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October 2012 News from NIPSA Health & Safety Committee

Spotlight Topics ●● NIPSA Health and Safety Conference 2012 ●● New and expectant mothers ●● Slips, trips and falls.

No laughing matter ●● Guidance for Lone Workers ●● Diesel fumes are dangerous ●● Deaths in custody offence extends to Northern Ireland ●● Changes to Fire Safety Legislation

Reporting duties to shrink even further under RIDDOR Employers will no longer have to report most occupational diseases or dangerous occurrences outside higher risk activities if proposals in the HSE’s latest consultation go ahead.

The HSE started seeking views on its plans to simplify the reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences on 2nd August, following a recommendation made by Professor Lofstedt in last year’s review of health and safety law.

Lofstedt’s report concluded that categories of accident under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) were unnecessarily complicated, and it was often timeconsuming for organisations to determine whether they should report accidents and incidents.

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NIPSA Health & Safety Conference 2012 Monday 22nd October 2012, Wellington Park Hotel This year’s NIPSA Health and Safety Conference will see the official launch of the NIPSA Health & Safety Representatives Essential Toolkit.

The theme for this year’s conference is “The Health and Safety, Implications of the Cuts”. Ian Tasker from the Scottish TUC will be addressing how the cuts to spending, inspections and regulations are putting the health, safety and welfare of workers at risk.

Health& Safety Representatives

Patsy McGlone, MLA and newly appointed DETI Committee Chairperson will address the conference and delegates will have an opportunity to put questions to Mr. McGlone.

Information on the conference and nomination forms to be a delegate and elected to the Health and Safety Committee have been issued to Branches and are available from the NIPSA website: www.tinyurl.com/bttpfpv

Under the current proposals, the HSE intends to remove four reporting requirements: ●● cases of occupational disease, other than those resulting from a work-related exposure to a biological agent; ●● non-fatal accidents to people not at work; ●● dangerous occurrences outside major hazards sectors and other specified higher risk sectors or activities, such as construction; and ●● reporting by self-employed people of injuries or illnesses to themselves.

Other changes include simplifying the list of reportable major injuries to align with the HSE’s published incident selection criteria used to determine RIDDOR incidents for investigation.

At the moment NIPSA has written to all Northern Ireland MLAs arguing against the changes to RIDDOR which are due to be laid before the Assembly Committee for Scrutiny in October 2012 which will change the trigger point for

An employee who is pregnant, who has given birth within the previous six months, or who is breastfeeding

Some hazards in the workplace may affect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers and/or their child(ren). ●● Isolated working;

●● Violence;

●● Radiation;

●● Manual handling;

●● Biological/chemical agents;

●● Extreme temperature;

●● Travel;

●● Movement and posture;

●● Work at height;

●● Shock and vibration.

Working conditions normally considered acceptable may no longer be so during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Essential Toolkit

The Health & Safety Representatives Essential Toolkit will be issued shortly to Reps and will be available to download from the NIPSA website.

Changes to RIDDOR from cover story

New & Expectant Mothers

reporting work-related injuries from over 3 days’ to over 7 days’ incapacitation with effect from April 2013. If the Assembly decide to mirror these latest developments then the consequences for Northern Ireland workers could be even more fatal.

Responding to this latest news, Geraldine Alexander, NIPSA Assistant Secretary said: “It is simply absurd to describe the health, safety and welfare of workers as a burden. This isn’t about cutting red tape, it’s about cutting the throat of safety regulations. No case has been made for the attack the Coalition Government has launched on health and safety provisions. This is just another ideologically driven policy where hard fact and evidence are, quite frankly, being ignored. If this deregulation agenda is allowed to go ahead it will not only signal a return to the dark ages when the lives of working people had no value but will lead to more injuries and deaths as a result of poor safety at work.

NIPSA will be mounting a vigorous campaign of resistance against these cuts.”

Standard Risk Assessments As part of the standard Risk Assessment process consideration must be given to hazards which might affect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers.

Where a risk is identified, it should be communicated to staff likely to be affected, along with information on required health and safety control measures.

