Health & Safety Training - News

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Job Opportunity Calssified

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Job Opportunity Classified Advertising with Red Pen

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Forklift Safety

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Types Of Forklifts

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Industrial Forklift

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Warehouse.

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Lift Trucks

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Forklift Safety Week 2013

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Tyneside Worker Injured

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Forklift Safety Training

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First Aid Mistakes

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Bulding Inspection Incomplete Stucco

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A building inspector checking over incomplete stucco work on new construction. Focus on stucco work.

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Essential Scaffold Safety

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:43:37 +0000

Every year people are hurt falling from scaffolding because simple rules and procedures haven’t been followed correctly - whether it’s a dangerous or incorrect erection method, resulting in an unsafe structure, or the structure being misused which can cause slips, trips, falls, and even overturned towers! Scaffold safety is not just about following the rules and avoiding HSE fines or legal penalties, it’s essential to maintain high standards and to keep your workers, and the general public, safe. The best way to gain a thorough understanding of the governing regulations, ensuring your company is operating within the law and not risking the health or safety of your workers or the public, is to ensure your scaffolding team undergo a PASMA accredited tower scaffolding course. These courses are approved by the HSE, so you can rest assured they cover all the necessary subjects… Erection and dismantling There are two safe methods of work that should be followed when constructing tower scaffolding- The Advanced Guard Rail System is where temporary guard rail units are fitted to the working platform from below, ensuring they are safely in place before any workers access the platform. The ‘Through the Trap’ Method is where the operative fits the guard rails from a trap door in the platform, so as to ensure they don’t access an unguarded platform. Stability Stability is assured by guaranteeing certain procedures and rules are adhered to-

Firstly, the tower must be positioned on firm, level ground and the base plates must be properly secured.
Secondly, stabilisers or outriggers must be fitted in line with the manufacturers’ directions (instruction manual).
Lastly, it is essential that the tower is never erected to a height bigger than directed by the manufacturer.

Precautions and Inspection Tower scaffolds should be constructed to the same standards as all scaffolds, with double guardrails, toe-boards, bracing and access ladders. This is essential as without all the necessary parts in the correct position, the structure will not have adequate strength, which could easily lead to a collapse. If a worker could fall more than 2 meters from the platform, the scaffold must be inspected directly after erection and then at least every 7 days. If any faults are found, all work must cease until they have been fixed. All inspections should be documented and recorded. Using and Moving Using It’s essential you don’t use scaffold towers if there’s a chance it could become unsafe, for example never use towers:

In severe weather or strong winds
To provide support for access equipment
If parts are broken or missing
With incorrect or incompatible components

Moving It’s vital that you follow some simple rules when moving a tower, making sure you always:

Ensure the tower is no higher than 4 meters
Inspect the area for power cables or overhead obstructions
Make sure the ground is firm and flat
Manually push or pull, from the base

And never move a tower with people, equipment or materials still on it! Tower scaffolding is the best way to keep you workers safe while they are working at a height and by following simply rules, and keeping your workers up to date with training, you can be sure you’ll be doing everything possible to keep your site a safe place. For more information about PASMA scaffolding safety courses, from an approved instructor contact the professional team at Health and Safety Training Ltd.

Increase Your Employability With Health And Safety Training

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:24:57 +0000

With huge numbers of people out of work, finding worthwhile employment can be tough. That’s why it’s essential to do everything you can to increase your employability and give yourself an edge over other people applying for the same jobs. Health and Safety Training Ltd can help – we believe it is vital to ensure that more people have the skills, knowledge and qualifications to help them stand out above the rest. That’s why we offer full government funding for Plant Operations NVQ Level 2 to unemployed people who are currently claiming benefits. We strive to give those people looking for a job the opportunity to get back into work by learning new skills, and gaining an industry recognised qualification that will benefit both them and their future employers. Each learner gets to choose the truck they wish to train on, whether that’s the forklift truck, telescopic handler or mobile elevated work platform (scissors lift, boom lift or cherry picker). The dedicated team of instructors and assessors here at Health and Safety Training Ltd will teach them all the essential skills needed to operate and maintain the vehicle successfully, as well as covering other modules that will help them to become effective members of any workforce, such as Health and Safety awareness and effective communication in the workplace. We have been providing fully funded Plant Operations NVQs to unemployed clients since November 2011 and during this time we have trained over 100 people. Since passing the course and gaining new skills, so far about 20% of these have managed to find full time employment using their new qualification, with many more still applying as jobs become available. We have an ever growing demand for funded training courses, but are unfortunately restricted in the amount of places we can offer due to lack of funding from the government. Hopefully this year things will begin to improve, come April and the new financial year, but until then check back for any further updates and feel free to contact us regarding eligibility criteria and getting a place on a funded course.

HSE Tightens Safety Checks

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:30:27 +0000

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responding to a rise in workplace related accidents by vowing to carry out more surprise checks on construction and refurbishment sites. Between 2010 and 2011, it was reported that 50 people died and more than 2000 people were seriously injured in accidents that could have been avoided if simple practical precautions had been taken into consideration. HSE officials will be visiting sites to ensure that they are operating safely and within the relevant legal guidelines in a new initiative aimed at reducing these kinds of accidents. Any building sites they find that are being managed poorly and, as a result, are presenting unnecessary risks to workers, will have action taken against them. The inspections will cover all aspects of on-site health and safety, from high risk activities such as working at heights and in confined spaces, to more common sense regulations that include ‘good order’ and checking that the site is generally clean and tidy with safe, clear access routes. Ensuring your site is running in strict compliance with the relevant health and safety regulations will not only help you avoid penalties, fines and legal action, but it will also help your site run more efficiently. Effective health and safety is proven to reduce absences and sick leave and speed up processes, and the investment in protecting and training your workers will help you retain staff. Health and Safety Training Ltd have been delivering quality training for many years and have developed a comprehensive repertoire of courses - from general safety on site and first aid, to specific training on equipment and machinery that will ensure that operatives fulfil their responsibilities in relation to health and safety. All of our courses are approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and accredited by the leading industry bodies and authorities, so if you need any guidance or training before the HSE officials visit your site, make sure you give us a call. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responding to a rise in workplace related accidents by vowing to carry out more surprise checks on construction and refurbishment sites. Between 2010 and 2011, it was reported that 50 people died and more than 2000 people were seriously injured in accidents that could have been avoided if simple practical precautions had been taken into consideration. HSE officials will be visiting sites to ensure that they are operating safely and within the relevant legal guidelines in a new initiative aimed at reducing these kinds of accidents. Any building sites they find that are being managed poorly and, as a result, are presenting unnecessary risks to workers, will have action taken against them. The inspections will cover all aspects of on-site health and safety, from high risk activities such as working at heights and in confined spaces, to more common sense regulations that include ‘good order’ and checking that the site is generally clean and tidy with safe, clear access routes. Ensuring your site is running in strict compliance with the relevant health and safety regulations will not only help you avoid penalties, fines and legal action, but it will also help your site run more efficiently. Effective health and safety is proven to reduce absences and sick leave and speed up processes, and the investment in protecting and training your workers will help you retain staff. Health and Safety Training Ltd have been delivering quality training for many years and have developed a comprehensive repertoire of courses - from general safety on site and first aid, to specific training on equipment and machinery such as forklift training that will ensure that operatives fulfil their responsibilities in relation to health and safety. All of our courses are approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and accredited by the leading industry bodies and authorities, so if you need any guidance or training before the HSE officials visit your site, make sure you give Health and Safety Training Ltd a call.

Funding For Unemployed Learners

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:32:33 +0000

Health & Safety Training Ltd are now able to offer funded training for unemployed learners who are currently claiming active benefits. We can provide fully funded training for our plant operations training programme which can help operate such machinery as fork lift trucks, cherry picker, scissors lift and telescopic handler. Please see website for full details.

The Hazards of Working at Heights

admin — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:58:07 +0000

If you or your employees work at heights or with Mobile Elevated Working Platforms, the real hazards of the job quickly become routine and simple safety procedures can be easily overlooked. This can lead to unnecessary risks being taken, which can result in accidents that should be easily avoidable. Any accidents occurring at heights can have tragic consequences, so it is essential that every step is taken to reduce the risks associated with this type of work.

IPAF Training

IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) believe that everyone who works at heights, or uses access equipment such as cherry pickers or scissor lifts, should undergo at least a basic level of training to ensure they have the skills to safely and effectively use powered access equipment. Their qualifications are recognised worldwide and across numerous industries, and satisfy all the requirements set down by health and safety legislation and applicable working at height regulations. It is the employers’ duty to provide adequate training for their employees and without it they are responsible for any resulting accidents, injuries and legal repercussions. The training courses devised by IPAF are delivered by approved training centres worldwide, such as HST ltd, and each organisation is regularly audited by IPAF to ensure the highest standards of training, that will keep them and those around them safe.

The PAL Card

On completion of the courses, the newly qualified operative will receive a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), which certifies that the holder has undergone the training required by international standard ISO 18878:2004 (mobile elevating work platforms operator training). These cards are essential for anyone working at heights, whether operating machinery is their main job or if they use access equipment in addition to their main job, such as electricians or decorators. The platforms on equipment such as cherry pickers or scissor lifts are designed to assist safe working at heights, and are easy to use but it is essential that basic training is provided to ensure safe and effective use. By ensuring your employees have a PAL card, you can rest assured you have fulfilled your obligations in line with the necessary legal requirements.

IPAF And HST

Health and Safety Training are one of the region’s leading IPAF training providers, training hundreds of operatives each year and ensuring they have the skills to stay safe whilst working at heights. The MEWP (Mobile Elevated Working Platforms) training courses we deliver are fully approved by IPAF and the HSE and, as such, whether you or your team need cherry picker training, scissor lift training or safety harness inspection training, you can trust the team at HST.

