Most, if not all, Safety Reps in the Region will be aware of the ongoing HSE and the Northern TUC coordinated ‘Backs 2005’campaign to improve the health and safety of all workers particularly in regard back injury and associated injuries.
Therefore the report below, compiled by a member of the Northern TUC Health & Safety Forum Working Party arrived in my email tray at a very opportune time highlighting an area of concern that does not seem to have been addressed in this way before.
George Partridge Chair Northern TUC Health & Safety Forum.
We are all aware of the substantial advances in safety that have been developed to help reduce the risks of injury or fatalities when driving, such as Seatbelts, Airbags, Abs Brakes, etc. However there are number of hidden dangers that professional drivers face on a daily basis, these are Musculoskeletal Disorders, Wruld’s, & Possibly Dvt’s.
Having worked in the Public Transport Industry for over 17 Years I have seen a lot of changes within the Industry. New Technology means that Buses are able to be designed to be faster, smoother and more Passenger friendly allowing access for wheelchairs and Prams, however when it comes to cab design it seems that it is almost an after thought and last on the list for overall improvement of the vehicle.
On average Drivers spend in excess of 8 hours in the driving seat per day. This means that there is significant pressure placed on their joints and spine arising from working in a cramped position and from twisting their backs and shoulders.
Also poorly maintained roads and potholes lead to shocks sent up into their hips and spines.
Part of the problem is the fact that large companies buy their Buses in large orders and do not actually take on board the suggestions on the layout and design of the cabs from the people who actually drive them.
This means that by the time the drivers get to drive them in service the cab has already been fitted out and this invariably means the layout is disorganised and cramped and not ‘user friendly’ with poorly placed ticket machines and dispenser trays that force the Driver to twist round to use and also blind spots from security screens that mean that they must stretch or twist just to see around them.
And of course there is also the pedal layout, switches and the many other controls that are contained within the cab area.
Or to put it another way fitting the driver to their workstation and not the workstation to the driver, which as everyone knows is ‘best practice’ in health safety & welfare.
It is inconceivable to me that any Organisation fails to take on board suggestions on cab design from the very staff that will be using these vehicles when it is obvious that if they did so this would inevitably mean that the layout of the cab would be of a better design with the ‘knock on’ effect helping to reduce the amount of time that staff had to take off on the sick and also any injury claims they may face leading to a reduction in the Organisations sickness levels, leading to a more cost effective workforce and a raising of staff morale leading to a happier workforce and the ‘knock on’ effect of an overall increase in customer satisfaction.
As part of my final assignment for my TUC Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety I looked at the problems that my members faced whilst Driving and I was unable to find a Body Map that showed a person in a Driving position, I decided to design my own Body Map that Drivers and people working in the Transport Industry could relate to and use to identify any problems within their Organisation.
This Body Map is only one element designed to help identify how many members are suffering from the above mentioned problems and to help identify the action needed by senior managers to reduce the risks.
It is clear that there is a great amount of work needed to be done before these risks are reduced but hopefully this Body Map will go some way towards reducing these risks.
The body map can also be used by all professional drivers, HGV, Driving Instructors in fact anyone who spends a large proportion of their working day behind the wheel of a vehicle.
You have to question the wisdom of having a set of health & safety regulations, quite rightly, for workers, that includes the layout of their workstation, seat design, and a number of other aids for their health & safety and wellbeing, entitled the DSE Regs, but not a set of regulations for a PSV driver’s workstation, namely the drivers cab.
Please feel free to utilise/adapt the Body Map in any way you wish all we ask is that you identify the source.
Best of luck and Good Mapping
The Body Mapping tool can be downloaded here: Body Map
The Interactive Body Mapping tool can be downloaded here: Body Map Interactive 66.7KB, just place the cursor on the appropriate coloured square then click and it will place either a tick for constant or a star for occasional.
From a member of the Northern TUC Health & Safety Forum
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Driver Tiredness
Driver tiredness is the biggest killer on our roads, particularly on motorways and other monotonous roads. One in five crashes on these roads is estimated to have been caused by drivers nodding off at the wheel and the ratio of serious injuries is even higher because a sleeping driver doesn’t brake before an accident. Driving at night or during the afternoon dip are the most dangerous times.
Some of the things people do when they are feeling tired whilst driving are opening a window, turning up the volume of the radio or just trying to fight sleep off. They don’t prevent sleep, especially the “microsleeps” of just a few seconds.
The Government’s recommendations if you feel tired while driving are:
Some of the things people do when they are feeling tired whilst driving are opening a window, turning up the volume of the radio or just trying to fight sleep off. They don’t prevent sleep, especially the “microsleeps” of just a few seconds.
The Government’s recommendations if you feel tired while driving are:
- Drink two cups of coffee or, ideally, a high-caffeine drink.
- Take a ten minute snooze to give the caffeine time to kick in.
- If you are still tired don’t drive any further
The advice adds that the effect of the caffeine only last 60 – 90 minutes and the only real solution is not to be tired in the first place.
Some of the things that can be done are:
- Get enough sleep – Obvious enough but it is impossible to stop yourself eventually falling asleep if you are shattered.
- Let people know if you are having trouble sleeping and take it into account when planning journeys.
- Make sure that any medication you take doesn’t cause drowsiness.
- Drive carefully and calmly and think about any possible hazards (like the nutter who is swapping lanes and cutting up cars in front of you to get wherever they are going a minute quicker, if they are lucky). It helps prevent boredom if nothing else.
- Be especially alert on long monotonous roads. Cruise control is a nice technological advance but can make it even easier to fall asleep.
- Be especially careful and if possible avoid driving at the most dangerous times, between midnight and 6am and 2pm to 4pm.
Ian Paton
Ian has also sent us various documents relating to driving sensibly and can be downloaded here:
Disability Rights Commission launches ‘The Disability Debate’
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has launched a major national debate on the future of disabled people’s equality in Britain with its discussion paper, ‘Shaping the Future of Equality’.
The debate asks how we can ensure that by the year 2020, Britain can be a place where all disabled people are equal citizens – living active lives that are fulfilling and rewarding for themselves and valued by others.
Bert Massie, Chairman of the DRC said ‘While massive progress has been made since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) first came onto the statute book in 1995, there is still a long way to go to reaching this goal".
The Disability Debate seeks to identify and articulate the big priorities for a new disability agenda and provide a roadmap for both the organisation which will replace the DRC, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) and for Government over the next 10-15 years.
Questions that will form part of the Disability Debate include:
- how can we ensure disabled people are safe and feel like they fully belong in their communities?
- how can disabled people be equipped with the skills to play an active role in society?
- how can we ensure that disabled people are in control of their own lives?
- how can we reform the welfare state so that it supports independence rather than creating dependence?
