Health & Safety Update - December 2018

Health & Safety Update | DECEMBER 2018

MANAGING THE RISK OF LONE WORKING HCL Safety explores how to minimise risks for those working alone at height. Pages 40-41

Industry News - Fire Safety - Safety & Security - Facilities Management - PPE

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Contents Health & Safety Update | DECEMBER 2018

04

Industry News

12

Fire Safety

20

Healthcare

26

Facilities Management

34

Safety & Security

42

PPE

MANAGING THE RISK OF LONE WORKING HCL Safety explores how to minimise risks for those working alone at height. Pages 40-41

40

COVER STORY

Through the right training and correct use of equipment, there are various ways employers can support lone workers to help them remain safe.

Industry News - Fire Safety - Safety & Security - Facilities Management - PPE

10

33 DONATIONS ARE IN THE BAG FOR BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

I went out on site with a health and safety inspector. By Martin Temple

TC Facilities Management (TCFM) have created a national charity partnership to help the British Heart Foundation achieve its aim of beating heartbreak forever.

4 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

INDUSTRY NEWS

Three for three at A-SAFE

Having entered three categories of the 2018 TMMX Awards; West Yorkshire Manufacturer and workplace safety innovators, A-SAFE, have been shortlisted across the board.

For any manufacturer, these awards present the opportunity to be rigorously tested.

Run by leading periodical The Manufacturer and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers there is a judging process of interviews and site visits that really stretches the companies that reach the shortlist.

“A-SAFE were shortlisted last year in the Innovation & Design category and we went so far as to receive a citation on the final day.

This year it’s great to be recognised even further, and to have our name shortlisted in three categories is great independent recognition for the passion that drives us” says A-SAFE Co-Owner James Smith.

A-SAFE’s name is once again on the shortlist for the Innovation & Design award, as well as in the Supply Chain Excellence and Export categories.

Appearing alongside household names such as McLaren Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover and Siemens shows that these awards are valued by even the largest and most advanced of manufacturers.

For A-SAFE – a proud family-run Yorkshire business – appearing

alongside brands that command such international recognition is testament to their commitment and passion to evolve, develop and grow above and beyond all expectation.

That said, the company maintains the spirit of a local business whilst achieving the far-reaching impact of a global presence; exporting 76% of total sales to the rest of the world thanks to a network of 16 international subsidiaries and over 30 resellers across the globe.

“We’re looking forward to being put through our paces on the judging tour” says Co-Owner Luke Smith, adding “A-SAFE have a long history of scientific development and engineering innovation. Our Innovation Centre is world-leading and we’re constantly recruiting polymer physicists, design engineers, and electronics engineers; it’s the birthplace of some of the most advanced polymer technology and cutting-edge safety engineering in the world.”

A-SAFE invest millions of pounds in custom-built machinery to ensure their quality and attention to detail is inherent throughout every element of the process. From research and

development to design, testing and manufacture the entire end-to-end process is owned and controlled at their HQ in the UK before being shipped around the world.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

Contractor dry swept asbestos dust in football pitch-sized floor A Norwich-based construction firm that carried out asbestos cleaning work without a licence has been sentenced for exposing its workers to the hazardous material Y Construction was refurbishing parts of Rose Lane Business Centre in Norwich, including a former kitchen and canteen, when the exposure took place. The firm had started work in late April 2015 and various work continued into until early November 2015. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that it was during the latter months that workers were significantly exposed.

The workers were non-English speakers with limited understanding of the language, knew little about the asbestos on the site and had received no asbestos awareness training.

The contractor had failed to carry out a demolition and refurbishment asbestos survey before the project

Health secretary tells employers to try harder on occupational health Health secretary Matt Hancock has put employers centre stage in the government’s strategy to improve overall health outcomes and said that the UK should emulate the Netherlands’ success in getting people back to work after illness or injury.

Hancock last week launched a new health green paper called Prevention is better than cure, which says that workplaces are an ideal arena for promoting messages on health and that employers should do more to “help improve the health of their staff and the nation”.

The green paper also said that small businesses need better access to occupational health advice, and that “the government will consult next year on measures to encourage and support all employers to play their part in this vital agenda and to improve access to occupational health”.

But in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph given ahead of the launch, Hancock went further, citing successful policies on workplace rehabilitation in the Netherlands and the UK armed forces as examples for employers to emulate.

He described employers as having “an increasingly large role to play in supporting employees when they are not well” but adds that “other countries in Europe are much better than we are at this - at helping people to get back into the workforce.”

started. However, when the HSE carried out its own, it revealed a sizeable amount of asbestos debris on the ground level, which the HSE said was the size of a football pitch.

Despite these findings and the surveyor’s recommendations, the unlicensed contractor cleaned up the debris between 1 and 6 October 2015, dry sweeping and vacuum cleaning the area.

Y Construction was found guilty of breaching ss 8(1), 10(1) and 11(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on 5 November.

The company was fined £90,000 and must pay £7,184 costs.

6 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

INDUSTRY NEWS

Corby Borough Council signs construction workers charter Corby Borough Council has signed up to the Unite Construction Charter, which aims to improve health and safety standards on local building projects.

The leader of the council, Cllr Tom Beattie and Unite regional secretary for the East Midlands, Paresh Patel signed the charter at a ceremony held yesterday (12 November) in Corby.

The charter commits the council to work with Unite in order to achieve the highest standards in respect of direct employment status, health and safety, standards of work, apprenticeship training and the implementation of appropriate nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment.

Japanese bullet train operator calls time on controversial safety drill A Japanese railway firm which had forced trainee mechanics to crouch in a trench between two sets of tracks as bullet trains hurtled past at up to 300 kph has revised its safety training.

West Japan Railway introduced the controversial training exercise in 2016 after a component had fallen off a high-speed train the previous year. The

It also covers important local authority construction projects, including the council’s ambitious house-building programme.

In August, Crawley Borough Council signed up to the charter and Bristol City Council signed the pledge in July.

“It’s great news for Corby’s construction workers that the council is on their side,” said Unite’s Regional Secretary for the East Midlands, Paresh Patel “Unite’s construction charter will help local workers to operate in a

aluminum part struck the train’s body as it passed through a tunnel in southwest Japan and injured one passenger.

Investigators blamed the incident on loose bolts and poor inspections.

The shinkansen train (or bullet train) operator said the drills were designed to improve carriage inspections and safety awareness following the incident. The exercises were designed so the workers could “feel” the strength of the winds generated by the speeding trains.

However, West Japan Railway Workers Union, which represents the employees, argued the training programme was dangerous and unnecessary and that it had repeatedly tried to stop it.

The union said that last year it had called on the rail firm to end the exercises eight times.

safe environment on construction sites. The charter also ensures that workers will be directly employed and that they can raise health and safety issues without fear.”

Cllr Beattie added: “We are very pleased to be signing up to Unite’s Construction Charter. Corby is one of the fastest growing places in the country and with our ambition to double our population by 2020 it is important to ensure that we do all we can to work with construction companies that meet these high standards for their workers.”

The safety drills required groups of trainees, donning hard hats and goggles, to enter a tunnel and squat in a narrow maintenance ditch between the two sets of tracks, which are located a metre away on either side, while the trains sped past. Around 240 employees participated in the exercises, which could last up to 20 minutes, before the rail firm revised its training.

West Japan Railway denied it had stopped the exercise because of union pressure. Starting in November, trainee mechanics will watch the shinkansen trains speed by from outside the tunnel, behind a trackside fence.

The shinkansen network, which runs the length of the Japanese mainland, from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north, has operated since 1964 without an accident-related fatality.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

Asbestos is the UK’s biggest workplace killer Over 5,000 people die in the UK each year due to asbestos related diseases.