HST Open a New Training Centre in Gateshead

admin — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:09:13 +0000

Health and Safety Training Ltd are proud to announce the opening of their new 10,500 sq ft, Team Valley premises, located in Gateshead. We know that at a time when jobs are scarce, it is essential that anyone looking for work has access to training and qualifications that will make them more employable and our new premises will ensure just that! As one of the leading providers of health and safety training courses throughout Northern England, you can be sure our new premises will benefit from the years of experience we have developed. Team Valley will make our training courses for unemployed learners much easier to access, but still maintain the high standards we have become renowned for. The new training centre is well equipped, the team of instructors are trained to the same high calibre and the training they deliver will be audited by the same governing bodies, ensuring our new learning environment is just as effective and comfortable as the original. Initially we will only be offering our NVQ forklift training courses from the Team Valley site, but as the training centre becomes more established we will be able to offer a full range of courses, such as the ones already available at our North Shields base. So, whatever type of training your require, you can rely on Health and Safety Training Ltd to help you gain the qualifications you need to find work, wherever you are located in the North East region.

Protect Yourself, Your Business And Your Employees From Corporate Manslaughter

admin — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:51:50 +0000

Britain has one of the lowest rates of fatal occupational injuries in Europe, thanks in large part to the array of health and safety legislation that must be adhered to by all businesses. So although it sometimes seems like too much, and many people see conforming to these regulations as an unnecessary chore, it’s obvious that they are having a positive effect on the safety of workers. The problem… That said, in 2011 there were still a reported 171 people who died as a result of work related accidents, with many of these in the construction industry. Occupational ill health and injuries still have a massive impact on our economy, with a huge amount of working days lost every year to the 1.2 million people who suffer from an illness caused or made worse by their work. The legislation… As a result, the Government introduced a new set of criminal laws that will hold managers and company bosses personally liable for accidents at work. The introduction of: Corporate Manslaughter – applicable to the company or organisation Gross Negligence Manslaughter – applicable to the individual Both place a Duty of Care on employers to manage and organise their activities responsibly, in line with all the relevant workplace health and safety legislation and the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidelines. The risks… Corporate Manslaughter and Gross Negligence are statutory offences, and an organisation and individual will be found guilty of an offence if they are found to have managed activities in a way that has caused a person’s death. This means that the person responsible – an employee, manager or company director – will have a criminal conviction that could result in up to 2 years in prison, with increasingly hefty fines being imposed on the company by the courts. Protect yourself and your employees… The Institute of Directors (IOD) and the HSE have laid out clear guidelines to help protect your employees from the risk of injury, and to help protect you and your business from the risk of being prosecuted in a criminal court for gross negligence offences and Corporate Manslaughter. The essential principles for businesses to follow include:

Ensuring strong and active leadership – managers must ensure that they set the tone at the very top of the business structure, showing an active and positive commitment to enforcing health and safety procedures.
Engaging your workforce – promote high health and safety standards and legal compliance within your workplace by ensuring adequate and accredited training.
Assessment and review – health and safety risks must be properly identified, assessed and managed, relying on competent advice and legal guidelines. You must also report and review any risk assessments and steps you have taken.

Making sure that you conform to this guidance could be the most important thing you do to improve your health and safety. It will limit the risks your employees are exposed to, reducing downtime and work related sick days, and just as importantly, it will protect you and your company from criminal prosecution. Our courses can assist you with compliance by ensuring that your staff are trained to competently and legally use your machinery and equipment. For more information, contact our fully trained and qualified team.

FREE Health and Safety Training!

admin — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:04:06 +0000

Here at Health and Safety Training we are glad to announce that we are now offering more training to unemployed people than ever before! At a time when unemployment is at a high, we often find that those in construction suffer the most. As the economy struggles to support the hundreds of thousands of people out of work, new building projects and developments often get put on the back burner. Many firms go out of business, leaving those with skills out of work, and those without skills competing in a saturated job market for the few available jobs. But thanks to funding from the government, we have been able to level the playing field for those competing for construction jobs by providing free training courses and new qualifications to job seekers. We have a huge range of courses available to unemployed people, including:

Forklift Truck
Mobile Access Platforms
Telescopic Forklift
Plant Operations NVQ
Mobile Scaffold Tower
Working Safety
First Aid
Slinger and Signaller
Manual Handling
Abrasive Wheels

In the past few months we’ve received an unprecedented amount of interest in our free training courses and as a result, we’re helping more and more people find their way back into work, with the confidence in their new skills to apply for jobs and be successful. Many of our qualifications are accredited by leading industry bodies, including RTITB, IPAF, ISOH, NPORS and PASMA, and as such they are recognised throughout the industry and in many different sectors as evidence of training and skills. So if you’re looking to enhance your career prospects with a qualification that will make you a valuable asset to potential employers, look into free government funded training. The dedicated team here at Health and Safety Training can help you walk away with as many as 6 new qualifications! Contact us today to find out more - you have nothing to lose!

Working-roots

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Newcastle Office

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Health & Safety Kit

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The Africa Trust

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VehicleSafety

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Health & Safety Week

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Health & Safety Week

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IPAF Courses

admin — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:26:19 +0000

Here at HST we provide hundreds of training courses for all sorts of machinery, but our most popular courses by far are for mobile access platform training. There are more risks associated with this type of machinery because of all the different hazards they represent – making adequate training more essential! The most serious injuries and accidents occur as a result of: Entrapment – The operator can easily become trapped between part of the basket and a fixed structure, which may mean they can’t access the controls to stop the machine running. Overturning - The machine may overturn - on unstable ground, in extreme weather conditions or if they are loaded or driven incorrectly. Falling – One of the biggest risks, especially if working at an extensive height, is the operator falling from the basket. Collision – the MEWP drives like any other vehicle, which presents a risk of colliding with pedestrians, overhead cables or other vehicles. MEWP Training Working at a height, on an elevated platform, is a hazardous job for you and anyone working around you or passing by. As such, it’s essential that you take every step to stay safe and preserve the safety of those around you, and although Health and Safety regulations sometimes seem far-fetched, and even exasperating at times, it’s important to remember that they are there for a reason. IPAF – The International Powered Access Federation – have laid down a safe working standard and training syllabus that certifies workers as competent to work safely on Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs). Why Choose an IPAF Course? As the regulations concerning working at heights are constantly developing, you need a training provider you can trust to teach the most current standards, and an IPAF accredited course ensures this. 90,000 people every year train with IPAF, through fully approved and accredited training centres – such as Health and Safety Training Ltd. We offer cherry picker courses, as well as boom and scissor lift training. All of our IPAF courses are extremely popular, due in large part to the array of possible hazards that could result in accident or injury! IPAF Certification On completion of our courses, all successful learners are provided with a PAL (Powered Access Licence) card to evidence their high standard of training. This card is accepted throughout the industry and as an employer, you can rest assured your team are legally trained, and you have fulfilled your training and safety obligations by ensuring that they have undergone accredited training.

Can You Afford To Not Train Your Forklift Operatives?

admin — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:19:57 +0000

No matter what business you’re in – if your workers use forklift trucks as part of their job, it is absolutely essential that you ensure that they undergo the correct training and gain the required certification. Without it, the business owner or the responsible manager is completely liable for any accidents that result - and that can be a costly cross to bear. Before deciding to cut corners on your training to save money or time, consider whether you can really afford to… Forklift maintenance One of the most commonly overlooked costs associated with inadequate forklift training is the money you will have to put in to having your forklift trucks maintained after you’ve allowed operatives with no training or knowledge of the functions to use it. Slow production You’ll lose money where you should be making it! If you’ve taken the step and invested in forklifts to speed up daily processes and tasks, it makes sense that you’ll also invest in the training your staff need to operate if safety and effectively. Loss of equipment, assets and machinery Forklift trucks are heavy pieces of machinery, so if your forklift operatives cause an accident, it’s likely that they’ll damage much more than themselves. Crashes can result in damage to other machinery, equipment and even the structure of your property that will be costly to put right! Health and Safety Regulations Forklift training isn’t just a good idea, it’s a legal obligation - as an employer you have a duty to ensure that your staff are properly trained to carry out their jobs. So if you are found not to have provided your staff with the correct forklift training, there will be penalties, fines and possibly even imprisonment to look forward to! Legal costs If any of your employees are involved in an accident and they are injured as a result, expect to be held responsible when they make a personal claim against you! You could end up paying compensation, court costs and fines if you haven’t trained them sufficiently. Human cost You must always remember that as an employer, you have a moral duty to keep your staff safe, as well as a legal duty of care. If you haven’t provided your staff with the right level of training, and kept them up to date, you will be directly responsible for any accidents they have, and any injuries they receive as a result. So…. Don’t take the risk! Your workers are your most valuable asset -make sure they are properly trained to carry out their job safely, effectively and legally. The team at Health And Safety Training Ltd are here to help. We’ll assess your forklift training requirements and tailor a course to suit your operatives. That way you can rest assured that you are complying with the necessary legal requirements, and keeping your team them safe from avoidable accidents and injuries.