People can read the papers and take part in the debate on-line at http://www.disabilitydebate.org/, listen to a summary of the paper and leave comments on a local rate phone line 0845 333 0303, or order a copy of the paper from the DRC Helpline on:
Tel: 08457 622 633
Textphone: 08457 622 644
Quoting reference number: DRC35
History of Asbestos
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral which has been used in a variety of useful products for hundreds of years since Roman times. It is found throughout the world including Africa, Australia, Canada, Russia, the United States of America and China.
Between the 1950’s and 1980’s, asbestos was used in substantial amounts of building projects, products and materials. In addition, most buildings constructed or refurbished within this time period are extremely likely to include asbestos containing materials (ACM’s), particularly in buildings constructed using steel frames. Steel frames were often coated with asbestos spray for fire protection.
One of the main reasons why asbestos was so popular and widely used was its versatility and cheap production/importation. Asbestos has various useful properties including the following:
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral which has been used in a variety of useful products for hundreds of years since Roman times. It is found throughout the world including Africa, Australia, Canada, Russia, the United States of America and China.
Between the 1950’s and 1980’s, asbestos was used in substantial amounts of building projects, products and materials. In addition, most buildings constructed or refurbished within this time period are extremely likely to include asbestos containing materials (ACM’s), particularly in buildings constructed using steel frames. Steel frames were often coated with asbestos spray for fire protection.
One of the main reasons why asbestos was so popular and widely used was its versatility and cheap production/importation. Asbestos has various useful properties including the following:
- Resistance to electricity, heat and fire giving asbestos ideal fire-proofing capabilities and insulating properties.
- Fibres can be mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats.
- Asbestos will not rot or burn and is relatively impervious to any weather effects, some acids and to vermin.
- Asbestos has a desirable high tensile strength and flexibility.
There are three main types of commercially used asbestos as shown in the following images:
Crocidolite Asbestos (Blue), Raw and Processed
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Amosite Asbestos (Brown)
(please click the link for the image)
http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/Articles/Images/amosite2(brown%20asbestos).jpg
Chrysotile Asbestos (White)
(please click the link for the image)
http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/Articles/Images/chrysotile1(white%20asbestos).jpg
The Risks and Dangers Associated with Asbestos
All forms of asbestos are dangerous and can cause fatal illnesses to which there is no cure, however, blue and brown asbestos products are known to be more dangerous than white asbestos.
Entry into the body is through inhalation into lower parts of the lung and can lay there for years, or can even work their way into the lining of the lung. Any fibres that may be ingested into the body will be removed naturally by the body; moreover, entry via absorption through the skin is not possible.
Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres that can only be seen under a microscope, which can penetrate deep into the lung and stay there causing respiratory disease or some types of cancer. The principal asbestos related diseases are that of: asbestosis (fibrosis) scarring of the lungs; mesothelioma - a cancer of the inner lining of the chest wall or abdominal cavity; lung cancer; and diffuse pleural thickening - a non-malignant disease in which the lining of the lung (pleura) becomes scarred.
Present statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) indicate that there are 3500 asbestos related diseases in the United Kingdom per year which is expected to increase dramatically by the end of the decade. This is mainly attributable to the fact that there is usually a substantial delay between the first exposures of asbestos to the first symptoms of any asbestos related disease, varying from between 10 to 60 years.
Asbestos is safe if left undisturbed, nevertheless, where any project involving asbestos and the removal of asbestos is undertaken, complete awareness and precise controls are required at all times throughout the project, and work should be carried out under the assumption that asbestos will be present unless established otherwise.
John Johnston AIIRSM - HSfB
Disability Access to Historic Buildings
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA)
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA) now makes it unlawful for businesses and organisations providing services to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability. Service providers, now including private members' clubs with 25 or more members, have to consider making changes to physical features that make it difficult for disabled people to use their services. You can remove the physical feature, alter it, find a way of avoiding it or provide the service another way. This may prove difficult for various historic buildings as they may be listed, however, reasonable adjustments must be assessed. Although historic buildings are protected in order to retain their original character, imaginative and inventive solutions to provide an acceptable level of access to an historic building can be achieved successfully. Liaison with the planning authorities, environmental authorities and fire authorities from the beginning is essential for a thorough and acceptable solution of easy access for all.
There is legal requirement to preserve the character of an historic listed building; however, it may mean that on rare occasions not all of these objectives can be achieved. For example, the interventions necessary to permit every part of a ruined medieval castle to be fully accessible would be so harmful to its character as to destroy the pleasure of visiting the building for all.
It may be appropriate for a disabled person to have less favourable access to a building only if the alternative is to have no access at all. For example, providing an alternative route through the building rather than the main thoroughfare might be justified if the modifications required to adapt the main route would be too damaging to the historic building. Similarly, directing disabled people to another fully accessible entrance might be justified if, for example, the arrangements necessary to gain access to the principal entrance would compromise the architectural merit of the historic building. Thought could be given to making this accessible entrance into the principal entrance, thus avoiding discrimination and benefiting all visitors.
What is reasonable?
The following factors from the DDA Code of Practice might be taken into account when considering whether the adjustment is reasonable:
- whether taking any particular steps would be effective in overcoming the difficulty that disabled people face in accessing the services in question
- the extent to which it is practicable for the service provider to take steps
- the financial and other costs of making the adjustment
- the extent of any disruption which taking the steps would cause
- the extent of the service provider's financial and other resources
- the amount of any resources already spent on making adjustments
- the availability of financial or other assistance i.e. grants or other funds
As a first instance during the initial stages of any accessibility project, an access audit should be carried out by a competent specialist access consultant preferably one registered with the National Register of Access Consultants. Alternatively, the access audit could be carried out by building professionals experienced in historic buildings, or owners confident in their knowledge of the building and potential barriers to access.
However the access audit is carried out, it will require careful thought to explore all possible solutions to allow access for all into the building. The DDA proposes four ways in which access for disabled people can be incorporated:
- Remove the obstacle
- Alter it so it no longer has that effect
- Provide a reasonable means of avoiding the feature
- Provide a reasonable alternative method of making the service in question available to disabled people. (This aspect has been in force since October 1999)
John Johnston AIIRSM - HSfB
Article references:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2005/20050013.htm - The Disability Discrimination Act 2005
http://www.drc-gb.org/thelaw/practice.asp - Disability Rights Commission
Personal Risk Assessment - Running the Risk by Duncan Abbott
Reprinted with the kind permission of the publisher of Health and Safety atWork magazine, LexisNexis Butterworths.
Published on HSfB - 14 April 2005, updated 9 July 2005
Published on HSfB - 14 April 2005, updated 9 July 2005
Running the Risk by Duncan Abbott
Duncan Abbott has kindly provided us with his article explaining how to undertake a personal risk assessment for workers with a disabling condition.
