a central heating
system at a residential property
at some time between
1 December 2010 and
28 February 2011.
However, the court heard he was
not qualified to do the work and
he had falsified his documents.
These included an ID card
number of a registered engineer
with the same surname.
During the HSE prosecution,
the court was told Mr Clark was
not registered with the Gas Safe
Register, as his registration had
expired at the beginning of 2010,
and therefore could not legally
carry out the work.
Mr Smith pleaded guilty to
regulation breaches and was
given a 22-week curfew order
and ordered to pay costs of
£450.
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
In the dock 5
Bus company prosecuted after
worker is crushed
A tour bus operator has been fined
after a mechanical engineer suffered
serious injuries while working
underneath one of its vehicles.
HSE prosecuted The Original
London Sightseeing Tour Limited for
failing to prevent the incident, which
happened on 21 October 2009.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court
heard the 58-year-old employee was
working underneath the vehicle at a
bus depot at Rainham, Essex, while
reseating an airbag on one of the
firm’s open-topped London buses.
The court was told the man, who
does not want to be named, was
being assisted by a colleague who
was raising and lowering the bus
using the vehicle lift control on his
instruction. However, one of the
wooden blocks broke and the axle
dropped onto the mechanic, breaking
his pelvis and several ribs. He was
hospitalised for two weeks, could not
work for six months, and still suffers
from pain.
13
Issue 31
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
The HSE investigation found risk
assessments for the site had not
been properly reviewed, nor were
site engineers involved in the risk
assessment process. Had this been
done, the company could have used
another set of vehicle lifts available at
the time of the incident or taken the
tri-axle buses to another depot where
there were numerous vehicle pits.
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Following the hearing, HSE inspector
Jane Wolfenden said:
‘The use of wooden blocks in this way
could easily have resulted in a fatality.
It was foreseeable that the blocks were
likely to give way, putting the lives of
employees at risk.
‘Had the company carried out an
In the dock 6
approximately 2 metres length shot
out of the machine, piercing his right
forearm. The court heard Mr Rowe
Worker’s arm is impaled by steel bars managed to deflect a number of other
bars with his left arm before a colleague
A company in Tonypandy has been fined shut the machine down.
after two steel bars impaled a worker’s
He suffered a broken right arm, had
arm.
to have 14 stitches to his left arm, and
Steven Rowe, 49, was seriously injured still receives outpatient treatment at
hospital.
while operating a machine at Allevard
Spring Ltd’s Clydach Vale premises.
The HSE investigation found Allevard
Springs Ltd had not taken measures
One of two operators on equipment
to make sure the exposure of a person
used to prepare steel bar lengths for
to the risk of steel bars being ejected
processing into springs, Mr Rowe
was adequately controlled. Also, no
entered the machine enclosure via a
measures were in place to prevent
sliding door to adjust an air-pressure
access to the machine while it was
regulator to correct the position of the
running.
bars.
While adjusting the pressure, two
steel bars of 10.5 mm diameter and
Allevard Springs Ltd of Clydach Vale,
Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf,
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
effective risk assessment that involved
site engineers, this entirely preventable
incident could have been avoided.’
The Original London Sightseeing Tour
Limited, registered at Admiral Way,
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, was fined
£10 500 and ordered to pay costs of
£10 000 for breaching section 2(1) of the
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
pleaded guilty to contravening work
equipment regulations and was fined
£10 000 and ordered to pay costs of
£9786.60.
HSE inspector Hugh Emment said:
‘Serious incidents involving machinery
which is not, or inadequately, guarded
are unfortunately still a common event.
‘These incidents often result in the
injured person having to deal with
significant, long-term negative
consequences for themselves and their
families.
‘Employers should ensure that
machinery is suitably and sufficiently
assessed. This includes taking into
account relevant guidance and
standards, so that all necessary
guarding is in place and maintained in a
good condition.’
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
‘I’m very bitter – it could have been avoided’
Thousands of workers in Britain develop occupational diseases from breathing in certain dusts,
fumes or other airborne contaminants at work every year. Local exhaust ventilation _ often called
‘dust or fume extraction’ _ can help clean the air. But for some workers it’s too late, as the damage
has already been done…
Just 15 years’ old when he started work
as a plate welder, Phil Hydes was never
told about the dangers of breathing
in fumes or using personal protective
equipment.
Almost 20 years later, he woke up one
day and couldn’t breathe. ‘There was a
tightness in my chest and it felt like I was
drowning,’ said Phil.
‘I hadn’t experienced that before as I
was a non-smoker and had always kept
myself fit and played football.’
His doctor advised him to stop working
with stainless steel so he moved to a job
involving mild steel but the damage had
already been done.
Phil was only in his thirties when he had
to give up work completely. ‘I’ve worked
all my life and when someone says “no
more working, that’s it”, it is devastating.’