Abrasive Wheels Training

admin — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:58:35 +0000

Abrasive wheels are commonplace in many workshops and industries, and because of their wide use, it’s easy to become complacent with safety procedures and precautions. Whether it’s a portable grinder, cutting tool, polishing tool or wire buffer, it’s essential to remember that abrasive wheels present a whole range of specific hazards, and that it’s vital to always follow the necessary precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. If used incorrectly or carelessly, the wheel can break up and cause flying fragments and shards as dangerous as shrapnel! Accidents can be the result of incorrect adjustments, the wrong wheel being used for the job, damaged or defective wheels being used and the incorrect mounting of the wheel. There are a few things you should always remember when using an abrasive wheel…. Always read the manufacturer’s safety instructions! Every abrasive wheel is different, so it’s essential you read through the manufacturer’s instructions every time you get a new piece of machinery. It may only be a slight difference but it could make a huge difference to the operation of the wheel! Always check that you have the right wheel for the job Check that the wheel you are using will be able to withstand the pressure of the intended job – if you use the wrong wheel it could easily become damaged and break up, resulting in an accident. Handle and store wheels with care If you damage a wheel, even slightly, it can break up when in use and cause hazardous fragments to fly off! Inspect every wheel before use Look for any defects or damage, and carry out a sound or ‘ring’ test – tap the wheel with a light, non-metallic object such as a wooden handle; if the wheel is fine it should result in a clear, metallic tone sounding. Align the guards properly! The guards should be aligned to cover the wheel as stated in the manufacturers’ instructions. Check the maximum wheel speed The speed of the spindle should never exceed the maximum speed stated on the wheel. Always wear safety protective clothing Even if you take all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen, so make sure you wear personal protective equipment such as goggles and close fitting overalls. These are just a few of the basic precautions to take when using an abrasive wheel, and as an employer, it is your duty to ensure that your staff are all fully trained to safely and effectively use the necessary equipment. There are many courses and training sessions available, aimed at novices as well as experienced operators, and a professional training centre like HST ltd can accommodate all of your training requirements effectively. So don’t take the risk – contact HST Ltd today to discuss abrasive wheel training and make sure your staff are safe at work.

Are You Ready For National Forklift Safety Week?

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:39:33 +0000

The Forklift Truck Association’s (FLTA) National Forklift Safety Week is fast approaching with the annual conference taking place at Warwick University on the 26^th September. It’s one of the most important events in the industry’s calendar, promising to address key issues that directly affect the safety of forklift truck operatives. The chief executive of the FLTA, David Ellison has said: “this year’s Safety Conference will be packed with solid and practical information that will be of benefit to everyone whose work involves fork lift trucks: from owners to trainers to safety officers.” Now in its 10^th year, it has been credited with considerably reducing fatal accidents in the workplace – although there’s still a long way to go with workers in the UK still being seriously injured in forklift accidents every day. Go For Gold! As such, the FLTA are challenging businesses that use forklift trucks to a quick safety test that will enhance their awareness of the importance of safety planning and training, and evidence their dedication to the safety of their employees. The short test – ‘Go For Gold’ – will be made available on the FLTA’s website during National Forklift Safety Week (although, you can register for it now on their homepage) and will give any participants the chance to strengthen their knowledge with supporting information before taking the test. Anyone who passes the test will be able to prove their dedication to health and safety awareness by displaying a certificate that shows, as an employer, you take forklift safety seriously. Next Steps… According to Logistics Business Magazine, nearly 400 people a year are seriously injured in forklift truck accidents, with one person every six weeks being fatally injured. So it’s easy to see why the FLTA are so committed to raising awareness of the importance of forklift training and safety – especially because many of the people involved in forklift truck accidents are pedestrians, not the operatives themselves. Whether you’re taking part in the ‘Go For Gold’ challenge or not, ensuring your business is up to date with forklift training really could be the difference between life and death – and as your staff are the most important assets to your business, it makes sense to ensure they are fully prepared and trained if you expect them to work in such a hazardous job. Finding the right, properly accredited training course for your team is essential – so make sure you contact a company such as Health and Safety Training Ltd. With many NPORS and RTITB accredited forklift training courses available, for all types of forklift including rough terrain trucks, pedestrian operated pallet trucks and telescopic handler forklifts – you’re sure to find a course that will satisfy your training needs and legal requirements. Health and Safety Training Ltd Health and Safety Training Ltd have become one of the leading training providers in the North East since their establishment in 2003, and as such you can rely on the dedication of their staff and the expertise of their instructors to make sure your staff are fully prepared for FLTA’s National Forklift Safety Week. Contact them on 0191 6440 332 to discuss your training needs.

The Löfstedt Review

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:53:23 +0000

At the end of 2011, an independent review was carried out into the amount of unnecessary regulations that British businesses have to conform to regarding health and safety. The Löfstedt Review made a number of recommendations based on these findings, with the aim of reducing the burden on businesses, without damaging Britain’s exceptional health and safety performance – which is amongst the best in the world. The government has accepted many of Professor Löfstedt’s recommendations, the most controversial being the removal of the requirement for first aid training to be regulated and approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Until the law changes to reflect the new recommendations, all first aid training courses, as well as the companies delivering the training, have to be fully approved by the HSE which, although it is a step further than is required by the EU, has had a significant positive influence on our health and safety record. But Löfstedt found ‘little justification’ for this requirement, as businesses should be able to decide what type of training is best for their business and be able to cut costs by choosing cheaper training courses. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 now need to be reviewed to reflect the recommendation, and as such the requirement for training providers to achieve HSE approval must be removed. This means that they will no longer be able to advertise as being HSE approved, and are likely to need to lower their costs to compete with previously cheaper, non-approved courses. This means that for a business looking to gain first aid training for their employees, they will have a greater degree of flexibility to choose a more cost effective training organisation, and a course that is more suited to their specific workplace and hazards. Although many businesses and individuals have expressed their support of what some are calling the common-sense approach to health and safety and first aid training, there are still some concerns about the repercussions. One of the biggest concerns surrounding this decision is that first aid training standards will drop, directly affecting workers who won’t have access to adequate first aid should they be involved in an accident or become ill whilst at work. Another worry is the removal of the requirement for self-employed workers to be able to apply first aid to themselves. Sole traders often work in dangerous situations, and with hazardous tools and chemicals, where they are at higher risk of injury. And with more than half of the workers in the construction industry classed as self-employed, this leaves a large part of our workforce at risk! The construction union, UCATT, have warned that some of the key recommendations in the Review will ultimately result in an increase in accidents and limited access to first aid in an industry that already “all too often fails to comply with basic safety legislation.” Health and Safety Training have been supplying HSE approved first aid training for many years, and an excellent track record and pass rate prove our dedication to providing quality, tailored courses that reflect our learners’ needs. So you can be sure that when the law does change, we’ll continue to look after the best interests of our customers and their employees.

Is Your Forklift Safety up to Scratch

admin — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:40:08 +0000

Every day in the UK there’s an average of four forklift truck accidents, and with many of these resulting in a trip to the hospital it’s essential that, as a business owner, you ensure your team are all up to date with their forklift training and have a clear understanding of their responsibilities as forklift truck operatives. Following a two year decline in accidents, the latest figures from the HSE have shown a worrying 4% increase in serious fork lift truck accidents between 2010/2011. The most concerning thing about these accidents is that many of them could have easily been avoided with the right training and maintenance, so make sure your team stay safe by following a few simple steps. Risk Assessments As a manager you are legally required to ensure the safety of your employees, and risk assessments form an important aspect of this. Regular risk assessments can help you to identify potential hazards that your operatives and the people working around your forklifts could come into contact with. Once these hazards have been properly assessed, you can take steps to reduce the risk they pose by ensuring that you properly manage the risk factor, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Risk assessments also ensure that you keep proper and detailed documentation, reporting accidents, defects and maintenance. This allows you to evidence that you have been proactive in ensuring the safety of your team, and when the time comes to review your assessment you will be able to respond to new risks appropriately. Daily Checks Every forklift truck training course will emphasise the risk of faulty machinery and the importance of maintenance checks. As such, it is essential that every day before your forklift trucks are used, they are properly inspected for any signs of damage or any faults that could affect their function and cause a risk to your workers or site visitors. Many businesses operate a register system that will record the results of every inspection, so that everyone has access to information about the machinery and maintenance can be arranged to repair any problems. Forklift Training The single most important aspect of forklift safety is forklift training. As a manager, it is your job to provide adequate training for all your employees, and that every operative is fully licensed and trained to carry out their job safely and effectively. It is highly recommended that you also provide refresher training courses for your team every two to three years, which is especially important if your operatives only use forklifts every now and again or if you get new machinery. Choose a specialist training provider with a good reputation and qualified instructors that are capable of tailoring your training courses to meet the specific needs of your business and your individual employees. Maintenance Your forklift trucks will require regular maintenance and servicing to keep them in the best possible condition. It is a legal requirement that your trucks undergo a thorough check at least every 12 months, similar to an MOT, to ensure they are safe to use. However, if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, they may recommend that your trucks are serviced more regularly, depending on how often they are used and the environments in which they are used. Regular maintenance will not only help to avoid unnecessary accidents caused by simple faults with the machinery, but they will also ensure serious faults are identified and remedied sooner rather than later, by which time the problem could have deteriorated into a larger fault that may be more costly to repair. Health and Safety Training Ltd are one of the leading providers of forklift truck training, operating throughout the North East. Their highly experienced and qualified team of instructors can help to assess your training requirements and will deliver a forklift training course that exactly reflects your specific requirements.