It is a legal requirement that all who may come across asbestos in their day to day work have been provided with asbestos awareness training.

Any organisation that allows builders or maintenance personnel onto their premises should ensure that they have evidence of asbestos awareness training as a minimum.

Have you received asbestos training?

UK Asbestos Training Association “UKATA” sets standards in asbestos training and ensures that its members meet those standards.

Book with a UKATA Approved asbestos training provider using the nationwide directory online www.ukata.org.uk or call 01246 824 437

8 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

INDUSTRY NEWS

New health and safety qualifications launched EEF and the University of Portsmouth have joined together to launch a new series of qualifications for health and safety professionals, which they claim are rooted in a real-world business setting.

The first qualification is an entry level certificate of credit in health and safety management, which meets the academic requirements for Technical Membership (TechIOSH) without the pressure of exams.

All the assessments are targeted at practical workplace activities, so the idea is that students can put their learning into practice throughout the programme.

The new qualifications were launched last week at an event by EEF Chair, Dame Judith Hackitt, and Portsmouth University Deputy ViceChancellor Paul Hayes.

An advanced course, leading to a diploma in health and safety risk management, is also available, which is aimed at those looking to progress to Chartered membership of IOSH and assessed predominantly by evaluating work-based projects and assignments.

“This partnership offers unique training programmes that take health and safety training beyond acquiring knowledge, with equal focus on developing the skills needed to apply the knowledge in a real-world setting,” said Dame Judith.

The course is based on the ISO45001 international standard and will put successful students ahead of the field in terms of health and safety management systems.

It’s also designed to accommodate the demands of studying alongside a fulltime job with a flexible modular structure that can be completed in six months or up to two years.

Both courses are being run in the UK as public programmes and globally as in-company training programmes.

“This ensures that practitioners deliver a fully rounded set of skills which will improve health and safety and deliver business benefit.”

In October, EEF and safety specialists Arco published a report, which revealed that 97% of companies want the UK to stay in the European health and safety standards regime after Brexit.

According to the report, just 3% of firms want to revert to pre-EU health and safety regulation levels.

Southern Gas Network fined £1.2m after explosion A utilities firm and a construction company both have been sentenced after a gas explosion in Whitstable, Kent, left two workers injured – one of them seriously.

The Southern Gas Network (SGN) employees were repairing a leaking polyethylene gas main on 27 May 2016 when the incident happened.

The “significant” gas escape was caused after employees of Cliffe Contractors ruptured the pipeline. They had not followed safe digging techniques during the excavation work, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.

SGN then failed to follow its own procedures or recognised safe systems of work during the repairs.

The gas ignited and one SGN worker was severely burned, while the other sustained cuts and bruises.

SGN pleaded guilty to breaching s 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £1.2m. It also had to pay £18,975 costs.

Cliffe Contractors was fined £60,000 after pleading guilty to breaching ss 2(1) and 3(1) of the same act. It was ordered to pay costs of £12,689.

After the hearing at Folkstone Magistrates’ Court, HSE principal specialist inspector Martin Wayland said: “This incident, in which a worker could have easily been killed, could have been avoided if safe excavation

by Cliffe Contractors had been carried out and safe mains repair policies had been followed by SGN. Both companies were aware of the precautions that were required to be taken.”

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10 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

I went out on site with a health and safety inspector –here’s what I found

By Martin Temple, Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) The health and safety record of Great Britain has improved greatly over the last 40 years, and it’s a record we can be proud of. We stand today with a system that is the envy of much of the world, with governments such as Singapore and Gibraltar coming to HSE for consultation and advice on implementing similar health and safety frameworks within their countries.

That is not to say, however, that health and safety in Britain’s workplaces is perfect across the board.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of hardworking people across Great Britain are made ill, are injured and are sometimes even killed by their work. It is HSE’s belief that even just one case of ill health, one injury, or one death is still one too many, and our mission is to constantly work to reduce this figure and protect workers.

One of the industries that causes us the most concern is construction, which includes its health record. Our latest statistics, published only weeks ago, have painted a bleak picture of health in the industry – we’ve recorded an eyewatering 82,000 reported cases of ill health just last year.

What HSE is doing to address this issue Tackling ill health is a huge part of HSE’s mission to protect workers and make Britain’s workplaces safer and healthier. In fact, as part of our health and work strategy, we launched the health-focused Go Home

Healthy campaign in September last year which aims to reduce work-related ill health across all sectors and industries in Britain.

In terms of the construction industry specifically, we have been carrying out a number of targeted inspection initiatives.

While the majority of these throughout this year and in the past have largely been safety-led, in October we shifted the focus onto health, and in particular lungs. This decision was based on evidence from studies HSE has carried out which show builders’ lungs to be among the worst of any occupation in the country.

On these health visits, our inspectors were looking out to see what control measures are in place on Britain’s construction sites and how dutyholders are protecting their workers’ lungs from the dangers of dust inhalation, and in particular asbestos, silica and wood dust. As part of this initiative, I went onsite with one of our inspectors to get a feel for what was being found on these visits and to see what sorts of health risks construction workers are faced with.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 11

What I found onsite We visited a number of sites of varying sizes across the London Borough of Camden, and it was really interesting to see the range of tasks being undertaken and the differing health standards. For instance, the first site we visited was a large housing association building project and was a well-run site in most respects; it seemed the workers knew what the risks were and how to control them, and the site manager had ensured the measures were effectively put in place. It was particularly reassuring to see workers wearing the necessary respiratory protection equipment (RPE) such as face-fitted masks. The same can be said for the big demolition project we visited – the workers understood the risks and how to manage them and the site manager was closely monitoring the work activity.

By contrast, on a smaller domestic refurbishment site we visited, I was slightly taken aback at the sheer amount of dust on the premises. It was also surprising that the builder on this smaller site did not have a face-fitted

“the workers knew what the risks were and how to control them, and the site manager had ensured the measures were effectively put in place”

mask nor did he seem to really understand what the health risks were and how breathing in all of this dust could lead to chronic, and even terminal lung conditions.

What I have taken away from this experience The most striking thing for me was the disparity in the levels of knowledge and the quality of the control measures on the different sites. I have always been aware of it, but seeing it on the ground had a real impact, and made me realise that there is a real disconnect between bigger and smaller sites in terms of standards; the contrast was really quite stark.

It was also apparent that we still have some way to go before health is really on a par with safety within the construction industry. The workers we met were quick to explain the various onsite safety risks and how they were managing them but were not as conversant in articulating what the health risks are and how these can be managed or controlled.

There’s still much to be done – employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health and the safety of their workers, ensuring they have access to adequate control measures and training.

Small sites are no exception. Every worker in Britain, regardless of their occupation, deserves to go home healthy from their place of work and HSE will continue to ensure this happens or take enforcement action when it doesn’t.

For more information on health and safety in construction, please visit: https://bit.ly/2DJa8cV. You can also follow us on Twitter @H_S_E, on Facebook @hsegovuk and join the conversation at #WorkRight and #DustBuster.

12 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Fire Safety

RICS joins organisations from around the world to address fire safety standards RICS has joined more than 30 organisations from around the world to develop landmark industry standards to address fire safety in buildings.

The group, known as the International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition, was launched at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland this week.

The coalition consists of local and international professional bodies and standard-setting organisations committed to developing and supporting a shared set of standards for fire safety in buildings.

of failing fire safety standards. All over the world we see the need for more high-rise structures, some residential, some commercial and some mixed-use buildings, particularly in cities.

The standards aim to set and reinforce the minimum requirements professionals should adhere to ensure building safety in the event of a fire.