Now he can only walk 50 metres before
needing an inhaler and can never kick a
ball and run around with his daughters.
(continues on page 15)
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Issue 31
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
(continued from page 14)
With great reluctance,
Phil is now on
disability benefit and is
determined to prevent
others from suffering
the same fate. He
spends much of his time
spreading the safety
word at HSE events
and training days and
his story has moved
audiences to tears.
‘I’m very bitter as it could
have been avoided,’ he
said. ‘But it’s happened, I
have to accept it and get
on with whatever life
I have left.’
Now Phil’s efforts to
warn others have been
formally recognised
as he’s been made an
honorary fellow of the
Institute of Local Exhaust
Ventilation Engineers,
(ILEVE) in a recent
presentation.
You can see Phil being
interviewed about his
experience by Dr David
Fishwick, HSL’s Chief
Medical Officer, at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/
lev/reallifestories.htm
See Phil being interviewed
watch video
What is ILEVE?
Phil’s story has inspired the LEV
industry to make sure that all its
engineers are properly trained and
accredited. Through the occupational
hygiene team of its Corporate
Science Engineering and Analysis
Division (CSEAD), HSE has nurtured
the development of the Institute of
Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers
(ILEVE).
In a letter congratulating ILEVE on its
launch event in May 2011, HSE Chair
Judith Hackitt wrote: ‘The formation
of ILEVE is the first step to achieving
the goal of improved competence for
the LEV industry.’
The eventual aim is for HSE
inspectors to be able to advise
dutyholders to approach members
of ILEVE when considering the
purchase, installation, supply,
maintenance and testing of LEV.
This, in time, should lead to a
reduction in long latency respiratory
disease.
For more information: http://www.
inst-lev.co.uk.
15
Issue 31
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
Grasping the wellbeing nettle
It’s hardly a
surprise that
keeping your
workforce fit
and healthy can
have a positive
impact on your
business.
But if you’re
starting from
scratch, how
do you come
up with an
effective
wellbeing
approach
that delivers
real business
benefits? Help
is at hand…
16
Issue 31
The first challenge for businesses, particularly in
today’s tough economic times, is to ask what the
return on any investment will be. But how do you
measure the impact of something like ‘wellbeing’?
One place to start is a well-used measure:
sickness absence rates. Certainly these are not
to be ignored _ a recent CBI report estimated the
sickness absence costs the UK £14 billion every
year.
Although they can be a useful way to start
discussions within an organisation, sickness
absence rates don’t show the whole wellbeing
picture. For example, employees might be
present at work but not effective due to other
issues. Other routes might include internal staff
surveys, informal conversations around the kettle,
or talking to other people in your industry. Over
time, you will begin to build up a picture of the key
issues that affect productivity.
The next step might be to consider what the
priority areas are for improvement. Are there
particular categories of sickness that are higher
than others (eg musculoskeletal disorders,
stress etc)? Are there some simple, low-cost
improvements that could be made to the
workplace that might help?
(continues on page 17)
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
Tips for grasping the
wellbeing ‘nettle’
l
l
l
l
l
l
Think about how you’re going to communicate your activities to employees _ perhaps a wellbeing board in the coffee room or a regular item in the newsletter telling people how things are going.
Establish a wellbeing group
including representatives from across the business.
Make sure that managers are onboard and well briefed.
Embed it across the
organisation through line management, trade unions etc.
Accept that you might make mistakes but recognise the bigger picture.
Remember what you want success to look like. In the short term, that might be a
simple reduction in sickness absence figures. But this could
be the catalyst for a wider programme that not only reduces ill health, but also
improves wellbeing.
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
LEV
London Olympics 2012 lessons
Wellbeing
(continued from page 16)
Grasping the
wellbeing
nettle
The Wellbeing at Work Conference 2012,
organised by HSL, has created a special
industry day on 22 May. You can find out how
wellbeing has contributed to the business
success of leading brands such as L’Oreal and
E.ON UK. You can also:
l
l
l
l
l
l
Register for the Wellbeing at
Work Conference
www.wellbeing2012.org.uk
17
Issue 31
draw on the experience and knowledge of leading experts from the academic and business communities;
find out about the latest research from the
academic world and gather practical information to take back to your organisation;
gain a deeper understanding of the business case for investing in the health and wellbeing of your workforce;
find out how wellbeing programmes have been implemented, and how the business case has been made, from all sectors of industry;
submit your own case studies for
presentation and review by academics and other industry champions;
see and share best practice and hear about other people’s experiences.
Wellbeing is not an initiative that is ‘done’
to employees – it should be an integral part
of every organisation. Wellbeing at Work
2012 will show what is possible, and the real
improvements that can be made to business
performance as a result.