Why Do You Need First Aid Training?

admin — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:03:55 +0000

The Facts The St Johns Ambulance recent hard hitting campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of first aid, revealed that lack of first aid training means that every year in the UK up to 140,000 lives are lost, that could have been saved – which is the same as the amount of people that die from cancer. Everyday many of us take steps to lower our chances of contracting cancer – quitting smoking, eating healthily and exercising more. So why is it that in an emergency situation, that is just as likely to occur, we’d be helpless? Less than 1 in 5 people have a basic knowledge of first aid, so if someone we cared about, worked with or passed on the street fell ill suddenly, we’d have no skills to provide help. The Threats Things like choking, strokes, heart attacks, allergic reactions, falls and head injuries kill thousands of people every year, lives which might have been saved if someone present had enough basic first aid knowledge to understand what was happening and how to react. In the case of sudden illnesses, such as a heart attack, the casualty will have a much better chance of recovery if there’s someone available who can provide immediate first aid. The same is true of strokes, the 3^rd most common cause of death in the UK. It is essential the symptoms are recognised and that the right medical treatment is sought quickly – a delay in getting help can result in long-term disabilities or death. So you can see why, even if you work in a low risk environment, first aid training is still essential, especially when we consider that many people suffer from on-going medical conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy or diabetes. The Solution The first couple of minutes following an accident, injury or illness are the most crucial. Ensuring you provide the appropriate response can significantly affect the outcome of the situation. But in order to do so, you must be able to identify the problem and have the skills to provide the right treatment. Workplace regulations set a minimum number of first aiders to have in any environment, based largely on hazard level, ascertained through a risk assessment and number of staff. As an employer it is your responsibility to adhere to these minimum first aid requirements, and you must remember that even in a low risk environment with only a few staff, you still need to ensure:

You have a fully stocked first aid box
You have an appointed person to take responsibility for all first aid arrangements
Your employees have all the necessary information about your first aid arrangements

Although the minimum first aid requirements do not necessarily include trained first aiders, it is always recommended that you have someone available that can provide emergency treatment. Ensuring someone has enough knowledge to take control in an emergency situation can mean the difference between life and death should someone fall ill, get injured or have an accident. First Aid training is essential, whether your employer provides it as a matter of duty or, as a member of the community, you don’t want to be a helpless bystander. There are many courses available to you, as an employer or a member of the public, whether you want to gain a basic understanding or an in depth knowledge, all of which could prove the difference between life and death:

First aid at work
Paediatric first aid
First aid for the general public
Health and safety training

Health and Safety Training Ltd There are many companies that can supply the training you need but, for first aid at work, contact an experienced company that can tailor a course to suit the risks in your individual environment, as well as the threats that could affect any one of us, at any time. And remember that your training will not only help your employer adhere to their legal duties, but could one day help to save the life of a friend, family member or even a total stranger.

Get A Job With Free Forklift Training

admin — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:23:52 +0000

Whether you’ve been out of work for a while, or you’re looking to start a new career with a new company, a qualification in forklift training can give your CV the boost you need. With the high levels of unemployment affecting millions of people in the UK, the job market is saturated with people desperate for a job. So whenever you apply for a job or get an interview, chances are you’re competing against lots of other people in the same situation as you. This is especially true in the construction and warehousing industries, so increase your chances of success by gaining a useful qualification that will enhance your CV and make you stand out from the crowd! Evidence your skills – be on an equal footing with others applying for the job, if they have experience and training and you don’t, you’ll never get the job! Show your determination – prove you have a good attitude towards hard work! Many employers will be reluctant to hire people who are unemployed, especially if you’ve been out of work for a while as they might view it unfavourably. So show you are prepared for work and haven’t been wasting your time. Cost effective choice – your new employer won’t have to pay for your training so will be more likely to consider your application in a better light than someone they will have to spend money on. It’s their responsibility to ensure you’re trained, but they run a business and will want to save money wherever they can. Be an asset to a new company – if you have the skills to fit straight into your new role, without having to be trained up, you’re much more likely to become an asset to your new company, quickly. Forklift training is the perfect stepping stone into employment, especially with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) clamping down on businesses that don’t provide adequate training for employees. So look ahead to where you want to be and take responsibility for your own learning and development.

Call Health and Safety Training Ltd on 0191 6440 332 for more information about unemployment training

If you’re serious about finding work in the construction or warehousing sectors, look into the possibility of free training. There are many government funded places available to help get the high numbers of unemployed people back into work. Health and Safety Training Ltd (HST Ltd) offer a EDI QCF Certificate Qualification in Plant Operations (either forklift trucks, telescopic forklift trucks, cherry pickers or scissors lifts) that will give you a qualification accredited by one of the leading authorities –RTITB, NPORS or IPAF – and recognised throughout the industry. Your new qualification will prove you are fully trained to comply with general safety and efficient working practices and that you are trained to prepare and operate plant machinery. So, if you’re unemployed and looking for a helping hand back into work with free forklift training – contact the team at HST ltd to discuss your eligibility.

Assessing Your First Aid Requirements

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:40:40 +0000

Trying to ensure you conform to all the masses of applicable first aid regulations can be a nightmare as there is no definitive set of rules that lay out exactly what your first aid provisions should be. The number of appointed persons or first aiders you need and the contents of your first aid box will depend on what kind of environment you work in and the likelihood of injury or accident according to the level of risk present. To find out exactly what you need to make sure your employees, visitors and customers have access to appropriate first aid in the event of an accident or injury you must carry out a first aid risk assessment. You can get the assistance of a professional company to do this or you can invest on training for your staff to ensure you have someone on site who can identify and manage risks on a day to day basis. The important factors No matter what environment you work in, there are a number of things you should always consider when deciding on what equipment, facilities and personnel you need, such as: The risk of injury and ill health in the workplace This will change depending on the risks present in your workplace – so if you work in an office your risks will be much less serious than if you run a large commercial factory with hazardous chemicals. Previous accident history If you have a good track record for avoiding injuries and accidents, it may mean you mean less first aid provisions as the risks present at your workplace are obviously well managed. Number of employees This includes considering the specific needs of your employees, so if you have lots of inexperienced workers, disabled workers or workers with existing medical conditions, your first aid provisions should be adapted to suit this. Shift work If you run shifts you must ensure that every shift pattern has the required number of first aiders. This means you will require more first aiders than a similar business that only has one working shift. Number of buildings/floors You must also ensure that every area of your business has access to first aid provisions, so if your business is spread out over many floors or buildings far apart from each other, you may need more first aid provisions to ensure everyone can access the provisions quickly in an emergency. This is just a few of the necessary elements you must consider when formulating your first aid plans, but regardless of how low your risk, or how few employees you have there is a minimum number of first aiders you will require to be legally compliant. First Aiders You must remember that this is just a guideline and your individual requirements will vary as you must ensure that there is always someone available to take control in first aid emergencies. Low Risk (retail, office) Up to 50 people – 1 appointed person 50 to 100 people – 1 first aider Over 100 people – 1 first aider for every 100 people Medium Risk (processing, engineering, warehousing) Up to 20 people – 1 appointed person 20 to 100 people – 1 first aider for every 50 people Over 100 people – 1 extra first aider for every 50 people High Risk (construction, chemical, machinery) Up to 5 people – 1 appointed person 5 to 50 people – 1 first aider for every 50 people Over 100 people – 1 extra first aider for every 50 people First Aid Kits Although there is no set list of contents for your first aid kit, there are guidelines to ensure you consider the right factors when deciding on what you require and how many kits you need. Firstly, you must ensure that everyone has access to a kit, which may mean you need one per 30 people, or one per floor, depending again on the level of risk and the amount of employees you have. The contents of your kit will vary depending on your specific risks. For example, in an office you may require a very generic kit, but in a kitchen it is likely that you will need specialist equipment to deal with severe burns and scolds. First Aid Training To ensure you get everything right, and manage to understand and cater to the individual requirements of your employees and business you must ensure that you consult with a specialist training company to provide the relevant training for your employees. An experienced company such as Health and Safety Training Ltd can provide you with professional advice and take care of all your first aid training needs, from Risk Assessment Training to Emergency First Aid Training.

HSE Consultation on First Aid Changes

admin — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:02:41 +0000

On the 22^nd of October 2012, the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) began a consultation into the proposed changes to health and safety law recommended by The Löfstedt Review in November 2011. The Consultation CD248 is seeking opinions and responses to the proposal that first aid training no longer needs to be approved by the HSE for it to be considered legally sufficient. They believe the change to first aid law will benefit businesses, and hope the result of the consultation will help them to gauge the popularity of the proposal and public response to the changes. The HSE are also inviting responses to the review of the Approved Code of Practice and the content of revised guidance to support employers with the changes. So they want to know what information businesses require to assist them when assessing their own, individual first aid requirements and circumstances, and how to choose the right training provider and course.

"We believe this amendment to the First Aid Regulations will give businesses greater flexibility in choosing training and providers that are suitable for their workplace."

Andy McGrory - HSE Consultant Manager

The proposed changes will mean that there will have to be significant amends to Regulation 3(2) of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, with the aim of making it easier and more straightforward for businesses to understand and conform to health and safety law. The HSE are keen to reassure that the standards of first aid training will not slip as a result, and that they will still be monitoring companies closely to ensure that they are meeting satisfactory first aid requirements. Consultations like this are designed to get feedback on proposed or new policies from the people actually affected by them. They can have a massive influence on future laws, regulations and recommendations, as well as the information and facilities available to those who have to comply with the policy, and who may even have to change the way they work to do so. The consultation closes on the 3^rd of December, so if you run a business, or you believe this legislative change will affect you, make sure you have you’re say. Health and Safety Training have been supplying HSE approved first aid training for many years, and our excellent track record and pass rate prove our dedication to providing quality, tailored courses that reflect our learners’ needs. So you can be sure that when the law does change, we’ll continue to look after the best interests of our customers and their employees.