“Our concern is not with the height of these buildings but with the risks they pose in the absence of a coherent and harmonised approach to setting global standards in fire safety. The effort by the IFSS Coalition aims to address this concern and bring together the design, construction and management aspects of ensuring fire safety of building assets.”

As the property market has become increasingly international with investments flowing across national borders, the sector still lacks a consistent set of high level global standards that will inform the design, construction, and management of buildings to address the risks associated with fire safety.

As the RICS representative to, and Chair of, the IFSS Coalition, he says that the Grenfell fire – the worst in the UK for almost a century that claimed 72 lives – not only focused attention on building and fire safety in the United Kingdom but also exposed global inadequacies in how fire safety standards are set.

Differences in materials testing and certification, national building regulations or codes, and standards on how to manage buildings in use, particularly higher risk buildings, means there is confusion, uncertainty and risk to the public.

Once the high-level standards are developed, the IFSS Coalition will work with professionals around the world to deliver the standards locally.

Gary Strong, the RICS Global Building Standards Director cites the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 as a recent example which demonstrates the need for a coherent global approach to fire safety.

“The Grenfell Tower fire focused the world’s attention on how many buildings are threatened with the prospect

The standards will be owned by the IFSS Coalition and not by any one organisation.

As its first order of business, the IFSS Coalition will set up a Standards Setting Committee that will draw on a group of international technical fire experts to develop and write the high-level standards to ensure they are fit for purpose across global markets.

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HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 15

FIRE SAFETY

AICO ALARM INTERFACE

USED IN HIGH RISK FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS Fire safety start-up company Lite4Life has adopted Aico’s unique Ei414 Fire / Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Interface into its Multiwatch tower block fire safety system and AlightforLife Directional Way Finder Safety Light.

The Ei414 is being used to alert these systems in the event of an activation from Aico Fire and CO Alarms. In the case of AlightforLife it activates LEDS pointing to the nearest exit.

Andy Cunningham, Managing Director of Lite4Life, selected the Ei414 based on its ability and Aico’s reputation in the marketplace: “It is so much more user friendly than anything else on the market. We are finding that using the Ei414 to send messages and signals to report on alarm status at the earliest opportunity gives us valuable minutes in the protection of people and property from a potential devastating fire. The recent Hackitt report for High Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB), recommends that high risk buildings are to be managed and our product, using the Ei414, can provide the solution for many of the points identified

by Dame Judith Hackitt. We at Lite4life, feel it archaic to rely on a member of the public to notify the fire rescue services, often after the fire has been alight for some time. A fundamental change must be highlighted in the way we can approach fire protection in high rise residential buildings and Aico go a long way in supporting our vision.

“All of our future projects, including those addressing the HRRB standard, will be using Aico products. We are aligning ourselves with tried and tested companies to deliver demonstrable cost saving with innovation. Working with Aico has been fantastic; with our relationship with Andy Speake [National Technical Manager] and the Regional Specification Managers, why would we use anyone else?”

The Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface from Aico provides a dedicated connection between Aico Smoke and CO Alarms and third party safety systems. It is frequently used to connect alarms to Telecare/Warden Call systems, Sprinkler systems and BS5839 Part 1 panel based Fire Alarm systems. The connection can be made wirelessly with Aico’s award winning RadioLINK Radio Frequency (RF) technology or hard wired directly between the two devices.

The Ei414 can be powered directly from the mains or from a 12-24V DC supply and has builtin tamper-proof rechargeable

Lithium Cells which will power the device in the event of any mains failure. Reliable, easy to install and use, it features a ‘test’ setting to test the entire system including a signal being transmitted to the third party system.

Aico, an Ei company, is the market leader in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations.

For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or email enquiries@aico.co.uk.

BIFM acts on fire safety accreditation The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has announced plans to develop a new certified accreditation and a suite of training for facilities managers in charge of life safety in buildings.

Responding to Building a Safer Future, the final report by Dame Judith Hackitt published yesterday, the Institute plans to ensure that FMs have access to high quality training and professional development that can certify their competency to uphold the highest standards of life safety in the buildings they manage.

Following the Report’s call for continued collaboration on competency building between professional bodies, towards an overarching framework, the BIFM has said it is “keen to work with other bodies representing the built environment to ensure a joined-up response”.

The Institute’s Life Safety Working Group (LSWG) will play a pioneering role in the development of a specific competency programme for FMs, alongside relevant CPD. The Group has been an active participant in the Hackitt Review team’s work, helping to articulate how fire safety can be achieved best when maintaining buildings as well as feeding into work to develop competency in such maintenance.

LSWG Chair, Rob Greenfield, said “Given the vital role that FMs can and do play in ensuring high standards of life safety

in buildings, it’s important to strengthen the competency of those involved. My experts group will lead work to develop a dedicated accreditation programme for a specific FM standard as a first step in ensuring that FM best practice plays a part in the response to Hackitt.”

CEO Linda Hausmanis added: “We are fully behind Dame Judith’s proposals to strengthen competencies in building management and across the wider construction and built environment professions. As the leading professional body for facilities management, I am keen to ensure that BIFM leads the way in setting and upholding fire and system related professional competencies for facilities managers; and that the Institute contributes fully in ensuring coherence across the piece.”

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 17

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18 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

INDUSTRY NEWS

Protecting the with smart technology

The sheer scale of modern facilities, density of occupation and growing user demands present particular challenges for fire safety and protection. The speed of detection is crucial as it enables users to intervene at the earliest possible opportunity and prevent further escalation.

Intelligent smoke, flame, heat and carbon monoxide detectors will detect minute smoke particles and will provide an instant fire alert.

Importantly, they will also determine false fire phenomena due to issues such as toasters, poor housekeeping, airborne particles, welding, humidity and temperature change, and will not alarm in these instances. The impact of false alarms on the workplace is immense, as lost working hours and the upheaval of evacuating premises adds up to significant financial loss.

Modern smart devices can even be adapted to reflect environmental changes in room usage.

In the event of a fire or major alert, rapid and orderly evacuation is of the highest priority.

Emergency evacuation highlights the need for greater control during a major incident and voice alarm systems play an integral role in managing these critical situations. Studies reveal that many people do not know how to react to conventional alarms such as bells or sirens. Many assume that it is a test or false alarm; others remain confused and unsure of what to do. Comprehensive messages about the nature of the incident, and the appropriate action to take, using clear language will minimise the potential for panic or confusion.

Zoned voice alarm involves the delivery of highperformance messaging across multi-level, multi-occupancy buildings, offering controlled evacuation where selected floors are evacuated, while others are simultaneously alerted. Evidence has shown that multiple alerts are more effective; the combination of audio and media such as SMS has a greater success rate. Automatic coloured lighting systems can then be employed to direct personnel to the most appropriate emergency exit routes to further ensure personnel safety during the evacuation. It is vital to only evacuate those at risk and this combination of verbal instructions, messaging alerts and wayfinding will maximise safety procedures.

Safe and phased evacuation is vital during a major incident

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 19

INDUSTRY NEWS

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20 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Life-changing conversations Although mental health has become one of corporate priorities in Britain, we are still at the beginning of the journey in terms of changing attitudes and providing resources for people who experience mental ill-health. Yet, every day more help becomes available, both at organisational and individual level, says Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council.

“Hello, how are you?” has become the standard greeting when seeing someone for the first time that day. Almost always the response is: “I’m OK, thanks. Even when it is plainly obvious that the person is not well. How many of us follow that answer with “Are you sure? Can I help you?”. That simple enquiry and acknowledgement of our concern for someone’s wellbeing can make a difference, potentially even saving someone’s life. However, most people would feel uncomfortable if a person responded honestly with “I’m feeling terrible, thanks”.