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Accident case study
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
l The ice-making machine had been The teenager was cooking chips at a
frying range when she slipped on water
from a leaking ice-making machine. She
instinctively put out her hand to break
her fall and it went into the hot oil, giving
her severe burns to her left hand and
forearm.
What they did to put things
right:
What went wrong:
l The outlet was short-staffed on the
day of the accident and the team leader was working on the tills
instead of monitoring workplace safety.
l Although the company policy was to mop up spillages, it was common practice at busy times to cover them
with a sheet of cardboard (which itself can create a tripping hazard).
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Issue 31
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
Teenager flash fries arm in 3600F oil following slip
A 16-yearold fast-food
worker slipped
on water and
accidentally
plunged
The result of a simple
her arm into a
slipping accident
deep-fat fryer
containing oil which had reached a
temperature of 360°F.
Free eBulletin
leaking for several days and various attempts had been made by different contractors to cure the leak. No one
had sole responsibility to co-ordinate the repair of faulty equipment and a
lack of communication between
different shift managers left the equipment leaking over a long period of time.
l Following the accident, the company
l
l
l
l
l
carried out a complete review of
its management of wet/contaminated
floors.
Slip control was given priority over
serving customers.
Systems were put in place to ensure
maintenance of faulty equipment.
Managers were given responsibility
to make sure slips procedures were
implemented and followed.
Employees were empowered to deal
with slips as a priority and given
backing by the company.
Extra training on slips procedures was given to all staff.
The local authority prosecuted the
company and magistrates imposed a
total fine of £15 000. The investigating
environmental health officer said
that the accident was completely
avoidable as the company had failed
to maintain a safe system of work or
to carry out a sufficient assessment of
the risks associated with slipping in the
kitchen.
www.hse.gov.uk/slips/experience.htm
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
Reducing MSDs in keyboard users
The problem
Copy-takers in a newspaper’s advertising department did repetitive keyingin work for long periods at desks shared with workers on other shifts. Their
workstations were not well designed and staff were working in constrained
postures. Many were diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),
resulting in a lot of sickness absence and high staff turnover.
How the company tackled it
First of all, a consultant ergonomist was asked to assess the work
environment and suggest changes. Work schedules were reorganised to
reduce some of the pressures on staff. Managers were made responsible
for making sure that workers took breaks from continuous keyboard work,
and a rest room was provided. New chairs were bought and desks were
provided that were height adjustable, making it easier for shift workers
using the same desk to get comfortable.
The result
The changes succeeded in reducing sickness absences (there were no
reported cases due to musculoskeletal disorders in the three years
following the changes). Staff turnover also dropped. As there were 170 copytakers, the changes were expensive but the
company did a detailed cost benefit analysis. This showed the benefits
from avoiding sickness absence resulted in the cost of the changes being
paid back in less than 28 months.
Find out more: www.hse.gov.uk/msd
19
Issue 31
News
FAQs
What’s new _ RIDDOR
Health case study
www.hse.gov.uk
Health & Safety Newsletter
Contents
Refocusing health & safety
In the dock 1
In the dock 2, 3 & 4
Challenging the regulators
In the dock 5 & 6
London Olympics 2012 lessons
LEV
Wellbeing
What’s new from HSE
Keeping you up to date with our latest guidance
Reporting
accidents
and
incidents
at work
A brief
guide to the
Reporting
of Injuries,
Diseases
and
Dangerous
Occurrences
Regulations
(RIDDOR)
Free eBulletin
Accident case study
Diary dates
Health case study
What is RIDDOR?
RIDDOR is the law that requires
employers, and other people who are in
control of work premises, to report and
keep records of:
n
n
n
n
work-related deaths;
serious injuries;
cases of diagnosed industrial disease; and
certain ‘dangerous occurrences’ (near-miss incidents).
There are also special requirements for
gas incidents.
This leaflet aims to help employers, and
others in control of work premises, to
comply with RIDDOR and to understand
recent changes to reporting.
2012 change
From 6 April 2012, the over-three-day
reporting requirement for people injured
at work will change to more than seven
days.
From then, you only have to report
injuries that lead to a worker being
incapacitated for more than seven
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Issue 31
News
FAQs
_
What’s new RIDDOR
consecutive days as the result of an
occupational accident or injury (not
counting the day of the accident but
including weekends and rest days). The
report must be made within 15 days of
the accident.
Incapacitation means that the worker is
absent, or is unable to do work that they
would reasonably be expected to do as
part of their normal work.
You must still keep a record of the
accident if the worker has been
incapacitated for more than three
consecutive days. If you are an
employer, who must keep an accident
book under the Social Security (Claims
and Payments) Regulations 1979, that
record can be treated as a record for
the purposes of RIDDOR.
These are the main changes to the
reporting requirements for deaths, major
injuries, occupational diseases and
dangerous occurences that employers
need to be aware of.
Download a web-friendly version of
the new guidance (INDG453)