Many thanks to Duncan Abbott of enricoSmog - ergonomic practitioners for this excellent and informative article.
You can download the article in pdf by clicking the following link.
Training by enricosmog
enricosmog ergonomic practitioners is the only company in the UK offering occupational health and safety risk assessors, training in 'how to undertake personal risk assessments for disabled workers'. Delegates learn how to avoid H&S/DDA conflicts and how to make reasonable adjustments for workers with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities.
Tel: 01747 871868
email da@enricosmog.com
Question Time
Originally published in the Safety and Health Practitioner (SHP) magazine and on the SHP website - www.shponline.co.uk in August 2005
Published on HSfB with the kind permission of SHP which remains copyright of SHP
Published on HSfB with the kind permission of SHP which remains copyright of SHP
6 September 2005
With the average time spent in each job decreasing and career changes becoming more frequent, making a good impression at interview is not just a skill for those starting out in the world of work. Paul Smith sets out some tips to help make the most of the opportunity that an interview offers.
There are many different styles of job interview, ranging from an informal chat to a full assessment centre held over a number of days. However, there are some basic guidelines that are valid in most situations, and these we ignore at our peril.
Preparation
If you don’t prepare fully for the interview, you might as well not bother going. Take some time to research the organisation and the role. Remember, the more you come across as understanding the job and seeing yourself in it, the more likely you are to be successful. So check out the organisation’s website, read its annual report, get whatever information you can on the role and make sure you understand it, and try to find out in advance what the recruiter will be looking for. A very common interview technique is to ask candidates what they understand the role to be, and then to ask them what they personally bring to it – you really do need to have thought about this beforehand. Read though your CV again and be ready for questions about anything you’ve included.
Presentation
Do your interviewers the courtesy of arriving on time and of being appropriately dressed for the interview. Good interviewers will be on their guard against the "horns or halo" effect – the danger of making snap judgements about people the moment they walk into the room. However, it is a fact of business life that first impressions are very important and once a poor start has been made, it is hard to regain lost ground.
Often, candidates are asked to come to the interview ready to make a short presentation on a topic they have chosen from a number of headings provided by the interviewer. This provides an opportunity to see you "in action", and also says a lot about how you work and your ability to influence people. They key thing here is to see it as an opportunity to show how good you are. Remember, you are in competition with others and being competent is not good enough – you need to shine so you stand out in relation to the others.
If you are using PowerPoint, or similar be careful not to fall into the various traps for the unwary. In particular: * Check out in advance that you will be able to use your chosen medium (CD ROM, memory stick, etc.); * Avoid the use of unconventional backgrounds and don’t overdo the special effects – what is interesting once quickly becomes tedious when used several times; * Be careful with your use of colour – less is more; *Avoid "death by bullet point" by using the many other features that these packages have.
Dealing with questions
A lot has been written about the use of ‘catch’ questions in interviews and again the key to success is to understand why they are used and be prepared for them. An example would be: "What has been your biggest mistake?" The pitfalls here are to lose credibility by denying ever having made any, or at the other extreme, to spend a lot of time saying how terrible you are! The interviewers are just looking for an honest appraisal of what went wrong and evidence that you were resilient enough to learn from what happened and move on. They also want to see how you respond to being put under a bit of pressure.
Conversely, if asked about your achievements, strike a balance between the need to sell yourself and the danger of appearing immodest or arrogant. The key here is to relate your perceived strengths to the job role and to give credit where it is due. This is fundamental as, at the end of the process, the person who most closely matches what is being sought is the one who will be selected. Also, how you talk about successes and achievements will say a great deal about your qualities as a leader and team player.
Like auditors, interviewers will often seek to validate what you are telling them by reference to evidence. Obviously the nature of the interview will limit what can be covered, but it is good practice to have examples to back up what you say. Be ready for the "can you give us an example of how you dealt with a problem issue?" and "xyz has happened, what would you do next?" types of question.
Many interviews will also have an element of technical assessment to them, so don’t just rely on any qualifications you have – be ready to be grilled and to come up with practical solutions. You have got to come over as someone who has both taken the trouble to stay up to date in the field and who can relate theory to practice. It’s no use (for example) regurgitating the DSE Regulations as the complete answer to a threatened strike in a major call centre, where the staff are complaining about their uncomfortable workstations, although having the salient points at your fingertips will obviously help.
Motivation
Part of your preparation should be to think about why you want the job, and indeed this question may be put specifically to you during the interview. You may be unhappy in your present role, or your present role may be due to disappear. However, interviewers, sympathetic as they may be, are mainly interested in why you want to take on their role, and what you bring to it, not why you want to leave the one you’ve got. I have interviewed many people who gave the impression that they wanted a job rather than this job. However understandable this may be, it is not the approach most likely to bring success. If you can’t find anything about the proposed role to be enthusiastic about, why have you gone to the trouble of applying for it?
Bringing things to a close
Most interviews will have some time for you to ask questions, so make sure you have anticipated this in your preparation. The interview will normally end with some statement about what the next step might be, and when you might expect to hear further.
Second interviews
To get a second interview is obviously great, as it shows you have been short-listed and therefore stand a good chance of getting the job. To have got this far, you have survived at least two "culls" – at the CV and first interview stages. Remember that you may well now meet new people who have not been involved so far, so it is important to make a favourable impression on them too. They may well be senior to those who did the first interview, and you may have to go over some of the same ground again.
Whatever you do, beware of complacency – you’re not there yet. Final decisions are rarely made by just one person, and the views of everyone you’ve seen so far could well be canvassed. Often, the emphasis shifts at second interview: anyone reaching this stage is already considered capable of doing the job, so the issue now is "who will fit best with our team?" Personal chemistry is therefore just as important as technical competence. Remember to show your enthusiasm for the role and tactfully restate the benefits of employing you to do it. If the discussion moves on to salary and benefits, it is a strong sign you are close to getting an offer.
Conclusion
Whatever the outcome, do conduct yourself professionally at every stage. The safety world in the UK is comparatively small – word does get around if you claim things that are not true, or if you do things like confirming you are coming for an interview and then don’t turn up. If you are made an offer, that’s great. If not, it hurts but it’s not the end of the world. Many organisations now give feedback on how you did, which may help you next time. If that’s the case, make the most of the opportunity to find out where and how you can improve so that next time you will be the chosen one.
DO:
* Prepare yourself fully;
* Think yourself into the role and be ready to speak persuasively about what you could bring to it;
* Sell the benefits of hiring you;
* Think about likely questions and how you will respond;
* Look the part and make a positive first impression.
DON'T:
* Be late;
* Disparage your current employer;
* Say anything you can’t substantiate;
* Assume that only the interviewers have input into the decision;
* Go into denial when asked about weaknesses.
WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME
One of the hardest challenges health and safety professionals face when starting on their career in occupational safety and health is getting initial experience after qualification.
Taking that first step can be problematic, often because employers are looking for more experienced personnel to take up a crucial full-time role. This can leave many newly qualified professionals asking 'just how do I get my break, then?'
To tackle this problem, IOSH is exploring the possibility of setting up a health and safety work experience programme. The scheme would offer graduates or students needing vital operational experience a fast-track approach to designated organisations offering placements.
A pilot scheme is planned for this year, but to make it a success we need an extensive range of employers willing to commit their resources to support would-be professionals. If your organisation is interested in offering work experience placements, please contact Hazel Harvey, at hazel.harvey@iosh.co.uk, or IOSH, The Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 1NN, UK.
President elect, Neil Budworth, said: "We should be looking to help new practitioners get a foot on the ladder by sharing our knowledge with them."
Article reference: Safety and Health Practitioner (http://www.shponline.co.uk/), March 2005. The official magazine of www.iosh.co.uk
Taking that first step can be problematic, often because employers are looking for more experienced personnel to take up a crucial full-time role. This can leave many newly qualified professionals asking 'just how do I get my break, then?'
To tackle this problem, IOSH is exploring the possibility of setting up a health and safety work experience programme. The scheme would offer graduates or students needing vital operational experience a fast-track approach to designated organisations offering placements.
A pilot scheme is planned for this year, but to make it a success we need an extensive range of employers willing to commit their resources to support would-be professionals. If your organisation is interested in offering work experience placements, please contact Hazel Harvey, at hazel.harvey@iosh.co.uk, or IOSH, The Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 1NN, UK.
President elect, Neil Budworth, said: "We should be looking to help new practitioners get a foot on the ladder by sharing our knowledge with them."
Article reference: Safety and Health Practitioner (http://www.shponline.co.uk/), March 2005. The official magazine of www.iosh.co.uk
The Use of Laptop Computers
1. Introduction
The use of laptop or notebook computers is widespread and many people use them regularly as part of the work process.Regulation 1(4)(d) of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 states that the regulations do not apply to or in relation to portable systems not in prolonged use. However, where a laptop is used regularly by people as a significant part of their day-to-day work, then these regulations will apply. In many cases employers will use the “one-hour” rule i.e. if a laptop is used continually for one hour or more then the employee will be classified as a user.Employers therefore, should give consideration as to the use of laptops, particularly if there is a realistic alternative i.e. Use of a desktop system for personal use or “Hot desking” for intermittent use where no permanent workstation is available.
2. Risks relating to the use of Laptop computers.
There are three main categories of risk associated with laptop use:
a) The equipment is designed for portable use and as a result compromises have had to be made. This leads to smaller keyboards and screens, differing pointer devices or mouse, as well as lack of adjustability. As a result, laptops tend to be uncomfortable in prolonged use.
b) The work environment where laptops are used tends to be less “user friendly” than the office environment. Areas are often constricted, such as on trains, in cars, at home etc, which does not allow the user to work comfortably for any lengthy period of time.
c) The arrangement of the keyboard and screen usually leads to the user working with their head and shoulders bent forward, adopting an awkward arm, wrist and hand position in order to key information in or to read the screen. Wherever possible the good practices adopted with the use of desktop computers should be utilised when using a laptop computer. The human body is not designed to be static for long periods of time and it is important that the laptop user varies their work position on a regular basis as well as taking frequent breaks.
3. Best Practice – The Equipment.
Sitting.
With the use of a laptop computer there will always be a trade off between achieving a comfortable keying position and placing the screen at a viewing distance that is comfortable to the user. Posture is important and the user should not sit forward in a hunched up position for either keying or viewing operations.
Seating should preferably be such that a good position can be achieved which will prevent aches and pains in the small of the back or legs. Wherever possible an adjustable chair should be used such that it will allow the user to sit far enough back so that the lower part of the back is supported by the backrest. Where this is not possible i.e. a non-adjustable chair is being used, then a cushion or pillow can be used to support the back of the user.
Chair height is important and when seated the user’s forearms should be roughly horizontal when the hands are on the keyboard. If using a non-adjustable chair then again, seat height can be varied by the use of cushions.
Use of the Laptop Keyboard.
When using the keyboard the user should avoid any awkward bending of the wrists. Sitting too high or too low will lead to the wrists being in a bent position. Chairs should be positioned so that a neutral keying position is obtained i.e. that the forearms, wrists and hand are in a straight line.
It is important for the user to sit upright as this will reduce stress on the head and the neck. Pushing the keyboard back a little can help in this situation. It is preferable to use the laptop on a desk or table so that with the arms resting on the work surface it should be possible to keep the wrists in a relaxed, neutral position.
Using a Laptop Mouse.
Although laptops come equipped with an integral mouse, for prolonged usage it is best practice to use a separate mouse. If the laptop mouse is to be used then it is advisable not to screw up the fingers into a claw position or hold them in the air. Hands should be kept flat and the fingers relaxed when using a trackball, glide pad or nipple operated mouse.
The Laptop Screen.
Glare and reflections on a computer screen should be avoided wherever possible.A laptop should be positioned such that these do not occur.
Where a window is causing reflections then the laptop should be re-positioned.If there are curtains or blinds to the window these should be used.
The angle of the screen can affect the amount of glare and reflection that can be picked up. A compromise may have to be made between glare, reflections and the most comfortable viewing angle. If a free standing monitor can be used either with or without a docking station then this can be much better.
The laptop screen should be kept clean at all times.
4. Best Practice – The Environment.
The laptop computer, because of its portability, will be used in many differing environments.
If using it at home then it is important to find a suitable place to work that has both a comfortable chair and a desk/table to place the laptop on.
Sitting on the edge of a sofa or armchair is not suitable because of the posture problems that this can cause. If the chair will not support your back then use a cushion to assist. Again, use a cushion to give more height if the chair will not adjust.
It is not considered to be good practice to use a laptop when lying on a bed or couch.
If you are lying on your back then your neck will be in an awkward position as you try to see the screen. Equally, if you lie on your front then you will be putting strain on the lower part of the back as your body bends at the waist.
If you use your laptop whilst in a car then under no circumstances should you use it whilst driving. Wherever possible you should sit upright in the passenger seat with the seat pushed well back. You can then rest the laptop on a flat surface such as a briefcase, which helps to raise the laptop height as well as giving an improved keying position for the wrists and hands.
The use of a laptop on trains and planes has become more prevalent. However, the risks here to the user are usually increased due to lack of space. In most cases the laptop will have to be positioned close to the user and the poor posture that results may well lead to the onset of aches and pains in the back, neck and forearm. In this situation the laptop should be used as little as possible.