One of the main challenges of dealing with mental ill-health is the stigma associated with it, which makes it difficult for people to admit that they are affected. Talking about mental health is one of the ways of addressing this stigma.

Employers are responsible for their workers’ health and wellbeing and encouraging conversations relating to mental health is the first step towards dealing with the stigma.

An indication of the current situation is the 2017 PWC survey of UK workers that showed that 40% of employees don’t feel comfortable raising a mental health issue with a colleague or manager. Perhaps it’s not surprising that 300,000 people with long-term mental health problems lose their jobs every year (source: Thriving at Work report). The consequences can be tragic: every week, more than 100 people take their own lives in the UK (source: Mind).

Yet, improving employees’ mental health has huge benefits for organisations and their business performance. Mental ill-health expresses itself in poor productivity, increased staff turnover, absenteeism and presenteeism. In 2017, one in ten managers took an average of 12 days off work for mental health reasons

(source: CMI).

On an individual level, the reasons for tacking ill-mental health are equally compelling. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development research showed that 37% of sufferers are more likely to get into conflict with colleagues, 57% find it harder to juggle multiple tasks, 80% find it difficult to concentrate, 62% take longer to do tasks and 50% are potentially less patient with customers and clients.

Fortunately, mental health has become one of the corporate priorities in Britain, when the Prime Minister commissioned a review into workplace mental health. Its recommendations were published in November 2017 in the report Thriving at Work. Its analysis shows that around 15% of people at work have symptoms of and existing mental health conditions. Other sources provide even more startling statistics.

According to Mind, one in four employees in the UK has a mental health problem.

Recognising the magnitude of the problem and its human cost, the British Safety Council has launched a range of mental health training courses which are designed to start conversations about mental health

and support employees who are experiencing mental ill-health.

The British Safety Council’s ‘Start the Conversation’ is 45-minute session which aims to get employees thinking about mental wellbeing and talking about it. The next stage is a threehour ‘Manage the Conversation’ workshop to give line managers the skills and confidence to listen to and talk with someone who needs to share a problem regarding their mental wellbeing. The British Safety Council also offers the twoday Mental Health First Aid course, developed by Mental Health First Aid England, which teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.

In the coming months, the British Safety Council will be campaigning with its partners in the industry and the leading mental health charities for the recognition that mental health has an equally important place in the workplace as physical health. These efforts will contribute to reducing the stigma associated with mental ill-health and benefit companies of all sizes and their employees.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 21

RAISING IMPORTANCE OF FIRE DOOR SAFETY

Fire Doors and the protection that they offer to buildings and users continues to be an area that is vastly under represented, particularly in older buildings.

Intastop Ltd, a leading manufacturer of products to protect wall, doors and people continues to drive forward innovation and engagement in this area to promote best practice and encourage responsibility and awareness.

“Fire Doors have become a topic of much discussion in the last 18 months and yet, it is still apparent that not enough importance is given to the significant impact they can have on protecting building users and the fabric of the building too,” said Phil Barsby Business Development Director Intastop Ltd. “They are the first line of defence and a physical barrier between fire, smoke and harm coming to building occupants and as part of a building’s Passive fire protection system they are at their simplest designed to save lives and protect property.”

It is a requirement that fire doors are fitted to all public buildings, offices and factories. However, due to neglect, reduced specifications and lack of maintenance on the doors they have, in some situations, become an area of concern with their integrity compromised. As a result we, and businesses that we work alongside the BWF (British Woodworking Federation) are striving to drive improvements and raise standards not only through manufacturing, but through certification procedures.

To support fire door safety Intastop has developed a range of products that meet high standards of fire protection and that are suitable for inclusion in doorsets or to be used independently. These include vision panels, hinges, door protection products, door edge guards and post-formed doors and frames.

“It is important for facilities managers and maintenance teams to ensure the correct doors are specified and that they are maintained appropriately,” said Phil.

“We are encouraging all those who fit fire doors to choose doorsets where every element is fire tested and certified and that regular, scheduled checks are carried out to ensure the integrity of the door is not compromised.”

Whilst in the past fire doors have been a significant area of neglect, the future does not have a place for this type of approach any longer and the Intastop team will continue to educate, share information and develop products to ensure that our buildings are safer places to be.

Further information about Intastop and its range of fire door safety products can be found by visiting www.intastop.com

22 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

HEALTHCARE

STARKSTROM

COMPANY PROFILE

Our prime objective is to provide product solutions and services that fully satisfy our customers’ requirements and expectations.

Starkstrom is a British company founded in 1971, which initially specialised in designing and building control panel equipment.

The company has its own UK manufacturing facility and supplies operating room and critical care equipment, both in the UK and overseas. n 1995, a new IEC directive came into force, requiring hospitals to have isolated power for certain medical locations. By this time, Starkstrom already had over 20 years’ experience in providing specialist electrical power solutions, and had developed an effective isolated power solution, , which allowed hospitals to meet the new directive. This product, first installed in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in 1995, was a landmark in Starkstrom’s development and became a flagship product.

Operating Room Touch Control Panels, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), Isolated Power Supply (IPS) SIL 2 approved, PACS Viewing Stations, Earthing and Sockets, X-Ray viewers and Remote Alarms.

Starkstrom’s manufactures the following range of products in the UK. Clinical Pendants,

Starkstrom also offer Maintenance and Service contracts to fit your needs to

Starkstrom are proud to partner with KLS Martin and Merivaara to bring you the following products; • Operating Lights • Examination Lights • Head Lights • Electrosurgery Units and accessories • Operating Tables • Hospital Beds • Patient Trolleys

provide you with peace of mind once the job is done. Starkstom provides only the most advanced medical equipment and technology, and is proud of its position at the forefront of operating room and critical care area design.

Starkstrom has designed the Isolated Power Supplies to comply with the International and UK Standards for areas that are classified as either “Group 2” or “Clinical Category 4 or 5” locations.

The Starkstrom Automatic Transfer System has now been certified Sil 2, to give even greater peace of mind. Starkstrom will continue to strive to be seen as leaders in our field of expertise. To find out how our solutions can help your hospital please find our contact details below.

Tel: +44(0) 20 8868 3732 info@starkstrom.com Quote ref: 00022018

Starkstrom The Charter Building Charter Place Uxbridge UB8 1JG

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 23

healthcare

Says Ben Farrar, Traka Market Development Manager: “Healthcare estates and universities require the optimum Health & Safety and security standards. Achieving them is not without its difficulties, especially in the current climate with stringent budget demands. Our aim at UHEI is to demonstrate how utilising latest technology, with integrated capability, can help bridge the gap in the ‘weak links’ in security and safety processes. Key management can automate the simplest of hardware (keys), enabling authorised personnel to restrict access and monitor usage, creating flexibility and cost efficiency and enhancing processes for all who work and use the facilities.”

Traka On Call at University & Healthcare Estates & Innovation

Traka provides intelligent key management and equipment management access control to better protect important equipment - resulting in improved security and efficiency, reduced downtime, less damage, fewer losses, lower operating costs and significantly less administration.

Traka is attending the University & Healthcare Estates & Innovation (UHEI) 2018: Birmingham, to present ways for Estate Managers to maximise efficiencies, safety and security for the benefit of staff, visitors, students and patients.

To find out more, please visit Traka at UHEI 2018 Birmingham, taking place from 27 – 28 November 2018 at Cranmore Park in Birmingham, or visit www.traka.com

UHEI conference and exhibition, taking place from 27 – 28 November at Cranmore Park, presents key issues facing the University and Healthcare sectors. The conference addresses each issue from a University perspective, and then from a Healthcare perspective - allowing delegates to gain insight into both areas.

