Tel 01204 772977 or 07792 400 503
Comply at Work safety snippets & business bytes Upcoming Courses How is Health and Safety Regulated
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Keyboards Gone Flat?
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More Requests for Homeworking?
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Important Dates for Your Calendar
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Recycling P9 Facilities for Hire
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Clear Your Inbox
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Halloween Safety
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In the Spotlight
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October 2014
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Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503
Comply at Work
UPCOMING COURSES Thurs 20 November
Level 2 Accredited Health and Safety One day course with text book, Certification and buffet lunch
Friday 21 November from 1 pm
Manual Handling Awareness and Asbestos Awareness Pick and Mix sessions. Tuesday 25 November
Level 2 Emergency First aid at work One day course with text book, ID card, Certification and buffet lunch
Please call us now for details. Places are limited don’t miss out! Tel 01204 772977
e-mail info@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk
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How is health and safety regulated? If you’ve ever been confused about the role of the HSE or local authority health and safety teams, an information sheet published in July 2014 will help to shed some light on the subject. What does it contain?
They’re everywhere!
The HSE has a wide ranging role. It influences new regulations, revises guidance and approved codes of practice, leads and takes part in health and safety events, and creates promotional campaigns. Plus, it still has the resources to turn up on your doorstep to inspect your business or carry out an accident investigation. To show that work is prioritised, the HSE has published various documents, such as its strategy, enforcement policy, complaints procedure and memorandums of understanding with other regulatory bodies. Until now, however, there hasn’t been a straightforward explanation of how these different strands fit together and enable the HSE to meet its goals; that’s the main purpose of the document Regulation of health and safety at work (HSE51) http://www.hse.gov.uk/ pubns/hse51.htm
In brief
The document outlines the role of the HSE and local authorities (LAs). It states, “As regulators, our role is to determine that businesses are effectively and proportionately managing their health and safety risks.” Tip. When negotiating with an inspector it’s worth asserting that the measures you have in place seem proportionate. Given that this is so vital, an inspector who is challenged in this manner is obliged to show that their demands aren’t disproportionate. Note. Health and safety within your organisation will either be enforced by the HSE or your LA. You can find out which by checking the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998: A-Z guide to allocation http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/2315.htm
Source: Indicator
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Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503
Comply at Work
How is health and safety regulated? ...continued Strategies HSE51 lists the main types of intervention used to improve the management of health and safety risks: (1) influencing and engaging with stakeholders and others in industry; (2) influencing large employers; (3) creating knowledge and awareness; ( 4) promoting proportionate and sensible health and safety; (5) inspection; (6) investigation; (7) enforcement; (8) engaging with the workforce; and (9) working with other regulators and government departments. Each item on the list is explained in further detail within the information sheet. For example, there are details of how the HSE works with industry partners such as the Waste Industry Safety Health Forum and with large employers in the construction sector. Warning. If an inspector visits, there will be a reason. If you’re curious to know what it is, this document includes a summary of the inspection strategy, e.g. that those targeted ought to be in higher risk sectors or there could be an indication that health or safety is not being effectively managed, such as a recent serious accident. Tip. If you think that you’ve been unfairly targeted, or the advice of an inspector was incorrect or excessively demanding, you can take your complaint to the Independent Regulatory Challenge Panel http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/challenge-panel.htm To Summarise: Regulation of health and safety at work (HSE51) summarises the strategies used to persuade you to toe the line, from the use of guidance through to enforcement activities. Acting proportionately is a core objective for inspectors so if you believe that they’re being over demanding, you can challenge their recommendations. For further advice and guidance on meeting compliance standards, please do not hesitate to contact us for an informal chat.
Source: Indicator
e-mail info@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk
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Keyboards gone flat? You’ve just taken delivery of a new batch of computer keyboards. When they were unpacked you noticed that they’re not adjustable for tilt. Does this mean that they don’t meet legal standards?
Open to a claim?
Why is this?