5. Manual Handling.
Laptop computers vary in size and weight. In many instances these are accompanied by the use of peripherals such as portable printers. Manual handling becomes an issue because of the portability of both the computer equipment and any associated manuscript documentation. Whilst the laptop and any associated printer will usually have a carrying case of some description, the overall weight and methods of transportation need to be considered. Carrying cases of the type with single shoulder straps can put strain on the back muscles if equipment is carried for any distance or for any long period of time. If a briefcase is also carried then the overall weight plus the awkwardness of the resulting load can be a problem. The use of a backpack is more advantageous. Consideration should be given to the use of a hand trolley as a means of making transportation easier.
6. Security.
The security of personnel who carry laptops is of prime importance.Laptop computers are expensive and there is always a risk of theft or mugging in some circumstances. This can be tackled by a combination of user training and task design, for example:
(a) Do not design tasks in such a way that lone users are expected to carry or use portable equipment in circumstances where theft is likely.
(b) Train all users to take sensible precautions such as not carrying portables in luggage with a computer manufacturer’s branding on it; not leaving equipment where it is visible in a parked car, taking extra care in public places or in other situations (or at times) where the risk of theft may be greater.
7. User/Risk Assessment.
People who use a laptop computer as a significant part of their day-to-day work are subject to the requirements of the DSE Regulations.
In this instance it is important to determine which people who use a laptop can be considered to be “Users” and thus come under the regulations.
A questionnaire of the type at Appendix A can help in reaching a decision.
Any subsequent risk assessment should consider how much time an individual spends using the laptop and what kind of environment it is to be used in. Attempts should be made to reduce the amount of use by allowing the tasks to be carried out in alternative ways. If this is not possible then methods of reducing or controlling any risks associated with the use should be examined.
It must also be remembered that laptop users who use them significantly as part of their day to day activities should be offered eye tests etc in the same way as for desktop users.
Issues to consider when conducting a risk assessment should include:
You can also download a generic risk assessment for laptop use here: Laptop Computers - Generic Risk Assessment - Word Document
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
The use of laptop or notebook computers is widespread and many people use them regularly as part of the work process.Regulation 1(4)(d) of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 states that the regulations do not apply to or in relation to portable systems not in prolonged use. However, where a laptop is used regularly by people as a significant part of their day-to-day work, then these regulations will apply. In many cases employers will use the “one-hour” rule i.e. if a laptop is used continually for one hour or more then the employee will be classified as a user.Employers therefore, should give consideration as to the use of laptops, particularly if there is a realistic alternative i.e. Use of a desktop system for personal use or “Hot desking” for intermittent use where no permanent workstation is available.
2. Risks relating to the use of Laptop computers.
There are three main categories of risk associated with laptop use:
a) Equipment design
b) The environment that they are to be used in.
c) Physical demands upon the user.
a) The equipment is designed for portable use and as a result compromises have had to be made. This leads to smaller keyboards and screens, differing pointer devices or mouse, as well as lack of adjustability. As a result, laptops tend to be uncomfortable in prolonged use.
b) The work environment where laptops are used tends to be less “user friendly” than the office environment. Areas are often constricted, such as on trains, in cars, at home etc, which does not allow the user to work comfortably for any lengthy period of time.
c) The arrangement of the keyboard and screen usually leads to the user working with their head and shoulders bent forward, adopting an awkward arm, wrist and hand position in order to key information in or to read the screen. Wherever possible the good practices adopted with the use of desktop computers should be utilised when using a laptop computer. The human body is not designed to be static for long periods of time and it is important that the laptop user varies their work position on a regular basis as well as taking frequent breaks.
3. Best Practice – The Equipment.
Sitting.
With the use of a laptop computer there will always be a trade off between achieving a comfortable keying position and placing the screen at a viewing distance that is comfortable to the user. Posture is important and the user should not sit forward in a hunched up position for either keying or viewing operations.
Seating should preferably be such that a good position can be achieved which will prevent aches and pains in the small of the back or legs. Wherever possible an adjustable chair should be used such that it will allow the user to sit far enough back so that the lower part of the back is supported by the backrest. Where this is not possible i.e. a non-adjustable chair is being used, then a cushion or pillow can be used to support the back of the user.
Chair height is important and when seated the user’s forearms should be roughly horizontal when the hands are on the keyboard. If using a non-adjustable chair then again, seat height can be varied by the use of cushions.
Use of the Laptop Keyboard.
When using the keyboard the user should avoid any awkward bending of the wrists. Sitting too high or too low will lead to the wrists being in a bent position. Chairs should be positioned so that a neutral keying position is obtained i.e. that the forearms, wrists and hand are in a straight line.
It is important for the user to sit upright as this will reduce stress on the head and the neck. Pushing the keyboard back a little can help in this situation. It is preferable to use the laptop on a desk or table so that with the arms resting on the work surface it should be possible to keep the wrists in a relaxed, neutral position.
Using a Laptop Mouse.
Although laptops come equipped with an integral mouse, for prolonged usage it is best practice to use a separate mouse. If the laptop mouse is to be used then it is advisable not to screw up the fingers into a claw position or hold them in the air. Hands should be kept flat and the fingers relaxed when using a trackball, glide pad or nipple operated mouse.
The Laptop Screen.
Glare and reflections on a computer screen should be avoided wherever possible.A laptop should be positioned such that these do not occur.
Where a window is causing reflections then the laptop should be re-positioned.If there are curtains or blinds to the window these should be used.
The angle of the screen can affect the amount of glare and reflection that can be picked up. A compromise may have to be made between glare, reflections and the most comfortable viewing angle. If a free standing monitor can be used either with or without a docking station then this can be much better.
The laptop screen should be kept clean at all times.
4. Best Practice – The Environment.
The laptop computer, because of its portability, will be used in many differing environments.
If using it at home then it is important to find a suitable place to work that has both a comfortable chair and a desk/table to place the laptop on.
Sitting on the edge of a sofa or armchair is not suitable because of the posture problems that this can cause. If the chair will not support your back then use a cushion to assist. Again, use a cushion to give more height if the chair will not adjust.
It is not considered to be good practice to use a laptop when lying on a bed or couch.
If you are lying on your back then your neck will be in an awkward position as you try to see the screen. Equally, if you lie on your front then you will be putting strain on the lower part of the back as your body bends at the waist.
If you use your laptop whilst in a car then under no circumstances should you use it whilst driving. Wherever possible you should sit upright in the passenger seat with the seat pushed well back. You can then rest the laptop on a flat surface such as a briefcase, which helps to raise the laptop height as well as giving an improved keying position for the wrists and hands.