As the industry leader in intelligent key cabinets and locker solutions, Traka will be on stand 37, displaying its latest innovative solutions for university and healthcare facilities, including the exclusive ability to control and manage drug distribution through a specialist dual authorisation process.

Visitors will also be able to discuss bespoke requirements and see live demonstrations of key cabinets and locker solutions for health and education services, whilst learn more about their capability to integrate into existing access control networks.

24 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Industry News

McAVOY AWARDED £15 MILLION CONTRACT TO BUILD NEW HOSPITAL WING IN NORTHUMBRIA

The McAvoy Group has been awarded its largest healthcare project to date – a £15m contract for the offsite construction of a new wing at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.

Due for completion in Spring 2019, the 6,500m2 three-storey building will be linked to the existing hospital. The first floor will be fitted out as part of this contract to accommodate one of the UK’s first purpose-designed Ambulatory Care units, with the other two floors fitted out in the next phase of the development.

The Ambulatory Care Unit will provide medical, surgical and nurse practitioner-led care in a relaxed and comfortable environment, allowing up to 150 patients to be treated the same day across four specialisms, without the need for hospital admissions. This will help to decongest the emergency department,

allowing patients to be seen by the most appropriate clinician earlier and offering an enhanced service for the local community.

The new wing is being constructed

by McAvoy using an advanced offsite solution to reduce the build programme by half to less than 12 months. This will help Northumbria Healthcare Trust to meet the rising demand for patient services in the region and maintain its position as a world leader in emergency medicine.

Commenting on the use of offsite construction, Robert Sanderson, Deputy Director of Capital Projects at Northumbria Healthcare FML said, “With this new development, the Trust is demonstrating a dynamic approach with its use of modern methods of construction.

The quality of the facility to meet the clinical requirements is our main driver for a McAvoy offsite solution.

We will also benefit from a huge reduction in the build programme

– from at least two years to just 12 months. This will bring enormous benefits for reducing waiting times in A&E next year and the new ambulatory care unit will enable us to assess, treat and discharge patients more quickly.”

Dr Eliot Sykes, Clinical Director for Surgery and Elective Care at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said, “The new ambulatory care unit is fantastic news for the Trust and will make an immediate and very real difference to our patients. Once open, it will significantly enhance our ability to manage peaks in demand whilst still providing dedicated ambulatory care.

We are very much looking forward to the project being finished and are grateful that it will be finished so quickly.”

Raymond Millar, Construction Director of The McAvoy Group, “We are again pushing the boundaries of offsite construction. This is a

highly complex project on a live hospital site. We are integrating with the design of the existing hospital and using offsite construction to deliver the building to a very short programme, achieve exceptional value for money and to the Trust’s stringent quality standards. We have developed a hybrid solution which incorporates both offsite and in-situ building methods and are maximising fit-out in the factory for this first phase to enhance quality and reduce disruption to staff and patients.”

The project features a number of innovations in offsite construction.

It will use larger, bespoke modules up to 14.85m long which have been specially engineered to provide a structural flooring solution that seamlessly integrates with the existing hospital building. This will meet the key requirement for efficient patient flows, removing the need for ramps and steps.

Mechanical ventilation, heating and cooling systems will be installed in the ceiling voids in the McAvoy factory. This is believed to be an industry first in the healthcare sector.

Designed by healthcare specialists P+HS Architects working with McAvoy as principal contractor, the new wing will replicate the appearance of the existing hospital which opened in 2015. It will have a faceted external facade to create curved ends to the wing and will be finished in blue and white render.

This hybrid construction solution has a three-storey offsite structure with an in-situ built curved link on each floor, a roof-top plant room and full-height stair towers.

P+HS Project Director James Almond commented, “We are delighted to be working with McAvoy on this innovative project. We have worked closely with the Trust and McAvoy on the technical and clinical

challenges whilst maintaining the design ethos of the original hospital.’’

The dedicated, 2000m2 facility for ambulatory care will provide services in medicine, surgery, gynaecology and orthopaedics. Facilities include waiting areas; interview, assessment, and treatment rooms; plaster room with mobile x-ray; trolley bays; patient lounges; ultrasound; single ensuite rooms; nurse’s station; staff rest room; clinical stores; utility rooms, and an open-plan office.

The scheme was awarded through the NHS Shared Business Services framework which facilitated reductions in procurement time and cost. The new wing is designed to comply with all relevant HTM and HBN requirements.

For further information about offsite solutions for healthcare buildings, visit www.mcavoygroup.com, call 028 8774 0372 or email

26 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

facilities management

Free whitepaper explores the role facilities management companies play in managing workplace risks As FM’s remit continues to expand, crossing a broader spectrum of activities, including fire safety, working at height, on-site activity and contractor management, Alcumus SafeContractor is calling for FM companies to have a more robust understanding of health and safety and its importance within their roles and responsibilities.

Three quarters of all fatal workplace accidents were accounted for by only five different accident types*.

The UK’s leading health and safety accreditation service, Alcumus SafeContractor, has warned that inadequate health and safety procedures could have significant implications on the UK’s Facility Management (FM) market, that was valued in 2017 at £120bn, and employs 10% of the country’s workforce.

Alcumus’ free whitepaper looks to explore how FM can better protect its customers, colleagues and brand reputation.

The Alcumus SafeContractor experts, who assist hundreds of organisations mitigate and manage risks, explain the importance of training contractors, an essential extension to the normal workforce, to implement known standards of behavior across the workforce.

Gemma Archibald, Managing Director of the Alcumus Accreditation and Advisory Division, said: “Over the past few years we have noticed more and more Facilities Managers taking on the role of a Health and Safety Officer, however, it’s imperative that they are given enough support and training

to ensure they are complying with legislation and, most importantly, keeping people safe.

Our whitepaper is a great tool for those looking to enhance their organisation’s health and safety processes and ensure they are fully compliant.”

The free whitepaper, available to download here, offers FMs advice and guidance on how to ensure they comply with British standards and create a safe working environment for employees.

For more information on how Alcumus SafeContractor can help mitigate the risks when hiring contractors and provide supply chain visibility, please visit www.safecontractor.com

www.durable-uk.com

Visit mccue.com/uk call 01908 365511 email UKsales@mccue.com

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 29

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

Graphic messages Need to get that important safety message across without going to the extreme of painting your warehouse floor?

Well Beaverswood have the simple and cost effective answer, by using their Graphic floor markers – these highly visible markers are designed to highlight warnings or special requirements. They are suitable for use on dry, clean flat sealed surfaces and although designed for the floor, the markers can be used on walls or anywhere a tough permanent sign is required. The range has just recently been extended to include 8 new graphics, with many of these also available with French and German text.

Special designs can also be printed to suit the customer’s specific needs.

Each of the large (430mm diameter) signs are printed onto the underside of a clear PVC film and then laminated on the back surface with an aggressive permanent adhesive.

These tough signs have been designed to withstand the everyday traffic of a fully operational warehouse.

Beaverswood the complete identification solutions provider also provides other floor marking items to compliment this range other products such as floor signalling, floor Location Labels and Floor Identification Markers. These products allow the user to highlight walkways, traffic flow, pallet positions, alpha or numerical number positions. Coupled with the ability to produce bespoke floor labelling Beaverswood offer the complete one stop shop.

Don’t leave things to chance emphasise that important safety message and delineate areas of the warehouse floor for all to understand.