As your staff spend most of their working week typing, you need to ensure that their equipment won’t cause repetitive strain injury and other health issues. You’re also concerned that these keyboards don’t comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (DSE Regulations) and that this could leave you open to claims if an injury were to occur through their use. However, as the keyboards have been produced by a leading manufacturer, you can’t believe they would be making units that could cause the user discomfort or put purchasing employers on the wrong side of the law.
According to numerous pieces of research, raising the back of the keyboard can actually increase the risk of ill-health conditions.
The legal position The DSE Regulations, and much of the guidance material that support them, don’t reflect modern IT or current thinking on how computer workstations should be set up. Plus, to make matters more complicated, the HSE’s current advice paints a confusing picture. For example, L26 , which was published in 2003, is the official guidance on the DSE Regulations http:// www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l26.pdf It states, “The keyboard shall be tiltable and separate from the screen so as to allow the operator or user to find a comfortable working position avoiding fatigue in the arms or hands.” However, a more up-to-date HSE checklist mentions keyboard tilt, but makes it clear that it doesn’t need to be built in.
Manufacturer’s decision When L26 was updated to its current form most keyboards were adjustable for tilt. They had small stands underneath which could be used to raise the back of the keyboard. However, despite the fact that the HSE hasn’t changed the guidance, most manufacturers have done away with this feature.
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Scientists have identified that if the keyboard is raised at the back it makes it difficult to maintain the wrist in a neutral posture. However, if it’s flatter - or even with the back of it lower than the front - adopting and maintaining a neutral posture is much easier.
What to do? Tip 1. Modern keyboards without a tilt function will not cause staff health problems. Plus, because you are following current research and an HSE leaflet, you shouldn’t face any questions from inspectors about your choice. Tip 2. When you change IT equipment, including keyboards, mice, screens, etc. ensure your staff to complete a DSE workstation assessment
To Summarise: .Although some HSE guidance states that keyboards should be adjustable for tilt, this is a dated requirement and one that’s safe to ignore. Current research has identified that flatter keyboards are better as they allow the user to adopt a more neutral posture.
If you would like us to carry out DSE workstation assessments for your workplace, or would like a FREE workstation assessment form to get you started, please give us a call.
Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503
Source: Indicator
Comply at Work
More requests for homeworking? A shake-up of flexible working legislation is likely to prompt more requests to work from home. How should you deal with the health and safety implications? Details. On 30 June 2014 the right to request flexible working became available to all. Previously this was only for parents and carers. The statutory procedure for considering requests has been replaced by a duty imposed on employers to consider them in a reasonable manner. However, you will be able to refuse them on business grounds. Likely outcome. One of the most likely impacts of this change is a rise in staff asking to work from home - for all, or part of, their working week. So if you’re faced with such a request, how should you deal with the health and safety implications?
Tip 1. Obviously, this is one for your HR colleagues. However, before they grant a request you must ensure that the associated health and safety issues are given full consideration. For example, will there be changed supervision patterns or a need to train more staff in first aid to cover your requirements? Tip 2. You don’t need to visit your employees’ homes to undertake safety and fire risk assessments. Completing a desktop exercise to assess homeworking arrangements is the way to go. As identified in our sample risk assessment document, before granting their request, your staff must be able to demonstrate that they have a suitable and sufficient area in which they can work - perching on a kitchen stool whilst hunched over a laptop won’t cut it. Tip 3. You must ensure that any work equipment you’re supplying is safe to use and in good condition. Tip 4. Set up good communication lines for your employees with regular contact. Not only does this help you to keep track of their work, but it also stops them from feeling isolated from their colleagues.
To summarise: The new rules could mean that more staff ask to work at home. If you agree to this you’ll need to conduct a risk assessment, but this can be a paper exercise only, you don’t need to inspect their homes. If you need any advice or guidance on this issue, please contact us. If you would like a FREE Risk assessment template for homeworkers, please get in touch and we would be happy to e-mail over.
Source: Indicator
e-mail info@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk
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Sn Saf ip ety pe ts Important dates for your calendar‌ Backcare awareness week 17-24 Oct How about reviewing your manual handling assessments, carrying out some manual handling training or putting on backcare awareness session? We can help with all these, just call us to discuss your requirements.