The use of a laptop on trains and planes has become more prevalent. However, the risks here to the user are usually increased due to lack of space. In most cases the laptop will have to be positioned close to the user and the poor posture that results may well lead to the onset of aches and pains in the back, neck and forearm. In this situation the laptop should be used as little as possible.
5. Manual Handling.
Laptop computers vary in size and weight. In many instances these are accompanied by the use of peripherals such as portable printers. Manual handling becomes an issue because of the portability of both the computer equipment and any associated manuscript documentation. Whilst the laptop and any associated printer will usually have a carrying case of some description, the overall weight and methods of transportation need to be considered. Carrying cases of the type with single shoulder straps can put strain on the back muscles if equipment is carried for any distance or for any long period of time. If a briefcase is also carried then the overall weight plus the awkwardness of the resulting load can be a problem. The use of a backpack is more advantageous. Consideration should be given to the use of a hand trolley as a means of making transportation easier.
6. Security.
The security of personnel who carry laptops is of prime importance.Laptop computers are expensive and there is always a risk of theft or mugging in some circumstances. This can be tackled by a combination of user training and task design, for example:
(a) Do not design tasks in such a way that lone users are expected to carry or use portable equipment in circumstances where theft is likely.
(b) Train all users to take sensible precautions such as not carrying portables in luggage with a computer manufacturer’s branding on it; not leaving equipment where it is visible in a parked car, taking extra care in public places or in other situations (or at times) where the risk of theft may be greater.
7. User/Risk Assessment.
People who use a laptop computer as a significant part of their day-to-day work are subject to the requirements of the DSE Regulations.
In this instance it is important to determine which people who use a laptop can be considered to be “Users” and thus come under the regulations.
A questionnaire of the type at Appendix A can help in reaching a decision.
Any subsequent risk assessment should consider how much time an individual spends using the laptop and what kind of environment it is to be used in. Attempts should be made to reduce the amount of use by allowing the tasks to be carried out in alternative ways. If this is not possible then methods of reducing or controlling any risks associated with the use should be examined.
It must also be remembered that laptop users who use them significantly as part of their day to day activities should be offered eye tests etc in the same way as for desktop users.
Issues to consider when conducting a risk assessment should include:
- How often the laptop is used.
- Where it is used.
- Manual Handling i.e. the carriage of the equipment plus any peripherals etc.
- Personal security.
You can also download a generic risk assessment for laptop use here: Laptop Computers - Generic Risk Assessment - Word Document
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
What the Trade Unions have to say about Health & Safety
Anyone who has a direct involvement with health and safety in their workplace will come into contact with trade unions, whether it is through attendance at Safety Committee meetings, involvement with Union Safety Representatives or possibly as a result of accident investigations etc. Whilst all Safety Representatives are entitled to receive relevant health and safety training (Safety Representatives & Safety Committees Regulations 1977), additional information is also available to them, normally directly from their particular trade union.
In the current era most trade unions have developed a website to provide information to their members on a variety of health and safety topics and these sites can also be useful to the safety practitioner.
What follows is a list of some of the most common trade unions and their website addresses, with notes telling you what to expect to find on each particular site.
AEEU – this is now Amicus which represents manufacturing, technical and skilled persons. The website address is: www.amicustheunion.org/ This site contains a key word search engine and if you enter “Health & Safety” it will open up a page allowing you to access at least 30 displayable items with a general safety theme.
CWU – this is the Communication Workers Union site. The website address is: www.cwu.org/ Here health and safety information can be obtained by looking at “CWU Services” on the opening page and you will find that Health and Safety is one of the items on the drop down list. Clicking on this will take you to the health and safety home page that has a list of 21 subject headings all of which can be opened to give further information on the chosen subject.
GMB – this is the General, Municipal and Boilermakers site. The main website address is: http://www.gmb.org.uk/homepage.asp?NodeID=89643This opens the Home Page and the site has a search engine. By typing in “Health & Safety” you will open up a page with general health and safety information.
NUT – this is the site for the National Union of Teachers and the website address is:www.teachers.org.uk/index.php There is a list of subjects on the opening page and health and safety is listed amongst these. Clicking on this subject brings up the health and safety home page that has four sections devoted to health and safety topics, mainly relevant to the school environment.
TGWU – this the Transport and General Workers Union and the website address is:http://www.tgwu.org.uk/homepage.asp?NodeID=88397This site has a search engine and if you key in “Health & Safety” it will bring up an opening page that contains news items of relevance as well as giving the reader the opportunity to see “H&S Update” the union health and safety publication.
UNISON – this is the union for public sector workers and the website address is:www.unison.org.uk/safety/index.asp This should take you directly to the health and safety opening page that gives access to H&S Information sheets and guides, Branch H&S Bulletins etc. You can also gain access to Safety Representative guides and information on current news items.
USDAW – This is the union for shop, distributive and allied workers and the website is: www.usdaw.org.uk/ The opening page has a keyword search facility and entering “Health and Safety” will open up a results page listing a number of document headings (258 at the time I accessed it). It is worth noting that not all of these deal directly with workplace safety.
And finally, the TUC – The Trades Union Congress, the federation which represents over 70 trade unions and who’s website is: http://www.tuc.org.uk/ On the opening page is a search engine with a drop down menu. Health & Safety is one of the items in the menu and clicking on it will bring up the health and safety home page. This gives a scroll down feature giving access to the latest issues of “Risks” the TUC health and safety publication and shows the publication content, latest news items and a list of associated health and safety website links. Also on the opening page is displayed a list of subject headings which can prove to be useful.
So there you have it, if you want to find out where your local Safety Representative or Branch Secretary, Shop Steward etc gets all of his/her safety information from take a look at the relevant website. There are, as I have mentioned, many more sites. If I have not included your trade union here use one of the search engines such as “Google” or “Ask Jeeves“ etc and just key in the union name and go from there. Good surfing!
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
In the current era most trade unions have developed a website to provide information to their members on a variety of health and safety topics and these sites can also be useful to the safety practitioner.
What follows is a list of some of the most common trade unions and their website addresses, with notes telling you what to expect to find on each particular site.
AEEU – this is now Amicus which represents manufacturing, technical and skilled persons. The website address is: www.amicustheunion.org/ This site contains a key word search engine and if you enter “Health & Safety” it will open up a page allowing you to access at least 30 displayable items with a general safety theme.
CWU – this is the Communication Workers Union site. The website address is: www.cwu.org/ Here health and safety information can be obtained by looking at “CWU Services” on the opening page and you will find that Health and Safety is one of the items on the drop down list. Clicking on this will take you to the health and safety home page that has a list of 21 subject headings all of which can be opened to give further information on the chosen subject.
GMB – this is the General, Municipal and Boilermakers site. The main website address is: http://www.gmb.org.uk/homepage.asp?NodeID=89643This opens the Home Page and the site has a search engine. By typing in “Health & Safety” you will open up a page with general health and safety information.