They are consistently adding new designs including ones with French and German text on them. To see their full range of 38 standard designs as well as other floor marking and identification and visual products contact Beaverswood to obtain your free catalogue, general sample pack Beaverswood Supply Co Ltd, Tel 0118 9796096, Fax 0118 9795715 e-mail sales@beaverswood.co.uk Web www.beaverswood.co.uk

Contact us at rics.org/charteredfm and charteredfm@rics.org

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 31

ERA LAUNCHES LOCKDOWN – EMERGENCY DOOR SECURITY Leading home security specialist, ERA, has launched Lockdown, the UK’s first emergency barricade device designed to provide high performance security in the event of a threatening situation.

ERA’s Lockdown product is designed for use in commercial/ community settings with high footfall from schools and hospitals to travel hubs, offices, workplaces, hotels, shopping centres and leisure/ tourist attractions including theatres, cinemas, pubs, bars and restaurants.

intruders and creating a safe hiding place for civilians in the event of an attack.

Lockdown is simple and easy to fit (no fumbling with keys or padlocks) making doors inaccessible to

ERA’s Group Marketing and Innovation Director, Will Butler, said; “Sadly, we now live in a world where terror isn’t a distant menace, it can

Robust and lightweight, Lockdown is available for both single and double doors, whether inward or outward swinging and fitted with or without traditional locks.

strike at the heart of our community.

Public and businesses are being advised by the government and associated bodies to be extra vigilant and pre-plan how they might react if caught up in a threatening situation.

The over-arching advice being to RUN, HIDE, TELL and when hiding, barricade yourself in.

“For example, we are seeing dummy-runs in schools where pupils are being taught what to do in certain scenarios and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has updated safety advice for employees suggesting that they develop dynamic lockdown procedures and use secondary devices for ‘invacuation’ rather than evacuation to barricade people in a room safely and keep the external threat out.

“Here at ERA, community safety is at the heart of our products, so we are very pleased by the overwhelmingly positive response received at the Security and Counter Terror Expo at London’s Olympia earlier this year.”

Tested to PAS24 impact resistance standards, single door Lockdown fits doors from 650mm-1100mm width, weighs 4kg and takes seconds to fit.

The double door option fits doors up to 60mm, weighs 1.6kg and again takes seconds to create a secure barricade to outside entry. Pricing for the Lockdown varies and depends on numbers and configurations required.

For further information on ERA Lockdown and other security solutions, visit www. eraeverywhere.com. Interested parties should contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com.

32 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

INDUSTRY NEWS

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 33

INDUSTRY NEWS

Donations are in the bag for

British Heart Foundation TC Facilities Management (TCFM) have created a national charity partnership to help the British Heart Foundation achieve its aim of beating heartbreak forever. The partnership commenced 6 weeks ago and has set its sights on raising £5K of funds for the charity that conducts groundbreaking research in to heart and circulatory diseases and their causes.

Heart and circulatory diseases kill 1 in 4 people in the UK, causing heart break in every street. Fiona Ellingham, Marketing Manager, TCFM has had a number of family members affected by heart conditions including a niece who required a heart transplant aged just 5 and a brother who thanks to a special pacemaker, his heart is able to maintain a stable rhythm to keep him alive.

“Speaking with other colleagues at TCFM, it became very apparent that I was not alone in having family members affected and so the partnership was born.

collected more than 50 of the 300 (minimum) bags of items we’re aiming for.

At the moment, our colleagues are busy having clear outs at home and filling bags with unwanted items that can be sold in the BHF stores across the country.

In the last 6 weeks colleagues from all over the country have

We have a number of other activities planned through the year that will not only raise funds for BHF but will also train people in how to do CPR, something which saved my brother’s life over 2 years ago.”

Tony Reed, CEO of TCFM said, “We are delighted to have formed this charity partnership with BHF. Having helped them raise funds for their life-saving research through the specialist cleaning services we offer in their Furniture and Electrical stores, we wanted to be able to do something more by our whole team getting involved. It’s been particularly pleasing to see how some of our customers have committed to get involved with us too.

We’re confident that we will be able to meet our TCFM £5K challenge target for this year and are proud to be playing our part in helping the BHF beat heartbreak forever.”

www.tcfm.co.uk

34 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

SAFETY & SECURITY

Jacksons Fencing seamlessly transitions to ISO 9001:2015 Ensuring the firm maintains LPCB Security Ratings

U

K security fencing manufacturer Jacksons Fencing has recently completed its transition to the most up-to-date version of the international quality management standard ISO 9001:2015 with certified accreditation from BRE Global, a UKAS accredited certification body.

This ensures Jacksons Fencing retains its Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) approval, LPS 1175, for its SR1 to SR5 Security Rated products. Only companies that have secured ISO 9001are eligible to have items Security Rated by the LPCB. The LPCB’s LPS 1175 Security Rated certification is only awarded to products and systems that meet and surpass rigorous standards and perform effectively.

These are assessed and awarded against a scale ranging from SR1 for lower risk security applications such as those required by schools, to SR3 and above for sites facing the highest levels of risk.

Cris Francis, Head of Security Sales at Jacksons Fencing, comments: “Security products have to offer peace of mind and provide maximum protection against intruders. When specifying perimeter security and access control solutions, the guarantee of a scheme such as the LPCB’s offers independent third party assurance that products have undergone rigorous testing.

To secure LPCB Security Rating, only the best-managed firms with the most robust quality control are allowed to apply. This is demonstrated in part by the achievement of the international quality management award, ISO 9001:2015.”

Jacksons Fencing has over 80 LPCB Security Rated products available across a wide range of SR rated categories, ensuring the company is able to deliver

integrated perimeter and access control solutions for a wide range of security requirements and to cater for a variety of risk levels. The company offers fencing products including vertical bar, mesh, timber and timber and steel combination as well as security gates. Beyond this, Jacksons Fencing is the only company currently offering an SR5, single layer fence system. This is the highest SR level achieved by a fencing system.

Jacksons’ Director Andy Tune states: “There is a clear link between our relentless focus on top quality manufacturing and superb customer service. Our rigorous quality and customer feedback processes have been included within our ISO 9001:2015 management system accreditation. This, combined with an expert, professional team, means we are well placed to service a growing and understandably demanding customer base into the future.”

Quality Manager Liz Warren adds: “We are very pleased to have successfully transitioned to the revised standard and found the process particularly constructive in driving forward quality initiatives.”

Francis concludes: “Jacksons is committed to meeting the changing demands of perimeter security and we have invested heavily in ensuring we have solutions that can be employed in the highest security situations.

“Beyond our investment in new products we, always look to innovate continually in everything we do. Part of this involves external assessment and auditing our internal processes and approaches against the leading international standards. The ISO 9001:2015 management system accreditation proves that our internal systems are a match with the world’s largest organisations. ” Jacksons Fencing designs and manufactures the highest quality perimeter and access control solutions in the UK and its team of technical and engineering experts are readily available to provide support to the most complex and challenging perimeter security projects.

For more information visit www.jacksons-security.co.uk or contact security@jacksons-fencing.co.uk.

Call 0800 408 4330 or visit www.jacksons-security.co.uk

36 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

SAFETY & SECURITY

STAINLESS STEEL BOLLARDS PROVIDE ATTRACTIVE HOUSINGS FOR ANPR AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech is now offering elegant stainless steel bollards to house the Nedap ANPR cameras.

People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech is now offering elegant stainless steel bollards to house the Nedap ANPR cameras.

The SSP-ANPR and SSDP-ANPR stainless steel posts by Nortech are each designed to house either a Nedap ANPR Access or a Nedap ANPR Access-HD camera in an attractive roadside post/bollard. The SSDP-ANPR is a dual height post that includes integral traffic signals.

The ANPR camera is mounted at the ideal height (585mm to lens) for reading standard number plates. It is

contained within the body of the post with no restriction to either the lens or IR lighting.

Once fitted, the rear of the camera can be accessed via a service panel.