Stress Awareness Day Wednesday 5 November Stress is often overlooked in business as a workplace issue and is one of the biggest causes of occupational ill health. We can organise FREE tater sessions of workplace wellbeing and personal resilience and can carry our stress awareness training for Managers and employees. For more information on National Stress Awareness Day and some free downloads see ISMA.org.uk.
Source: Indicator
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Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503
Comply at Work
Recycling Disposal of paper cups Every day your waste bins are filled with disposable paper drinks cups which come from high street coffee shop chains, vending machines, etc. Can these be recycled or must they be put into general waste bins? How many? If you have paper recycling bins in your workplace, do you find disposable coffee cups thrown in there too? According to Which? it appears that as a nation, we are getting through 2.5 billion disposable cups per year. These may come from high street coffee shops, staff canteens, vending machines - the list goes on. Although most will simply go into your general waste bins, according to Which?, 80% of those who responded to its survey were under the impression that these cups could put into paper recycling bins. Should they go in the recycling bin? Disposable cups might be mostly cardboard, which is recyclable. But they also contain about 5% polyethylene in the form of a thin coating inside the cup, which stops it becoming soggy. Because it is very tricky to separate the coating from the cardboard, it make the cups difficult to recycle. Tip. Although this may seem a tad draconian, make sure your staff know that these cups should not be put into your paper recycling bins. In doing so they are contaminating the clean material. Note. Your waste contractor may refuse to accept the consignment as recyclable material and could impose charges to sort the waste for you. A consignment rejection is most likely if the paper is covered in coffee. For waste paper to be recyclable, it has to be clean, i.e. not covered in food or other waste materials.
Will things change? A journalist from The Guardian newspaper tackled the major players in the coffee business on the recyclability of their cups. Starbucks stated that it planned to make its cups recyclable by 2015. Note. When/if this happens, the coffee house that manages to get the green jump on its competitors is unlikely to keep the fact quiet. Tip. At that point, make sure staff know which cups can be recycled and which can’t. Also, make it clear that any cups put into paper recycling bins must be clean. What about recycling? In general, waste companies are unable to recycle these cups. However, on 1 August 2014 Simply Cups started a recycling scheme. This project is operating in the M25 and Thames Valley areas. This pilot is really aimed at the high street retailers and those who have to dispose of a vast number of cups. Note. At this moment in time we are unaware of others offering a similar scheme. However, if this project is successful, we suspect that many other waste companies will jump on-board. As and when commercially viable schemes become available across the country, we’ll inform you. Tip. If you also have a drinks machine in the office, then the best advice is to have one that will fill standard crockery rather than disposable cups. Even the very greenest disposable cups made from recycled, sustainably sourced materials, such as plastics, which are collected and then recycled again, have a higher footprint than a ceramic mug that’s washed and used again and again. Paper cups are not recyclable and should not be put into paper recycling bins. They will contaminate the clean material and could lead to your consignment of material being rejected by the recycling contractor. Some high street chains are looking to make their cups recyclable. Source: Indicator
e-mail info@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk
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Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503
Comply at Work
Facilities for Hire Did you know we have some superb facilities to hire for meetings, trainings and network groups?
We can offer a photocopying or printing service at nominal cost.
Our venue has a training room which holds 16 seated at desking, plus extra seating if required. All desking and chairs are stackable and foldable to ensure the trainers can arrange the room to their specific requirements. This will be arranged for you pre-training.
There is also free parking at the end of the block and across the road from the venue. We are close to local train stations, and to J6 of the M61 and on local bus routes. The town centre with all amenities is within 2 minutes’ walk away.
We have a modern, ceiling-mounted projector, speakers, wi-fi and a large contemporary magnetic glass board, flip chart and several training aids. There is a wall-mounted TV in the break-out area. We offer free refreshments – sparking and filtered water, mints, tea, coffee, herbal and fruit teas and biscuits throughout the day. We can arrange very reasonably-priced high quality buffets delivered chilled from a local provider at your request. There is a Reception/ break- out area available for syndicates, breaks and lunches. We have a designated smoking area on site and two toilets, one of which is an ambulant accessible toilet.