Specific Individual Risk Assessments When an employee identifies that she is a new or expectant mother, a specific individual Risk Assessment must be carried out. Some hazards can present more of a risk at different stages of the pregnancy, so these Risk Assessments must be reviewed at least monthly (fortnightly during the final trimester) and immediately upon return to work.

Rubella (German Measles) Rubella can pose serious risks to pregnancies, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.

All staff who come in close contact with Rubella (e.g. in a family setting) should inform line management as soon as possible and avoid contact with pregnant women.

For further information and advice visit the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/index.htm

Slips, trips and falls ...No Laughing Matter

A banana skin casually thrown onto the floor.

It sounds like the start of a bad joke, but it is the start of a health and safety nightmare. Slips, trips and falls are the biggest cause of accidents in the Northern Ireland workplaces but can easily be avoided.

Over a third of all major injuries reported each year are caused as a result of a slip, trip or fall.

Anyone at work, but particularly employers, can help reduce slip and trip hazards through good health and safety arrangements. Effective solutions are often simple, cheap and lead to other benefits.

Here are just a few examples of the types of checks health and safety reps should be on the lookout for whenever they carry out their inspections.

Lighting should enable people to see obstructions, potentially slippery areas etc, so they can work safely. Replace, repair or clean lights before levels become too low for safe work.

Floors need to be checked for loose finishes, holes and cracks, worn rugs and mats etc. Take care in the choice of floor if it is likely to become wet or dusty due to work processes.

Obstructions and objects left lying around can easily go unnoticed and cause a trip. Ensure that work areas are kept clean and tidy and if obstructions can’t be removed ensure that

the proper warning signs or barriers are used.

Cardboard should not be used to absorb spillages as this in itself presents tripping hazards Electric cables in offices are the most common trip hazard and again can be avoided by simple planning and good housekeeping. Telephone cables are the most common, yet by simply using cordless phones it removes the hazard. Main traffic routes in offices should be clear not only to remove any potential hazard but also to ensure that the staff’s escape route is clear in the event of an emergency. Most if not all slips, trips and falls can be avoided with not only following the above information but also using the common sense approach.

Falls from height according to latest figures from HSENI is the second highest cause of fatal injury in Northern Ireland with vehicle movement being the first.

All tasks involving working at height will present some risk however most risks can be avoided if the following is taken into account: ●● is it safe to do the task; ●● have I got the correct equipment; ●● if using ladders how will they be secured/held; ●● is the ground level/dry.

This is all part of completing a risk assessment.

Before doing the task if you are concerned seek advice but don’t cut corners. Remember your health is your wealth.

Guidance for Lone Workers A frequently asked question to the HSENI is it legal to work alone and is it safe? Working alone is not in itself against the law, and it will be often safe to do so. However, the law requires employers and others to think about and deal with any health and safety risks before people should be allowed to work alone. Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision.

They can be found in a wide range of situations, such as; people working alone in offices, working from home, service workers such as home helps and social workers, drivers and nurses among others.

Employers should ensure that a risk assessment has been completed on lone workers along with putting in place such measures to control or avoid such risks before staff should be allowed to work alone. Lone workers should not be put at more risk than other employees.

In order to achieve this, extra risk control measures may be necessary. Such precautions should take account of normal work and foreseeable emergencies, including fire, equipment failure, illness and accidents. Employers should ensure that the workplace doesn’t present a special risk to a lone worker, there is a safe entry and exit for a lone worker, are young, pregnant or disabled workers particularly

at risk if they work alone? If the lone worker’s first language is not English, are there suitable arrangements in place to ensure clear communication, especially in an emergency. These are just some of the points the employer must take into account.

Many people find themselves alone in their workplace for some or all of their working day.

It is important that these people make adequate arrangements to ensure they are safe at all times especially when clients visit. The most important aspect of safety for people working alone is to ensure that they let people know whom they are meeting, when and where, so that someone is looking after their welfare.