It incorporates a 300mm base plate with slotted holes which allow easy adjustment during installation.

The traffic signal mounted at the top of the SSDP-ANPR may be controlled directly from the access controller or barrier logic using individual 24V control signals for each of the red and green LED clusters.

Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company.

The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.

Further information is available from Nortech on or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 39

safety & security

DANLERS range of popular Outdoor Security Switches just got better!

•

IP66 Compact Person Detector with both improved time lag options and upgraded photocell range of 10-1000 lux together with a new photocell inactive feature.

•

IP66 Twilight Switch turns lights ON from Dusk to Dawn.

•

New IP66 Twilight Switch featuring DANLERS ‘Intelligent photocell’ which reduces risk of hunting and over illumination.

•

IP66 Dusk Switch with new ‘Intelligent photocell’ and LED feedback for determining time on duration from 2-16 hrs. Switches lights on for a timed duration and resets itself when enough light is available ensuring lights are not left on unnecessarily.

DANLERS Outdoor Security Switches are neat and compact and now benefit from an IP66 rated polycarbonate enclosure.

All products are UK manufactured and covered by DANLERS 5 year warranty.

Tel: 01249 443377 - Fax: 01249 443388 Email: sales@danlers.co.uk - Website: www.danlers.co.uk

40 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Managing the risk Through the right training and correct use of equipment, there are various ways employers can support lone workers to help them remain safe. Here, Matthew Bailey, Divisional Manager for Inspection and Certification at HCL Safety explores how to minimise risks for those working alone at height.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a lone worker as someone who works by themselves without close or direct supervision. The number of lone workers across the UK is on the rise. In fact, over 8 million people are estimated to be lone workers, and not just within roles which involve work at height.

According to the HSE, almost one third of fatal injuries affect those self-employed and working in construction.

The construction industry alone is responsible for a shocking 59% of falls – and while the industry is working hard to put procedures in place, there is still a lot more to be done.

Being alone while working at height, does not automatically mean workers are exposed to new risks that they wouldn’t be in groups. While the employer can mitigate the risks that all workers

are exposed to in a given work environment, the workers themselves have a duty to take care of their own health and safety – as well as of those which may be affected around them.

Managing the risk Before work begins at height, by law, employers need to ensure lone workers are not put at risk by considering several factors. Key legislation that employers need to adhere to include The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

It is down to the employer to assess any potential risks which may occur around manual handling, medical stability, as well as whether the working area itself presents a risk. It is then important for the employer to take steps to remove risks where possible and put control measures in place to carry out the task in hand, safely.

Employers should talk to their lone workers to understand what potential risks they have identified. This discussion should include any previous incidents or near misses, so they can be explored, and causes recognised before any work takes place.

It is important to highlight that each job will present its own unique risks, so this process must include risk assessments for each individual site.

There is also a dynamic aspect to think through when completing a risk assessment as conditions on a site change regularly. For example, surfaces can become slippery due to a change in weather, so external factors need to be a key consideration.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 41

of lone working

Employers should also look at the level of training needed for the lone worker to be able to work at height safely. With this, the level of supervision required should also be considered so that the lone worker meets all requirements for the job in hand and is competent enough to work at height.

Training Training is a crucial part of lone working at height as there is usually very limited supervision. Lone workers should be trained in how to carry out a risk assessment, working at height, rescue at height as well as manual handling. Training is also particularly important to help control uncertain or unexpected situations to implement practical risk avoidance strategies.

What’s more, while other workers may be able to ask more experienced colleagues for support and guidance on a task, lone workers are unable to do so. Extra training may be needed in situations like this so that lone workers fully understand the risks of working at height.

There are training providers out there that will help deliver thorough training to all participants, leaving people feeling engaged with the knowledge and understanding to do their jobs even better. It’s important that employers do their research before taking out any training for their employees so that they can be assured the training is up to scratch.

Monitoring Lone working isn’t a case of getting the right training and carrying out a risk assessment before being left to work completely alone. Keeping the lone worker safe requires more communication which may include scheduled visits or contact with lone worker by phone, radio or email; monitoring the lone workers to check they are following the right working procedures.

Employers should also consider manual/operated warning devices which can be used to trigger an alert if a signal is not received from the lone worker in a certain timeframe.

HCL Safety understands the potential risks associated with lone working and while it may be needed in certain instances, the business does not encourage lone working. HCL Safety always recommends there are at least two workers on site at any given time to ensure the best action is taken should something go wrong.

For more information, visit: www.hclsafety.com

42 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

PPE

It’s Time to Gear Up for Changeable Weather – with Snickers Workwear NEW stretch garments and body-mapping layers deliver extreme working comfort and protection –whatever the weather.

It’s hard work on site when the weather starts to get worse in the autumn. That’s why Snickers Workwear continues to improve its working clothes with brand new weatherproof stretch Trousers and Jackets.

With great fit and superb value for money – they’ll be first choice for outside work that demands maximum comfort, mobility and protection.

The new and extended range of AllroundWork and FlexiWork jackets include waterproof and Hi-Vis garments for both men

Are You Prepared For The Winter Rain and Wind?

Snickers NEW Waterproof Jackets will keep you warm and dry – all day, every day!

and women to keep the wearer warm, dry and visible.

Rain, drizzle, hail or snow – whatever the weather, Snickers Workwear can deliver a jacket to suit what you’re doing on site.

Getting information on the new Snickers’ Workwear autumn working clothes is easy. You can call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or emailinfo@snickersworkwear.co.uk

You can count on year-round comfort and protection with Snickers Workwear NEW AllRoundWork Waterproof Jackets.

They’ll make your working day easier and more comfortable with built-in quality, functionality and high performance features to cope with the very worst that the weather can throw at you.

With lightweight and heavier-duty designs and styles for professional tradesmen and women, these jackets are 100% waterproof. The insides are fully sealed from the worst of the weather and every seam is taped or sealed. Even the pockets and cuffs are specially designed to keep the weather out and dry warmth in.

There’s a host of designs, styles and extensive size options so you can select just the right

jacket for you and your job. To back them up, Snickers has a great range of Winter Vests and Bodywarmers, even a Body Mapping Micro Fleece - so you’ll be well looked after all day, every day.

Getting information on Snickers Worweark Jackets is easy. You can call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

BREATHE E SILY BREATHE S FELY FLOW + ULTRA-LOW BREATHING RESISTANCE + MORE COMFORT + LESS HEAT

Protect your workforce with AlphaFLOW™, the new generation of disposable masks from Alpha Solway.

A large, highly efficient valve combats the build-up of heat and moisture to make breathing extremely easy whilst the innovative pre-formed mesh shell design with a large filtering area ensures a secure, comfortable wearing experience.

Breathe easily, breathe safely – protect with the AlphaFLOW™ range.

Request your trial sample

trial.alphasolway.com/flow PROFESSIONAL PROTECTION

E: sales@alphasolway.com • T: +44 (0)1461 380 333 Part of GROUP

44 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

PPE

Airborne Hazard Defence with the New Force™10 Typhoon™ Full Face Mask from JSP The NEW Force™10 Typhoon™ is an extremely lightweight, easy to maintain full face mask at only 365g with a completely clear panoramic visor to maximise light levels within the mask giving optimum visibility.

T

he optical class 1 panoramic visor conforms to EN166.B offering impact protection at speeds of up to 270 mph (tested using a 6mm steel ball bearing). The visor can have the option of a replaceable peel-off visor protector to prolong its life.