Choosing the Right First Aid Course Provider

admin — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:58:35 +0000

The law is changing so it’s no longer a necessity for first aid training to be approved by the Health & Safety Executive, giving businesses more freedom to choose a first aid course that is more reflective of their needs. But it does now mean that finding the right first aid training course provider could prove tricky, especially when there are so many different organisations offering a range of courses all geared towards different requirements and environments. So what should you look out for? 1 - Find out if the company you are looking to use is Government or Local Authority approved. This means they are likely to have been HSE approved, which will evidence that they are used to conforming to strict quality standards and will have fully trained and qualified instructors. 2 - One of the most important considerations is ensuring your training course in accredited by a professional, trusted and well-respected organisation. The leading awarding bodies in first aid courses include City & Guilds, HSE (until the law changes) and CIEH, so choose a course that is trusted by these organisations such as NUCO. 3 - Choosing a training provider that evidences their dedication to equality and diversity will ensure all your employees are trained to the same, professional level, irrespective of sex, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, etc. Check for the government’s two ticks logo to see if your chosen provider is ‘Positive about Disabled People’ and enquire about how they would overcome language barriers to see if they are prepared to ensure all learners receive the same attention. 4 - Ensuring your employees have access to the support and assistance they require is essential to success. A good first aid training provider will make course materials available for all learners online and will be able to accept questions and queries 24 hours a day. An organisation like HST Ltd are dedicated to ensure all their learners have access to the help they need which is why they promise to respond to any queries within 24 hours! 5 - No matter whether you’re sending one employee for first aid training or you’re sending 20, you need to be sure that your chosen training provider is flexible in the courses they deliver and with their teaching methods. So make sure they will tailor a learning plan that will exactly suit your requirements, including your environment and the specific risks that are present as well as the ability and needs of your employees. 6 - The Matrix Standard is a national quality standard for institutions or organisations offering any form of information, advice or guidance – such as first aid training and information. It enables them to assess and measure the quality of the advice services they provide to support individuals in their choice of career. 7 - No matter whether you have vulnerable employees or not, it is always advisable to ensure the instructors and staff that will be delivering the first aid course are CRB checked. This will help to keep your team protected and safe – which should always be the highest priority of a business! 8 - And finally, one of the best ways to assess the quality of the training, the flexibility of the organisation and the professionalism of the staff, is to see if the company have any testimonials or case studies displayed on their website. This is a quick and easy check that could tell you all you need to know about the organisation! This simple checklist applies to all types of training, not just first aid courses, so no matter what training you or your employees need, make sure you choose a reputable and well-respected organisation that can evidence their dedication to the success of their learners!

Should First Aid Be Taught In Schools?

admin — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:47:38 +0000

"Every year 140,000 people die from injuries and sudden illnesses who could have had a chance of survival if they had experienced immediate and effective first aid." (St John Ambulance)

St John Ambulance also state that only 1 in 10 people could or would administer CPR if someone needed it, with the vast majority of people choosing instead to wait for the emergency services to help – which in many cases is the right course of action, but unfortunately comes too late for more than 140,000 people a year…

How can our children help save lives?

So what’s the solution? How can we increase the confidence and skills of a nation so that we are all ready and capable of delivering emergency first aid to our families, friends, co-workers and even strangers in the street? Many believe we should begin by teaching first aid to children in schools. In Wales and Ireland this is already the case with first aid being a compulsory part of the curriculum, but in Scotland and here in England, this is not the case. Maisie Parkinson, aged just 11, learnt basic first aid skills during lessons at Derby High School and put them to good use when her mum Rachel, dropped a scalding hot drink on her hand. Although the injury wasn’t life or death, Maisie knew enough to cool the burn under cold running water and remove her mum’s ring to stop swelling. She stayed calm throughout, proving that she has the confidence and the ability to act quickly in an emergency! Then there’s teenager Murium Asim, who aged just 14 saved her grandfather’s life by recognising the symptoms of his heart attack and treating him until the paramedics arrived to take over. And of course there’s 13 year old Courtney Lanfear who gave her 3 year old brother, Lucas, CPR after he had a seizure in his cot, saving his little life! All these children had undergone first aid training and were able to put their skills to good use in an emergency – something many adults couldn’t do! The Red Cross believe that every child aged between 5 and 11 should be taught basic first aid, helping them to stay safe and save lives in emergency situations. It will ensure that from the day they learn their new skills, we have a new culture of first aid, with a whole generation of children growing up with the skills and confidence to save a life. Children are less likely to experience the ‘Bystander Effect’ – the more people there are at the scene of an accident, the less likely anyone is to help as they all expect someone else to take charge. So if you faint, have a heart attack or fall and break a bone, if there is a child present you are much more likely to get the help you need. By teaching children lifesaving skills they will always have them, ready to help their classmates and families, and will take these skills with them wherever they go for the rest of their lives! That’s one of the reasons St John Ambulance are running the National Schools’ First Aid Competition. They are hoping lots of students will take part to demonstrate their skills, develop their confidence and strengthen their first aid knowledge. This post was written on behalf of Health and Safety Training Ltd who are one of the leading UK experts in emergency first aid courses and first aid for the workplace.

Fire Safety in the Workplace

admin — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:06:17 +0000

Every year fires in the workplace cause huge amounts of damage to equipment and premises, with some even claiming lives and destroying businesses altogether. So how do you reduce the risk of fire in the workplace and keep yourself, your business and assets and most importantly your staff safe in the event of a fire? The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 details your responsibility and the steps you should take to manage your business safely and legally… What are your responsibilities? As an employer, landlord, owner or occupier of a premises you are the legal ‘responsible person’ and, as such, it is your duty to ensure proper fire safety measures are taken. These duties include carrying out a thorough fire risk assessment to identify all possible risks and plan a strategy for managing them safely. You must review this assessment regularly, and every time anything changes, to ensure you have every eventuality covered. You have a duty of care to your staff and any regular visitors to your premises, so it is essential you give everyone the information they need to stay safe whilst on your premises, making sure they know about all the risks and what to do in an emergency. As a result of your fire risk assessment you will be able to implement and maintain a set of fire safety precautions. The measures must be appropriate for your staff and property and adequate to reduce the risks of fire. You will also have to make a plan for what will happen in emergencies, who will take charge and an evacuation procedure, ensuring everyone knows what to do and where to assemble when the fire alarm sounds. One of your biggest responsibilities as an employer is ensuring you have someone on your staff who is properly trained to provide staff information and fire safety instruction at all times. Does this apply to every business? These fire safety responsibilities apply to every non-domestic property, including guest houses and B&Bs where people pay to spend the night, as well as all workplaces and commercial premises, all premises that the public have access to and all the communal parts of multi-occupied residential buildings, such as stair wells and corridors. If your premise is shared you will probably have to coordinate your fire safety procedures with other ‘responsible people’. So if, for example, you own an office above a shop you will need to combine evacuation procedures and fire safety measures to ensure nothing conflicts. Failing to meet your responsibilities… If you fail to take adequate steps to comply with your legal responsibilities to protect your staff, customers and premises, you could be facing much more than a slap on the wrist. Not only are you putting lives at risk but such disregard for fire safety is judged very harshly. One landlord in London has recently been charged more than £17,000 for, amongst other reasons, failing to provide adequate fire safety measures for his tenants. Insufficient fire safety precautions and training is a growing cause for concern, especially in North Yorkshire where the latest figures show that between April 2011 and March 2012, 1,416 businesses inspected by officers from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service failed their audits, with 38 of these so severe that they were the subject to enforcement orders. Health and Safety Training Ltd Health and Safety Training Ltd are one of the leading providers of health and safety, risk assessment and fire safety training to businesses and individuals throughout the North East. So if you require advice on how to fulfil your responsibilities under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and how to ensure your employees, visitors and customers are properly protected in the event of a fire – contact our team to discuss your training needs today.

Occupational Health – Your Responsibilities As An Employer

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:24:48 +0000

As an employer you have a moral obligation, as well as a legal duty, to keep your employees working safely and well whilst they are under your employment. But that’s not the only reason to look after your workers; it also makes good business sense, ensuring you avoid costly legal prosecution and penalties and develop the loyalty and morale of a workforce that knows they are highly valued. But how far exactly do your responsibilities go? It’s actually much easier than you might think to comply with your legal duties. Follow our simple steps below to make sure you manage your business correctly and keep your staff safe and healthy. 1 – As an employer you must appoint someone to take charge and help you meet your duties. This person can be yourself, another employee or an external consultant. Whoever you choose to assist you, they must be ‘competent’ having the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to ensure full compliance. 2 – Your next step is to write a health and safety policy. The policy should detail how you will manage the safety and well being of everyone working for you, explaining who is responsible for which tasks and checks and what duties they have. Your safety policy should state who is responsible for:

The provision of adequate training for all employees giving them the knowledge and skill to perform their jobs safely and legally.
Consulting with employees to gain an understanding of the everyday risks they come across, and offer advice and supervision.
The implementation of safety and emergency procedures, such as evacuation procedures in the event of a fire – this person should have sufficient fire marshal training.
The maintenance of a fully stocked first aid box, and an appointed person for taking charge in the event of a first aid emergency – this person should have sufficient first aid training .

3 – Writing your health and safety policy is often the ideal time to carry out a professional risk assessment to ensure that each risk is properly identified and assessed to determine the best course of action in managing it. Whilst undertaking a risk assessment you should consider every individual member of staff, in case anyone has any specific requirements. 4 – Consulting with your employees is a legal requirement and ensuring you support your staff to feel comfortable raising any concerns they have will ensure you understand the extent of the risks that face your employees every day. This doesn’t have to be a formal procedure, but make sure you take the time to listen to your staff and chat about their work life worries. 5 – As an employer it is your responsibility to provide training and information for all your staff. Workplace accidents are all too often attributed to lack of training which means they could have been avoidable, so it’s essential that you have taken all necessary steps to avoid accidents – this is also applicable to contractors and the self-employed. 6 – Provide the necessary facilities for your staff. The obvious provisions include clean and fully functioning toilets and wash basin facilities, drinking water, a place to change and store clothing if your staff are required to wear uniform or specialist clothing and somewhere to rest and eat meals. But there are more that you may not be aware of, such as:

Health Facilities – Good ventilation, reasonable temperatures, suitable lighting, spacious work stations and clean work environments.
Safety Facilities – Properly maintained equipment, clear walkways, no obstructions around exits or in walkways.