Carry essentials such as your keys, travel card, mobile phone and money in your pocket, so you can give up your bag if necessary. Know where you are going and how to get there, if you do meet a problem your primary aim is to get away as fast as you can. Carry a personal alarm and know how to use it to shock and disorientate an assailant so that you can get away and be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.

Remember nobody is invincible.

Even though the chances are slight. Fear is natural, do not ignore your instincts or the “funny feeling”. Act straight away.

Remember

P.L.A.N

Every person will deal with lone working in a different way depending on various situations.

Planning is the key to staying safe such as: Plan your own personal safety strategies to avoid risky situations; Look confident, a confident person is less likely to be attacked; Avoid putting yourself at risk always follow your instincts; Never assume it won’t happen to you.

Also remember this mnemonic.

P = Plan to meet first time visitors in a busy public place, rather than your workplace, if possible.

L = Log in your visitors with a buddy and phone after to let someone know you are safe.

A = Avoid situations which could be difficult.

N = Never assume it won’t happen to you.

If you are trapped or in danger, yell or scream, your voice is your best defence. Shout “Phone the police” or other specific instructions which people can understand easily.

Further help and advice can be found on a number of websites including the following: ww.hse.gov.uk/risk/ casestudies www.suzylamplugh.org

Diabetes preventing and recognising its symptoms Symptoms Over 70,000 adults in You can find out more at the following Diabetes UK website: For Type 1 diabetes, watch out Northern Ireland are www.diabetes.org.uk for the following six symptoms: registered as having ●● feeling thirsty all the time Effects diabetes. ●● blurred vision The effects of diabetes and ●● frequent need to urinate Many cases of its complications cannot be underestimated. A person living ●● extreme tiredness diabetes are with the condition is five times ●● weight loss (especially in preventable and are more likely to die of a heart Type 1 diabetes) the result of obesity. attack than a non-diabetic and ●● itchiness, especially around What is diabetes?

Diabetes comes in two forms: Type 1 and Type 2. It is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes.

Over time this leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Having a family history of Type 2 diabetes increases your chances of developing diabetes.

three times more likely to die of a stroke. It is also one of the most common causes of limb amputation and the leading cause of blindness among people of working age.

Prevention

If you are overweight or obese, the key step to preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes is to lose weight.

You can do this by making healthy food choices and being physically active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

If you don’t have a healthy diet and don’t take appropriate exercise, obesity may develop into diabetes over a relatively short period of time.

the genitals Sometimes with Type 2 diabetes, there might be no symptoms. Early diagnosis is important. If you think you have diabetes, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Telephone support

The Diabetes UK Careline number below offers information on managing diabetes. The line is a lo-call number and opens Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. Recorded information on a number of diabetes-related topics is also available on this number 24 hours a day.

Tel: 0845 120 2960

Detecting bowel cancer early can save lives Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Northern Ireland and over 400 people die from the disease each year. However, early detection can make a real difference and increase chances of successful treatment.

Signs and symptoms Bowel cancer can occur at any age and symptoms can include:

Diesel fumes are dangerous Diesel exhaust causes lung cancer and may also Also the IARC panel found that there is some limited evidence of a link between exposure to cause bladder cancer, according to experts.

Following a meeting of the World Health diesel exhaust and bladder cancer.

Organisation’s International Agency for Research Diesel exhaust causes an inflammation in the lungs on Cancer (IARC), the exhaust from diesel engines which over time may develop into lung cancer.

Railway workers, mechanics, lorry has been reclassified as cancercausing, that is carcinogenic.

“Lung cancer from drivers, miners, workers operating heavy machinery and workers Previously recognised as diesel fumes should engaged in shipping are amongst probably carcinogenic, a the most vulnerable groups. immediately be review of epidemiological

added to the list of prescribed industrial diseases”

Bill Dornan, NIPSA Health and Safety committee member said: “that high risk groups must be prioritised by the HSENI in inspections and for enforcement as it is thought that the biggest risk groups have Specifically, the IARC panel found that there was 40% increased risk of lung cancer due to diesel sufficient evidence to conclude that diesel exhaust exposure.” He also said: “Lung cancer from diesel fumes should immediately be added to the list of is a cause of lung cancer. prescribed industrial diseases”. and toxicological studies by a panel of leading scientists has now established that sufficient evidence exists to list diesel exhaust as a group 1 carcinogen, alongside asbestos.