Extensive research has been carried out by NIOSH (ISO16976-2) to distinguish the world’s 5 most common facial shapes. Using this research JSP have digitally optimised the ergonomics of the

Force™10 Typhoon’s™ face seal to maximise wearer compatibility. The Force™10 Typhoon™ is available in 3 sizes (small, medium and large) as comfort and fit is a key feature of this ultra-lightweight mask. The web like structure of the harness cradles the user’s head ensuring that the wearer is comfortable throughout the working day.

The unique Typhoon™ exhalation valve has been designed to reduce breathing resistance, heat and moisture build-up.

The valve is unaffected by any moisture, and therefore can be used with the same performance under very low temperatures (-40°C tested).

The Force™10 Typhoon™ Mask is compatible with both JSP Classic filters and JSP PressToCheck™ filters, which allow for Daily Face Fit Reassurance™ so the user is confident of an excellent fit.

This mask has been meticulously engineered to incorporate a small number of key components.

Disassembly, cleaning and maintenance are effortless with replacement parts available if necessary. www.jsp.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 45

PPE

These Boots Were Made For Building Scruffs Hatton Boots £39.95 vat free.

Here at Scruffs we know it’s important to kit out the masters of work in workwear that matches their expertise and keeps them safe, but that’s no all. We also help people in the trade and beyond to look good.

This mid-ankle safety boot is slip resistant and uses the latest Microfresh (R) technology that prevents the growth of mould to reduce odours, which is especially important for the warmer summer months.

Our latest creation, the Hatton Boot, is a stylish composite toe capped boot with steel midplate that offers lightweight toe protection and sole penetration at a competitive price.

With a price point under £40 RRP the full grain nubuck leather Hatton boot is a ‘reseller must stock’ with great on-shelf appeal.

Order online at www.birchwoodpricetools.com, call 0115 938 9000, or email sales@birchwoodpricetools.com for more information on our full range and latest seasonal products.

ENGEL - COOL COMFORT

STRETCHED TO THE X-TREME X-treme cool-stretch trousers and all Engel workwear available from www.wtc-workwear.co.uk and www.anchorsafety.co.uk For more information visit: www.fe.dk/en email: Mark McBrayne at mmc@f-engel.com or telephone: +44 (0) 7933 150197

WORKWEAR

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 47

PPE

NOT EVERY LAB FACES THE SAME HAZARDS: Customizable Poster Lets You Display Safety Equipment That’s Right for Your Environment You would never go skiing without a helmet. Make sure your lab operators are taking safety precautions in the lab as well. Download a versatile new visual aid that lets you display only the protections that are required in your environment.

Proper Gear for This

Lab Workplace Specific

Mandatory

No matter how safe a lab is, it is important to wear appropriate protective gear.

From hair coverings to shoes, the METTLER TOLEDO Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) poster “Proper Gear for This Lab” provides an important reminder to all workers that lab safety is everyone’s job. This is true whether technicians handle chemicals or biologics, or face electrical/physical hazards.

Not every lab faces the same risks. For this reason, the poster is designed to be adapted to your specific application needs.

Simply select the boxes next to the gear required by your materials and environment, and then print. You can also add equipment if it is not yet represented on the poster.

Take the next step towards a safer lab environment. Customize and print out your free copy of “Proper Gear for This Lab” and enhance operator safety today.

Safety Goggles

Hair in Ponytail

Gloves

Longsleeved, Fastened Coat

Head Cap or Hairnet

Face Shield (UV) Heavy Chemical Resistant Gloves Heat/Freeze Resistant Gloves

Chemical Resistant Apron (PVC)

Long Pants

ESD Shoes Enclosed Shoes

48 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

PPE

Dr. Martens – Supporting Women in the Workplace How many women, out shopping for a new wardrobe for the office, would venture into a men’s shoe shop and settle for a pair of lace up brogues in a size small enough to fit their feet comfortably? with online publication for professional women in industry, Womanthology, Dr. Martens discovered that the issue of badly fitting PPE (Personal Protective

It sounds like a crazy scenario, when we know there are 100s of fashion brands offering shoes that are designed and styled to suit and fit women’s feet.

This is an everyday experience for most women working in industry jobs (such as building sites or factories) where their feet need to be protected from possible injury.

Rather than footwear designed to meet their size and shape, women are offered small size men’s clothing and footwear that are ill-fitting, uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.

Dr. Martens, the iconic footwear brand, recognised this as a serious issue for many working women.

Through a social media campaign

Equipment) continues to be a real issue.

Many readers tweeted their experiences of having to make serious adjustments to men’s size coveralls to prevent tripping up and stuffing tissue into the toes of their workboots in an attempt to get them to fit. Dr. Martens acknowledged that the modern workplace is a constant challenge – individual and team performance rely on having the right tools for the job, and quality safety footwear is one of those.

Jon Marchant, Global Category Director at Dr. Martens, began developing a women’s line of safety boots in response to the growing numbers of women working in industry who deserve comfortable, high quality and safe footwear.

“Manual work isn’t just a ‘man’ thing,” Jon says, “it’s an ‘us’ thing and we want to champion women

in industry and offer them footwear that fits correctly and keeps them safe at work. I’ve been shocked by the typical ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach to women’s fit PPE and the feedback we have from talking to many women is that they don’t want to be treated differently but with respect for the job they are doing and with their safety and comfort in mind.”

So, in early 2018, Dr. Martens launched their own industrial Women’s Collection, giving women a choice of protection, style and comfort with no compromise on quality or safety. The strength of Dr. Martens’ fashion business influenced and guided the way the collection was designed. Jon continues, “First, we started with the right shape. We developed a women’s specific ‘last’ (the foot model that gives the length, width, in-step and overall foot volume) and then re-engineered the shape of our SoftWair sock-liner that gives underfoot airflow and great cushioning at the forefoot and heel. We think the collection is a real game-changer for the industry. Women demand and should expect the same level of comfort and protection as any man in the workplace, if they’re serious about their job, then they will also be serious about their choice of footwear.”

Dr. Martens has a heritage of shoe-making expertise ensuring that durability, protection and performance remains the clear focus within the safety footwear offering. With the introduction of its Women’s Industrial collection, it has introduced iconic styling to a range of work boots that deliver maximum safety functionality for all women in the workplace. www.drmartens.com

Redefining

performance comfort and style uvex is an internationally renowned manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) recognised worldwide for its comprehensive portfolio of products which provide outstanding protection; comfort and most importantly, a high degree of wearer acceptance.

All uvex products are totally uncompromising where quality and dependability are concerned. The uvex range comprises of:

Safety Eyewear

Hand Protection

Safety Footwear

Hearing Protection

Respiratory Protection

uvex-safety.co.uk

www.firmanglass.com

Anti-Slip GlASS RAnGE

INTERNAL USE ONLY

10mm DREAM BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 64

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 55

10mm DREAM CLEAR BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 64

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 19

INTERNAL USE ONLY

10mm ELEGANCE BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 61

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 43

10mm ELEGANCE CLEAR BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 61

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 34

• Tested To UK and European Standards • Toughened and Laminated

• Multi Laminated with Vanceva Coloured Interlays 10mm SECRET BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 62

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 51

• Can be processed, Shaped, Drilled as required

10mm TRUST BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 62

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 47

• GLASS FLOORS • BRIDGES • STAIR TREADS • WALK-ON ROOFLIGHTS 10mm COMFORT BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 60

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 44

CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY GLASS THICKNESS

FIRMAN SANDBLAST BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 65

NEW PRODUCTS 2017 NEW

NEW

CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY GLASS THICKNESS

10mm TRAIL BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 65

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 52

FIRMAGRIT BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 71

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 68

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 59

10mm COMFORT SANDBLAST BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 65

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 61

CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY GLASS THICKNESS

AVANT GARDE BS 7976-2 Av.DRY 72

BS 7976-2 Av.WET 61

To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com