7 – Assessing your first aid requirements should be carried out and all arrangements should be clearly communicated to staff, ensuring everyone has access to fully stocked first aid kits and that you have a sufficiently trained appointed person to take charge of all arrangements. For more information, please contact Health & Safety directly or visit us at one of our offices.

Online Sales Boom Leads to New Job Opportunities

admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:15:21 +0000

For a long time now we’ve all known that our high street is in decline. The first memorable retail outlet to fall was Woolworths back in 2009, and since then we’ve lost a whole host of recognisable names from our shopping centres and high streets. Companies like HMV, Jessops and Blockbusters are the most recent to fall, calling in the administrators and cutting more than 10,000 jobs! But what is the cause – is it the recession, the high rates of unemployment and lack of disposable income? We know that 20% of people are surviving on less than what is now being deemed the living wage, but there might be another reason contributing to the decline of the high street. Just because we aren’t shopping on the high street, doesn’t mean we aren’t shopping… There is strong evidence to suggest that many of our high street shops are suffering because of their leading online competitors. Whilst HMV and Blockbusters were going under, many of us were signing up to media download services such as Netflix, LoveFilm and iTunes. And let’s not forget the favourite online stores Amazon and Ebay, helping us scour the internet for the best prices on everything from fashion to electronics, making it much easier and more cost effective than visiting a high street shop like Comet. When one door closes… So although it’s reported that we should expect in excess of 50,000 jobs and 5,000 stores to be lost from our high streets, we must remember that many of our online retailers are expanding, moving to larger premises and taking on new staff to cope with their additional demand. Tesco, the biggest supermarket chain in the UK, with stores in 14 countries as well as a huge online presence, is flourishing in the recession. They have ‘benefited from a strong online performance… with an online food sales growth of 18%’ and as a result they have opened their 5^th depot dedicated entirely to fulfilling online orders. The new dotcom store, which has opened in Crawley, has created 700 new jobs, from warehouse operative to drivers and managers. But it’s not just the giants of the high street that are thriving in the marketplace – many smaller businesses are experiencing unprecedented growth as a result of booming internet sales! Online retailer WAE+ has had a record first year in business, beginning with just two staff and expanding to more than 30, they have forecast another 50% increase in staff as they move into new, larger warehousing premises to accommodate their higher stock levels. They almost doubled their sales figures for December 2012 with 11,000 customer orders up from just 6,000 in December 2011. What does this mean for the UK job market? Well, with online sales booming, the next logical step for jobseekers and those made redundant from high street retail is to move into online retail. Amazon – one of the biggest online retailers in the world – created jobs for over 1000 new staff at their new warehouse in Rugeley at the end of 2012, and plan to create 2000 more over the next two years to cope with the increase in demand. Nestle have created a further 300 positions at their factory in South Derbyshire – a move they largely accredit to consumers ‘adapting to the tough economic climate by changing the way they shop’ particularly in relation to online sales. And Ocado, an entirely internet based grocery store, plan to employ another 1000 staff over the coming months as a result of their positive annual results. Unfortunately this shift in the types of jobs available will inevitably mean that many people don’t yet have the skills to simply switch jobs. Front of house and customer service roles will always be needed but many sales assistants may have to search for work in the warehousing sector – meaning they will need a new skill set. Warehousing Job Opportunities Jobs such as forklift truck operatives and warehousing technicians require certain training before they can be undertaken safely and legally, and with so many out of work, it is a very tough market to compete in. One of the best ways potential employees can improve their chances of transferring between sectors and taking advantage of the online sales boom is to undertake training, such as general health and safety training or forklift training, to make them more desirable to employers. Funded Training The only benefit of being out of work is that many companies, like Health and Safety Training Ltd, can provide forklift training to the unemployed for free as the government fund many courses to help get people into work. They work with the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and local colleges to provide a range of NVQ courses, as well as shorter safety courses, including:

Forklift training
MEWP training
Rough terrain training
Abrasive wheels training
Manual handling training

So although more and more of our favourite shops are set to disappear from our streets, it’s not all bad news. With some alternative training many of those facing an uncertain future in retail, can side step into a new career as the online sales boom continues to grow, creating a whole host of new job opportunities.

HSE News – Recent Incidents & Companies Fined

admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:06:08 +0000

The cost of failing to comply with Health and Safety Legislation The last few years have seen a general decrease in the number of non-fatal workplace injuries, with last year’s HSE statistics reporting an all-time low of 22,433 reported injuries, down from 24,944 the previous year. Although this is great news – and probably a result of the increase in health and safety training aimed at helping employers to fulfil their responsibilities and keep their workers safe – we must not forget that 22,433 people were still seriously injured in accidents that could have perhaps been avoided. One of the most commonly breached laws in relation to workplace health and safety is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974:

Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

General duties of employers to their employees.

It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.

The HSE prosecute thousands of companies every year under this legislation as they fail to ensure the safety of their workers, here’s a quick look at a few from the past month… Safer Alternatives On the 28^th Feb 2013 Cranswick County Foods, in East Yorkshire, were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £11,690 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, for failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employee. The employee had been investigating a fault with a data logger attached to a cooling unit and he had used a free standing ladder, which was resting against the chiller with no top ties or foot supports in place to keep it still. As a result it, it slipped as he reached for some tools and he fell three metres, causing serious head injuries and damage to his ear that resulted in a 4 day stay in hospital and permanent injuries. The HSE found that the injury could easily have proved fatal but could have been avoided if the ladder had been secured, or a safer alternative, such as an elevated work platform, had been supplied for the task. Risk Assessments On 20^th Feb 2013 Normanton Brick Company were fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £6,307 in costs after admitting to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act that led to an accident where a worker lost his thumb and almost severed his entire hand in a poorly-guarded press machine. The accident was caused when the employee was told the bricks being produced by the machine he was operating were below standard as the plates were clogged up. He stopped the machine and attempted to clean under the plates but, the machine re-started severing his thumb and slicing though his hand. He had to undergo numerous skin grafts and restorative operations to reattach the hand using nerve and tissue from his legs and has not been able to work since. The HSE found that this horrific accident could easily have been avoided had the employers carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment that would have identified failings in the standard of guarding on the brick press which led to the accident. Adequate Training On the 7^th Feb 2013, Allied Glass Containers Ltd, in Leeds, were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £2,623, after pleading guilty to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 after an employee received severe injures using an industrial high-pressure jet washer to clean a production line. The company had not ensured the appropriate training, information or instruction and had supplied unsuitable protective clothing - including boots that were four sizes too big - and, did not supervise him even though he had very little experience. The accident that resulted caused a severe cut to his finger when he dropped the lance of the jet washer and he had to undergo an operation to repair nerve damage. The HSE found that the company did not consider a safer alternative to using the new equipment which meant they failed completely to fulfil their duties relating to safe systems of work, training, supervision and PPE. Health & Safety Training Ltd As a responsible employer, we know that you’ll want to take every step possible to ensure the safety of your workers and avoid legal action against the business that could have been avoided. Simply contact the team at HST today to discuss your safety training needs and let us provide the courses you and your employees need to stay safe at work.

HSE Campaign To Reduce Workplace Accidents

admin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:05:14 +0000

On the 18th of February, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a month-long, national campaign aimed at reducing the number of workplace accidents that result in death, injury or ill health on construction sites. The Chief Inspector of Construction for the HSE – Philip White – has stated that strong action would be taken against any employers who are unnecessarily putting their workers at risk. Every day workers are injured and risk death as a result of being involved in avoidable workplace accidents. According to the HSE, 49 people were killed and 2,884 suffered major injuries at work during 2011 to 2012, and as the construction industry in one of the most naturally dangerous, it is essential that employers take responsibility for the safety of their construction workers. Continuing Health & Safety Failings This initiative follows a recent case between the HSE and Hertfordshire based contracting company, Stoneforce Ltd. The company had been handed a number of improvement notices in September 2011 for the site they were running in Newcastle, as a result of poor safety standards that were putting workers at risk of harm. Even after this initial visit, the company continued to neglect its responsibilities as an employer and the HSE received a number of complaints, including allegations of risks relating to falls, poor housekeeping, and lack of welfare facilities which led them to re-visit the site in February 2012. The HSE found numerous health and safety failings which resulted in Stoneforce Ltd being ordered to pay £5,195.70 in costs after they pleaded guilty to 5 offences under The Work at Height Regulations 2005, and The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. With defiant and continuing breaches of safety legislation like this, combined with the nature of the work at hand – it’s no wonder that the construction industry is still one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Surprise Safety Visits During the campaign, which will run from 18^th February to the 15^th March, HSE inspectors will be making surprise visits to construction sites, trying to raise awareness of the risks of improper Health and Safety measures, and improve standards of safety to lower the risks to workers. During the inspections the HSE will be monitoring high risk activities and tasks, such as working at heights or with heavy machinery, to ensure they are being carried out properly and safely. They will also be assessing the general order on site and checking the available welfare facilities and personal protective equipment are working and being used in accordance with Health and Safety legislation. They are hoping to highlight the continuing poor safety standards that are rife within the industry and ensure employers are made aware that this is wholly unacceptable. They will be ensuring all employers are aware of the possibility of fines and prosecution as a result of poor safety management – not to mention the risk of serious injury or death of an employer they are legally and morally responsible for.