Deaths in custody offence extends to Northern Ireland Certain provisions of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 have now come into effect in Northern Ireland.

From 3rd September, the offence of corporate manslaughter covers deaths in prison, police, court and immigration cells, and facilities for detained mental patients and secure accommodation

for young people. The Act established a new offence of corporate manslaughter (in Northern Ireland, England and Wales) and corporate homicide (in Scotland) where there has been a “gross breach of duty of care” by an organisation’s senior management. With the exception of its application to deaths in “custody” and “detention”, the offence was

brought into operation across the UK on 6 April 2008.

The government gave providers of custody and detention services covered by the new offence three to five years to prepare for the Act’s custody and detention provisions.

These came into effect in England, Scotland and Wales in September last year.

●● a change in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more, especially if it becomes looser

Not everyone with these symptoms will have cancer, but if you are concerned that you have one or more of these symptoms, you should seek advice from your GP as soon as possible.

Health Agency states that only half of people who receive the potentially life-saving kit are completing it, meaning that lives could be lost needlessly.

●● unexplained weight loss

Screening for bowel cancer

●● pain or swelling in your abdomen

Men and women aged between 60 and 71 also have the opportunity to take part in the bowel cancer screening programme. The Public

If you, or someone you know, has received the test kit and has questions about how to use it, please call the freephone helpline number: 0800 015 2514

●● bleeding from your bottom, or blood in your bowel motion

●● extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

Changes to Fire Safety Legislation Part 3 of the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 came into effect on 15 November 2010. This simplified existing Fire Safety legislation in non-domestic premises by using a modern risk based approach to fire prevention. The Fire Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 was repealed on 15 November 2010 and the previous fire certification process ceased. Existing premises that have previously been subject to that Order will most likely be compliant in terms of their Fire Safety measures. However, it is now necessary for those premises to have a current Fire Risk Assessment.

The legislation has significantly changed the way in which employers and people in control of premises are required to manage fire safety.

Responsibility for fire safety in the workplace now clearly rests with the employer and those with any degree of control of premises (deemed the appropriate person/premises officer).

They must take reasonable steps to: 1. Reduce the risk from fire; 2. Ensure people are able to escape safely if there is a fire.

The main requirements are as follows: 1. Carry out a fire risk assessment for the premises over which you have control; 2. Identify the fire hazards and risks associated with the premises, materials/substances, activities etc; 3. Identify the people or groups of people at risk and anyone who may be especially at risk i.e. (a) People working alone or in isolated areas; (b) Maintenance staff, contractors, passersby and people present outside normal working hours such as cleaners and security guards; (c) Visitors and members of the public;

4. Remove and reduce the risks as far as reasonably possible. For example, you should: (a) Replace highly flammable materials with less flammable ones; (b) Make sure you separate flammable materials from sources of ignition; (c) Replace highly flammable materials with less flammable ones; (d) Make sure you separate flammable materials from sources of ignition; (e) Have a safe smoking policy; 5. Put in place general fire precautions to deal with any remaining risks; 6. Implement additional preventative and protective measures if flammable or explosive substances; 7. Develop and implement appropriate emergency procedures in the event of fire; 8. You must record the significant findings of the risk assessment and any actions you have taken to remove or minimise the risk; 9. Review the risk assessment periodically or after significant changes in the workplace.

Please remember that this is only a brief guide of the requirements under the new fire safety legislation that should already be in place in all of our premises. Also remember that all staff have a responsibility for health and safety and that includes fire and its associated risks.

If you see the risk, remove it, report it or both!

For more info go to www.nifrs.org/firesafe/ or Contact Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters on Tel: 028 9266 4221

(d) Individuals and groups who may be especially at risk, e.g. young or inexperienced workers, people with mobility or sensory impairment, pregnant workers, etc.

Views expressed in this Newsletter are not, unless otherwise stated, the views of NIPSA.

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