NUT – this is the site for the National Union of Teachers and the website address is:www.teachers.org.uk/index.php There is a list of subjects on the opening page and health and safety is listed amongst these. Clicking on this subject brings up the health and safety home page that has four sections devoted to health and safety topics, mainly relevant to the school environment.
TGWU – this the Transport and General Workers Union and the website address is:http://www.tgwu.org.uk/homepage.asp?NodeID=88397This site has a search engine and if you key in “Health & Safety” it will bring up an opening page that contains news items of relevance as well as giving the reader the opportunity to see “H&S Update” the union health and safety publication.
UNISON – this is the union for public sector workers and the website address is:www.unison.org.uk/safety/index.asp This should take you directly to the health and safety opening page that gives access to H&S Information sheets and guides, Branch H&S Bulletins etc. You can also gain access to Safety Representative guides and information on current news items.
USDAW – This is the union for shop, distributive and allied workers and the website is: www.usdaw.org.uk/ The opening page has a keyword search facility and entering “Health and Safety” will open up a results page listing a number of document headings (258 at the time I accessed it). It is worth noting that not all of these deal directly with workplace safety.
And finally, the TUC – The Trades Union Congress, the federation which represents over 70 trade unions and who’s website is: http://www.tuc.org.uk/ On the opening page is a search engine with a drop down menu. Health & Safety is one of the items in the menu and clicking on it will bring up the health and safety home page. This gives a scroll down feature giving access to the latest issues of “Risks” the TUC health and safety publication and shows the publication content, latest news items and a list of associated health and safety website links. Also on the opening page is displayed a list of subject headings which can prove to be useful.
So there you have it, if you want to find out where your local Safety Representative or Branch Secretary, Shop Steward etc gets all of his/her safety information from take a look at the relevant website. There are, as I have mentioned, many more sites. If I have not included your trade union here use one of the search engines such as “Google” or “Ask Jeeves“ etc and just key in the union name and go from there. Good surfing!
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Stress in the Workplace
There are a number of sites that deal with stress, although just by keying in this word will bring up a lot of sites that just advertise pills and potions to deal with it! However, the best place to start for information on the subject is the HSE site athttp://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/ This site gives a definition of stress and includes a list of resources that are all accessible just by clicking on them. These cover seven separate subjects such as the HSE’s Management Standards for Stress and how to use them, details of the HSE’s published guidance on tackling work-related stress, through to advice for individuals and managers of individuals suffering from work-related ill-health.
Following on from this is one of the HSE’s guidance booklets entitled “Work Related Stress – a Short Guide” and this is accessible from:http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg281.pdf#search This is available as a pdf document and contains some useful advice on the subject. It is also available as a free booklet obtainable from the HSE Books website.
For an example of a company stress policy document, again published by the HSE, take a look at http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/pdfs/examplepolicy.pdf Whilst this policy is recommended for small firms and those with a workforce up to 750 employees it is only a “broad-brush” policy but it does contain all of the necessary ingredients to be developed and tailored to meet individual employers needs.
The Trade Unions, of course, also have something to say about stress in the workplace and a good starting point is the TUC site at: http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/index.cfm?mins=37 The opening page directs you to other links which contain additional information and which describe the TUC’s approach to stress in the workplace and is well worth a look.
Not to be outdone, Channel 4 also has some information on the subject that can be viewed at http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/stress/index.html This is a useful site that contains information on all kinds of stress, not just in the workplace. The left hand side of the opening page shows a drop down menu that gives various headings under the title of stress. Again, well worth a look to get the bigger picture.
There are, of course, many more sites but I think to quote you any more would be too stressful! Happy surfing!
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Following on from this is one of the HSE’s guidance booklets entitled “Work Related Stress – a Short Guide” and this is accessible from:http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg281.pdf#search This is available as a pdf document and contains some useful advice on the subject. It is also available as a free booklet obtainable from the HSE Books website.
For an example of a company stress policy document, again published by the HSE, take a look at http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/pdfs/examplepolicy.pdf Whilst this policy is recommended for small firms and those with a workforce up to 750 employees it is only a “broad-brush” policy but it does contain all of the necessary ingredients to be developed and tailored to meet individual employers needs.
The Trade Unions, of course, also have something to say about stress in the workplace and a good starting point is the TUC site at: http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/index.cfm?mins=37 The opening page directs you to other links which contain additional information and which describe the TUC’s approach to stress in the workplace and is well worth a look.
Not to be outdone, Channel 4 also has some information on the subject that can be viewed at http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/stress/index.html This is a useful site that contains information on all kinds of stress, not just in the workplace. The left hand side of the opening page shows a drop down menu that gives various headings under the title of stress. Again, well worth a look to get the bigger picture.
There are, of course, many more sites but I think to quote you any more would be too stressful! Happy surfing!
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Building Regulations Part P
- A new requirement has been added to Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations. This requirement, ‘Requirement P', has been limited to fixed electrical installations in dwellings, with minor works not needing to be notified.
- A new Approved Document P has been published, giving guidance on ways of complying that are based on the fundamental principles set out in Chapter 13 of BS 7671: 200.
These regulations came into effect from January 1st 2005.
The NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) website contains some useful information on the new regulations, how they apply to domestic installations and details of the exemptions.Have a look at Householders - electrical safety and further details can be had by clicking on the link for Part P at the bottom of the opening page.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s website at www.odpm.gov.uk/ also contains information.
Use the search engines on both of these sites for more detailed information as well as answers to FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) on the subject.A free leaflet entitled “New rules for electrical safety in the home” will be available from local authorities and competent person scheme operators in the New Year.
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
The Working at Height Regulations 2005
The Working at Height Regulations 2005
NEW legislation regarding working at height became law in April 2005, the Working at Height Regulations 2005. Falls from height account for almost 25% of deaths at work each year. In 2003/04 falls from height at work resulted in 67 deaths and nearly 4000 major injuries.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others (e.g. facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) to the extent they control the work. The Regulations came into force on the 6th April 2005.
The Regulations themselves are available from the HSE and can be accessed by clicking on: http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm This is a complete copy of the Regulations as issued by HMSO.
The HSE have issued a Guidance Note dealing with the subject and this is available by clicking on: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf This guidance note gives an introduction to the Regulations themselves and also contains a lot of very useful, easy to read information.
Answers to some of the questions you might have regarding the subject are available from the HSE Construction Division by clicking on: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/pdf/fallsqa.pdf This 17-page document contains a lot of practical advice on how the Regulations should be applied in the workplace and deals with 25 different aspects of working at height.