Health and Safety at Local Events

admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:56:18 +0000

As summer approaches, organisations and communities are planning local events for people to attend – from summer fêtes, sporting events and music festivals to fundraising events for local charities. Unfortunately, every year, too many organisers neglect to consider all of the relevant health and safety aspects, which often result in unnecessary accidents and injuries to workers and members of the public. Health and safety – looking back to the future? That’s why earlier this month, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) teamed up with the Sports Grounds and Events Group to provide information for safety professionals and those involved in local events, encouraging them to uphold effective health and safety precautions. Carl Hagemann, from the Sports Grounds and Events Group stated that all ‘successful events are always supported, beneath the surface, by good health and safety,’ and that so long as it was properly organised and conducted, it would be unlikely the public would notice at all – so there’s no need to change your plans or restrict your activities for health and safety reasons. The IOSH event gave those responsible for health and safety at any event the chance to discuss essential health and safety matters and learn from international experts about different, sensible but realistic approaches to health and safety, and why it is so important at any event. They discussed a range of topics and used the opportunity to explain how The London 2012 Olympic Games successfully implemented and managed an effective health and safety structure to keep all the spectators, competitors, staff and organisers safe from risks and health hazards. They also shared essential legal updates and delivered insights into the most recent health and safety developments in business and industry. There was even a section about how the latest forms of social media can be used to assist with health and safety and awareness at events! Event Organisers As an event organiser, you will have complete responsibility for the health and safety of your workers and members of the public, including your audience or the general crowd, as well as contractors working at the event. As such, it is essential that you ask yourself a few questions before you begin to plan your event… Do you have enough knowledge about health and safety to organise the necessary work safely? Do you know how to think through and implement good health and safety procedures and checks? You have a duty to plan, manage and monitor the entire event to ensure that no one is exposed to health and safety risks, and to do so you must have a thorough understanding of your legal duties – if you do not, make sure you contact a professional who can assist you. Health and Safety Training Ltd IOSH are one of the leading health and safety organisations for professionals in the UK and with over 40,000 individual members, they are the biggest health and safety organisation in the world. As such you can be sure that any training, courses or events they accredit are of the very highest standards and will help to maintain the best health and safety levels in any environment. That’s why the team at HST Ltd deliver IOSH accredited training for employers and managers on occupational health and safety. Simply contact us today to see if we can assist you with your health and safety requirements.

TUC Launches New Workplace Hazards Guide

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:58:07 +0000

The TUC (Trades Union Congress) has again issued a new version of the Hazards at Work guide, in response to the rising concerns about the reduction in the number of safety inspections being carried out in workplaces and business premises. During the 30 years that this health and safety publication has been around, health and safety in the workplace has grown and changed significantly – and not everyone sees this as a positive thing! This new edition is addressing the problems we’re facing as a result of wide spread negativity towards to health and safety issues –in particular the fact that the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have had to reduce the number of proactive safety inspections they carry out at workplaces across the country. This means that they can no longer check up on employers to ensure that they are conducting their business in a way that won’t threaten the safety and welfare of their employees and workers. Both the HSE and local authorities have experienced huge budgets cuts, of as much as 35%, and with their funding reduced by so much, it is only to be expected that their proactive safety precautions would have to take a back seat while they focussed on more immediate issues. Increase in Workplace Fatalities The TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, has expressed her incredulity that ministers “seem unconcerned by the cut in the number of workplace inspections at a time when more people are dying and getting injured at work.” Even though the figures for workplace fatalities over the past few years have appeared to level off at an average of 0.6 deaths per 100,000 workers, we need to remember that this is after a 16% increase in deaths across all workplaces, with industries such as construction reaching a 22% rise in the same period. O’Grady believes the governments is “determined to water down health and safety laws,” at a time when really, we should be more focused on reducing the fatality figures, not the budget. Hazards at Work 2013 That’s why the TUC have issued the latest version of the Hazards at Work Publication, with union safety reps recommending that all those who implement or are responsible for health and safety measures at their workplace should have a copy of it. The guide contains 24 chapters all based on common hazards and causes of ill health that affect workers. It offers practical HSE-approved guidance, extensive checklists, example case studies and web resources on how to identify and avoid all these potential hazards. It covers everything from how to manage workplace stress, including co-worker bullying and violence, occupational cancers and biological hazards. It also includes a whole section on working with vulnerable people, who may be at a higher risk of discrimination or exploitation, such as young employees, shift or agency workers and disabled workers. The TUC believe that a comprehensive guide like this is essential at a time when there is less protection for workers available from the HSE, and that “this book is one of the best tools for understanding, assessing and dealing with health and safety issues.”

Durham Firm Fined For Dangerous Construction Site

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:27:50 +0000

In June 2010 an anonymous call made to the HSE instigated an unannounced inspection of a construction site in Aberdeen, run by MK Builders (North East) Ltd - a County Durham construction firm. The firm were carrying out work to convert a hotel building into a residential development of 30 flats. When the HSE inspectors arrived they discovered a number of dangerous practices, which have since led to them receiving a £4,000 fine after pleading guilty to breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. One of the main concerns expressed by the HSE inspectors was that as soon as they arrived on site they opened a door to discover a worker had been dropping rubbish and debris through the middle of the building from the 3^rd floor to the ground floor! They reported that timber had piled up on the ground floor beneath a hole, and there were no signs in place to warn people of the falling rubbish. On further investigation, they discovered that similar holes had been left in the floor at each level to allow for quick and easy disposal of the rubbish, all of which had unprotected edges and could easily result in people falling up to 10 meters! The worker collecting and dumping the rubbish through the holes was carrying a fall arrest harness, but this would have been inadequate in the circumstances and should only have been a last resort anyway. Another issue raised concerned the blockage of a fire exit, as access to the door was restricted by the piles of rubbish being dropped through the holes. The same door was frequently used by workers to access a portable toilet, and any worker crossing the hazardous area would simply ‘shout up’ to ensure nothing was dropped onto them. As a result the HSE served 2 notices on the firm in control of the site to halt the dangerous practices. These notices were:

To stop any further work being carried out near the open flooring until suitable fall prevention measures were in place.
To stop debris being thrown through the holes in the floor to prevent others being struck by falling objects.

The Principe Inspector in the case, Mr Blackburn was keen to emphasise the fact that falls from height are one of the main causes of death and serious injury in the workplace, and as such it is irresponsible of employers to ignore the risks posed by unsafe working practices like these. The working practices MK Builders had allowed not only breached regulations, but could have very easily had horrific consequences. The breaches were more disgraceful as it would have been very simple to protect against the risks they’d created – all they needed was a simple scaffold structure, some fixed guard rails, and an enclosed rubbish disposal chute. It’s essential that cases like this are investigated and prosecuted to highlight the hazardous environments many people are currently working in. Employers need to be aware that if they place their workers at risk unnecessarily, there will be serious legal consequences even if your employees manage to escape the harmful risks. Simple training and the appointment of a delegated employee to take responsibility and enforce a positive health and safety policy is all it takes to keep your employees safe.

Health and Safety FAQs

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:03:08 +0000

Whether you run a large construction company or a small retail unit, you will need to observe the necessary health and safety requirements that will keep your workforce and visitors safe, and will ensure your business is operating within the law. There is a lot of health and safety law, which can be complex, and although it won’t all apply to your environment, it is all essential, so make sure you understand exactly what you need to do. We know the masses of information can be frustrating and overwhelming, but there are very good reasons for it all…

On average there are 181 deaths reported every year as a result of work-related accidents
Last year 27 million working days were lost due to work-related illnesses, costing £13.4 billion
1.1 million currently suffer from a work-related illness

To help clarify some of the more commonly queried issues, we’ve put together a few FAQs that might help make sense of the mass of regulations. What kind of First Aid provisions should I make? According to The Health and Safety (first aid) Regulations 1981, as an employer you are required to ensure that your staff have access to adequate first-aid equipment, trained providers and sufficient facilities to make sure they have immediate access to assistance should they get injured, fall ill or have an accident. All work environments need at least:

A fully stocked first aid box
An appointed person to take charge of first aid provisions
Information for employees about first aid arrangements

Depending on the size of your workforce and the hazards present you will need to provide trained first aiders to ensure they have access to treatment should they require it. Low Hazard (shops, offices, etc) Less than 25 employees - At least one Appointed Person 25-50 employees - At least one first aider trained in EFAW More than 50 employees - At least one first aider trained in 3 day FAW for every 100 High Hazard (construction, warehousing, etc) Less than 5 employees - At least one Appointed Person 5-50 employees - At least one first aider trained in EFAW or FAW (injury specific) More than 50 employees - At least one first aider trained in 3 day FAW for every 50 Do I need a risk assessment? The short answer is YES. Whether you employ 1 or 100 people, you must assess all significant hazards and the associated risks to staff, visitors and even passers-by, and ensure you have taken steps to reduce and manage the risks wherever possible. If you employ more than 5 people, you must also record your findings. This is because you have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of your staff under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Some of the more common risks assessed and managed in risk assessments include:

Manual Handling
Upper Limb Disorders
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Do I use hazardous substances? Even if your work doesn’t include the use of chemicals, chances are you at least store and use cleaning fluids and detergents that could be hazardous if not properly managed. The COSHH regulations control the safe handling, storage and use of any potentially hazardous substances, including:

Oils, fuel & greases
Adhesives & paints
Cleaning materials
Substances generated during work activities (fumes from soldering, dust from grinding)
Naturally occurring substances (grain dust)

As an employer you are responsible for the safe management of all of these substances. As such you should carry out a COSHH risk assessment and decide what precautions should be taken to prevent or control the risks, keeping your employees informed of necessary precautions and ensure you have undertaken the required training. Are my employees at risk from asbestos? As an employer or owner of a building, you are responsible for making sure you are aware of any present asbestos. To do this you should have a site survey undertaken to identify any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), and record an asbestos risk assessment that details how you will manage the risk of exposure and keep your employees safe. You may not be required to have the asbestos removed – especially if disturbing it will enhance the risk to those present, but you will be required to ensure your staff have the appropriate training so they can also take steps to protect themselves from the risks posed by asbestos.