We are flexible and charge by the hour at a competitive price. We would be perfect for SMEs, board meetings, team meetings, interviews, workshops, networking, presentations and training. Please call us now on 01204 772977 or 07792 400 503 to discuss your requirements. Limited offer! If you would like to book an hour FREE for a oneto- one meeting with your client or supplier in a private setting and avoid the hub-bub of a hotel communal area, give us a call. We have five slots available, first come, first served –so be quick!
e-mail info@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk
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Clear your In box! Four simple steps that de-clutter any inbox in minutes – leaving you free to focus on the stuff that matters: Be ruthless with them every day – especially Fridays – that way you can hit the ground running on Mondays! Have a look here and you’ll see what I mean.
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Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503
Comply at Work
Halloween Safety Children always enjoy Halloween but it can be a worrying time for parents. Halloween should be a treat for everyone, so we have produced the following safety tips to help make sure your kids have fun in safety!
Dressing up safely Costumes should not be too long or restrict your child’s freedom to move – you don’t want any unplanned bumps in the night! Some masks can obstruct a child’s vision; a potential danger, especially when they are crossing roads. Consider using face paints instead. If your children are going to be out on the streets, make sure they are wearing visible clothing. Perhaps you could put reflective tape on their costumes. Some costumes – coupled with the excitement of Halloween – can encourage aggressive behaviour. Even fake knives, swords and other costume accessories can hurt or scare people. Make sure your children understand this and that any potentially dangerous items are made of cardboard or other flexible materials.
Safe treats Ask your children not to eat any sweets or other treats that they have been given until they get home. Giving them a meal or snack before they go might help them resist temptation! Carefully check all the things they have been given. Sweets and food that are still in their original wrappers are safest
Source: Suzy Lamplugh
e-mail info@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk
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Comply at Work
spotlight
Here is a roundup of some of the projects we have been involved with in the last month. • We are again happy to announce that all delegates taking the Emergency First aid course last month passed the course with flying colours • We have carried out fire risk assessments nationwide for Vita Student Management within their new Halls of residence to ensure compliance for the company. • We have completed a fire risk assessments and office risk assessment for guardian IB, based in Wigan, and assisted with Policy development. • We have started to assist Cahill Dental Practice in Bolton with a training programme including elements such as COSHH, and Basic Life Support and Defib Awareness
• We have assisted the Ombudsman Service in Warrington with an Office Audit to assist in the configuration of desking and cable management • We have been happy to assist our training partners, 3B training at the Health and Safety North Expo providing an ‘Ask the Expert’ service. We look forward to further collaboration in the future. • Finally, watch out for a further article on Comply at Work featured in the Bolton News towards the end of October!
The Authority in Access Ladder Log Safety Inspection System
We thought that I would give you the heads up about the Ladder Exchange which starts on the 1st September and lasts until 31st December this year.
Ensure you meet current Working at Height (WAHR 2005) Ladderstore have been part of this great initiative for over 6 years and we give customers regulations with our adhesive 10% off any orders that are to replace damaged ladders. If customers are unsure about the stickers, tags, holders state of the ladder they can always contact us on 01204 590232and and webusiness can advise them or if it is a large number of ladders go out to check them. packs See the general details at http://www.ladderexchange.org.uk/
The Authority in Access
Services We Offer Ladder Log Safety Inspection System • • • •
Site Surveys for Bespoke Access EnsureTraining you meet current Ladder & PASMA Workingdesign at Height (WAHR 2005) Special Application regulations with our adhesive On Site Ladder Inspections stickers, tags, holders and business packs
Visit Ladderstore.com or call our team on 01204 590 232 Services We Offer • • • •
Site Surveys for Bespoke Access Ladder & PASMA Training Special Application design On Site Ladder Inspections
Visit Ladderstore.com or call our team on 01204 590 232
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adve r tise with us for unde r ÂŁ10 pe r month Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503 e-mail info@complyatwork.co.uk www.complyatwork.co.uk