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
NEW legislation regarding working at height became law in April 2005, the Working at Height Regulations 2005. Falls from height account for almost 25% of deaths at work each year. In 2003/04 falls from height at work resulted in 67 deaths and nearly 4000 major injuries.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others (e.g. facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) to the extent they control the work. The Regulations came into force on the 6th April 2005.
The Regulations themselves are available from the HSE and can be accessed by clicking on: http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm This is a complete copy of the Regulations as issued by HMSO.
The HSE have issued a Guidance Note dealing with the subject and this is available by clicking on: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf This guidance note gives an introduction to the Regulations themselves and also contains a lot of very useful, easy to read information.
Answers to some of the questions you might have regarding the subject are available from the HSE Construction Division by clicking on: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/pdf/fallsqa.pdf This 17-page document contains a lot of practical advice on how the Regulations should be applied in the workplace and deals with 25 different aspects of working at height.
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Accident/Ill-Health Statistics & Road Transport Statistics
Accident/Ill-Health Statistics & Road Transport Statistics
Accident & Ill Health Statistics
Accident/ill-health statistics can paint a picture that can be a useful tool for the H&S practitioner. Such information can be used to identify specific trends and this can be useful in targeting a safety campaign etc.
Whilst most companies prepare accident statistics for their own purposes, sometimes it is useful to view the bigger picture. Since before the introduction of RIDDOR (Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995) the HSE has been producing UK-wide statistics on an annual basis. The current statistics are for the year 2003/2004 with information obtained from a variety of sources. The tables for 2004/2005 will not be available until later this year after the “number-crunching” exercise has been completed.
The HSE website for this information is: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh0304.pdf
You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view this information as it is in the pdf format. There is a wealth (40 pages) of statistical information displayed on the site. This covers everything from fatal and non-fatal injuries, the targets for Revitalising Health and Safety through to information on various kinds of ill-health at work.
This is a useful site and whilst the information is sufficiently detailed, it is easy to access and to read.
Road Transport Accident Statistics
The best site for this information is the Department for Transport website which can be found at:
Department for Transport
This site contains a raft of useful information but is a little complicated to manoeuvre when trying to find a definitive information category. However, all the information on road transport accidents is there. On the opening page a drop down menu on the RHS contains a heading “Transport Statistics” and by clicking on this it will open up a page with a choice of available information. Just clicking on “Route to Data” will open a page, again with choices. Click on “Transport Statistics for Great Britain” and you will find plenty of information all in different categories.
These two sites should give sufficient information on national statistics for the safety professional. Other sites, usually owned by insurance companies, will also provide information but be wary, a lot of this is claim based and does not necessarily give a true overall picture!
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Safety Passport Schemes by Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Safety Passport schemes under various guises have been around since the mid-80’s. Some have been successful and still exist whilst others have long since disappeared.
Most of these passports were aimed at contractors and were designed to demonstrate an acceptable level of health and safety knowledge associated with the workforce. Many companies have insisted that for contractor works all contractors’ employees on their sites must hold a relevant safety passport.
But what kind of passport? Issued by whom? Exactly how many different kinds are there and what is their status?
A good starting point is the review that the HSE undertook in 2003 and which can be viewed at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2003/hsl03-10.pdf
This review (although dated) covers the many types of passports that were available in the UK and Europe at that time. The HSE review shows in its appendix a list of passport providers and their associated industries as well as stating for how long the passports are valid for.
The HSE also has a free guidance leaflet describing passport schemes at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg381.pdf and although the HSE and Environmental bodies do not endorse any particular scheme, the leaflet does provide some sound advice on schemes in general and the suggested content of the associated training.
There is not room here to explore all of the existing schemes but two of the main ones are worthy of mention. First of all there is the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (usually known as the CSCS scheme) that is aimed at construction industry operatives. Details of this scheme can be found at: http://www.cscs.uk.com/ Here nine different versions of the passport card are available and full details of these and the scheme in general is available in the scheme booklet that can be viewed by navigating on the site.
One other major scheme is the one run by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (the ECITB) and is the Client –Contractor National Safety Group scheme (usually known as the CCNSG scheme). This scheme is aimed at operatives who work in the power generation, chemical, mining and petro-chemical industries.
Details of this scheme can be found at: http://www.ecitb.org.uk/learning_&_development/adult_learning/safety_passport.cfm
Both of the above schemes involve employee training and accreditation and each of the sites offer details of approved training providers.
For those of you that remember IOSH being participants in such a scheme may be interested to know that they withdrew their involvement in September 2004 (this was the IOSH-SPA scheme) – see the official letter at: http://www.iosh.co.uk/index.cfm?go=news.item&id=459
By using a search engine and typing in Safety Passport you can obtain details of many of the other schemes. However, I warn you, most of the sites belong to training providers and there are a lot of them to work your way through!
Happy surfing,
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
Most of these passports were aimed at contractors and were designed to demonstrate an acceptable level of health and safety knowledge associated with the workforce. Many companies have insisted that for contractor works all contractors’ employees on their sites must hold a relevant safety passport.
But what kind of passport? Issued by whom? Exactly how many different kinds are there and what is their status?
A good starting point is the review that the HSE undertook in 2003 and which can be viewed at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2003/hsl03-10.pdf
This review (although dated) covers the many types of passports that were available in the UK and Europe at that time. The HSE review shows in its appendix a list of passport providers and their associated industries as well as stating for how long the passports are valid for.
The HSE also has a free guidance leaflet describing passport schemes at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg381.pdf and although the HSE and Environmental bodies do not endorse any particular scheme, the leaflet does provide some sound advice on schemes in general and the suggested content of the associated training.
There is not room here to explore all of the existing schemes but two of the main ones are worthy of mention. First of all there is the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (usually known as the CSCS scheme) that is aimed at construction industry operatives. Details of this scheme can be found at: http://www.cscs.uk.com/ Here nine different versions of the passport card are available and full details of these and the scheme in general is available in the scheme booklet that can be viewed by navigating on the site.
One other major scheme is the one run by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (the ECITB) and is the Client –Contractor National Safety Group scheme (usually known as the CCNSG scheme). This scheme is aimed at operatives who work in the power generation, chemical, mining and petro-chemical industries.
Details of this scheme can be found at: http://www.ecitb.org.uk/learning_&_development/adult_learning/safety_passport.cfm
Both of the above schemes involve employee training and accreditation and each of the sites offer details of approved training providers.
For those of you that remember IOSH being participants in such a scheme may be interested to know that they withdrew their involvement in September 2004 (this was the IOSH-SPA scheme) – see the official letter at: http://www.iosh.co.uk/index.cfm?go=news.item&id=459
By using a search engine and typing in Safety Passport you can obtain details of many of the other schemes. However, I warn you, most of the sites belong to training providers and there are a lot of them to work your way through!
Happy surfing,
Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP
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