HSE News – Company owner jailed after worker falls to his death

admin — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:36:40 +0000

In 2008, Mr K Joyce fell to his death from a cherry picker whilst he was dismantling a steel roofing structure in Newcastle. At the time, Mr Joyce was working from one cherry picker, whilst 2 others were working from another cherry picker and a crane in the same area. Mr Joyce and the other worker in the cherry picker were dismantling the structure, and the crane operator was lowering the steel beams to the floor. While removing a beam, one of the connected plate girders came loose and fell on to My Joyce’s cherry picker, causing it to overbalance and knocking Mr Joyce out of the basket. After an extensive investigation by the HSE and the police, who were supported by the Crown Prosecution Service, it has been discovered that the horrific injuries suffered by Mr Joyce, and his tragic death, could have easily been avoided. The incident was an accumulation of a number of failures made by the contracting firm, NEMOC, its director, Mr C Taylor, and the subcontracting company that employed Mr Joyce, Mr A Turnbull, trading as A&H Site Line Boring and Machining. Health And Safety At Work Act 1974 Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that when an offence is committed under any of the relevant statutory provisions by a company or organisation, and it is proven to have been committed with the consent of, involvement of, or as a result of any neglect by a director, manager, or person in any such capacity, he as well as the ‘body corporate’ shall be guilty of that offence and liable for punishment accordingly. As a result, both Mr Turnbull and Mr Taylor were held responsible for their firms’ failings in respect of:

Section 2 (1) - General duties of employers to their employees:

It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.

Section 3 (1) - General duties of employers and self-employed to persons other than their employees:

It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety. Findings The investigation found that NEMOC were guilty of offences under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as they had subcontracted to Mr Turnbull without checking his competence and as a result, had failed to protect the safety of its employees and any sub-contracted workers. By the time the investigation reached its conclusion, the company had gone into liquidation so they were fined just £1 for each offence, but the company director, Mr Taylor, was fined £30,000 plus £50,000 costs by virtue of Section 37. Mr Turnbull was found to have failed to implement a safe working system and he pleaded guilty of breaches under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and was also prosecuted by virtue of Section 37. His breaches however were so severe that he was also found guilty of the criminal offence of gross negligence manslaughter and sentenced to 3 years in prison. Health and Safety is an essential part of any working practice, and this is just one of many cases that illustrates that, although nationally organisations and employers are taking the health and safety of their workers seriously, there are still many individuals who do not. But as with this case, negligent or wilfully careless owners, employers or managers can expect the Police, the HSE, and the Crown Prosecution Service to work in partnership to ensure any offenders are brought to justice. For more information on health and safety training, please contact HST on 0191 6440 332

Unemployment in the UK [INFOGRAPHIC]

admin — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:07:31 +0000

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Unemployment in the North East is the Highest in England

admin — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:35:17 +0000

Unemployment figures are a constant cause for concern, and for good reason, with 1,583,576 people currently out of work in the UK, which is a huge rise of 15,000 in the first quarter of this year. And that’s not to say that those in employment are better off, with the average pay increase at just 0.4%, even though inflation is at a steady 2.8%. This news follows on from our latest Infographic on UK Unemployment, as the most affected area, according to new information from the Office for National Statistic (ONS), being the North East. With a noticeable decline in the number of people working in construction and significant rises in youth unemployment, there are nearly 100,000 people are out of work! This is even more concerning when you consider it is one of the smallest regions in the UK, with Scotland’s unemployment figure at just over 130,000, despite it having a population twice the size. One of the hardest hit areas is Hartlepool, with over 10% of men out of work and more than 5% of women. Construction, which has always been a staple industry in the region, is a largely male workforce, so it’s easy to see how the ONS are reporting that as much as 7.4% of male workers in the North East are currently looking for jobs. But that isn’t to say that women aren’t struggling to find work too, with women’s unemployment reaching a 25 year high and 60% of any new private sector jobs going to men. In the North East 3.5% of women are out of work, bringing the overall figure for the region to 5.4%, which is well above the average for England which is just 3.7%, and well over other areas with places like the South East as low as 2.4%. This means that more and more people are turning to the benefits system to survive, putting more strain on the area’s resources. But there is hope! Training organisations such as Health and Safety Training Ltd are offering fully funded and part funded training courses that will give people the skills and qualifications they need to stand out in a sea of unemployed people. So if you are unemployed, on active benefits and living in the North East of England, you may be eligible for free forklift training that will really boost your CV. The EDI QCF Certificate Qualification in Plant Operations, which trains you to operate a forklift truck, a telescopic forklift truck, a cherry picker or a scissors lift, will lead the way to all manner of jobs in construction, warehousing, retail and demolition. Not only will it teach you to prepare and operate the machinery, but it will also give you the skills you need to conform to general safety in the workplace and undertake efficient working practices, making you an asset to any employer.

Charity Sponsorship: John O’ Groats to Land’s End Bike Ride

admin — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:13:53 +0000

The team at Health and Safety Training Ltd are proud to be one of the main sponsors of a John O’Groats to Land’s End charity cycle challenge! A 4-man team, consisting 3 people from Adtrak, our web design and marketing company – Chris Robinson, Managing Director; Jason Parker, Director of Internet Marketing; and Mike Whitby, Head of Web Development – as well as more experienced cyclist Robert Jackson, will tackle the ride. The bike ride will begin on the 4^th of July at the very top of Scotland, and over 9 challenging and demanding days the team will cycle over more than 1,000 miles, finishing, hopefully, at England’s most southern point in Cornwall, on the 12^thof July. The riders have chosen a very special charity, and one you may not have heard of before – Just 4 Jake. Just 4 Jake Although Just 4 Jake is not a very well-known charity, it is one that we consider to be especially worthwhile. We’re hoping that our sponsorship will really make a difference to the life of a little boy called Jake Michael Evans. At just 4 years old, Jake suffers from a severe medical condition called cerebral palsy, a result of brain damage that was caused when he was born prematurely. Although Jake is only very young, the condition will not go away, and it is already affecting him in more ways than his health. He cannot walk or stand, and since turning 3 he has begun to notice that his friends can do much more than him. Jake can only move about with the aid of his K-Walker, unless he commando crawls, so when his friends run and play, Jake finds it very difficult to join in and very often he simply can’t play the same games. There is, however, a sparkle of hope for Jake as a new operation has become available in the UK called SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy). Although this procedure will not cure Jake’s Cerebral Palsy, it will enhance his enjoyment of life and could mean the difference between Jake walking independently, or using a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Jake’s family have a fundraising target of £50,000 that will pay for the operation and the physiotherapy that Jake will need afterwards. They have already managed to reach £29,000, and when we heard about the cycle ride, we were delighted to be able to help. We hope that by sharing Jake’s story, we might be able to encourage others to help change Jake’s little life for the better, and hopefully help him to achieve his dream to walk unaided. To learn more about Jake, the riders and the challenge they are undertaking, simply visit http://just4jake.org.uk/; or if you would like to help with the fundraising efforts, please visit his Just Giving page and donate as much as you can afford.

HSE Fine Tyneside Company for Lack of Equipment Training

admin — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 08:31:22 +0000

An autoparts company - Faltec Europe Ltd - based in Tyneside, have been fined after a member of staff lost control of a compressed air hose that then whipped him in the face, resulting in the loss of sight in one eye. The incident took place on the 7th July 2012 at Faltec Europe Ltd's site in Boldon. The Incident The injured worker had been asked to conduct maintenance work cleaning a paint fume filter, and once complete, he isolated the compressed air supply he had been using at the collection point and continued to disconnect the equipment. But, due to inadequate training, the worker did not know that the pressure in the flexible hose should have been vented before he disconnected it. This meant that the hose whipped up and hit his face and eye with such pressure that he lost his sight and broke his cheekbone. Although the man is now blind in one eye he has been able to return to work, but he will be permanently affected by his injury for the rest of his life. The HSE investigation When the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident, they found that Faltec Europe Ltd had been at fault. They found that the company had failed to provide the injured worker with sufficient information, instruction or training on the equipment he was expected to use to carry out his job that day, which is why he incorrectly vented the hose, causing the accident. The incident was investigated by the HSE, which today (10 June) prosecuted Faltec Europe Ltd for safety failings at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court. Faltec Europe Ltd pleaded guilty to the failings as a breach of 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and were fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £7,813.70 in costs. The HSE stated that the accident would have been easily and entirely preventable as the sudden release of compressed air is a well-known hazard in industry that Faltec Europe Ltd should have protected their workers from. They had a responsibility to ensure that a safe system of work was in place, which included making sure that anyone who was required to work with a compressed air supply had sufficient information, instruction and training that would allow them to identify the hazard and protect themselves from it. HST Training Here at HST Ltd we can offer a range of training courses tailored to meet the needs of our learners and the companies that employ them. So whether you work with dangerous machinery such as forklift trucks and cherry pickers, or hazardous equipment such as abrasive wheels and cutting discs, contact us to find out more about our safety training that could protect your workers from injuries, and your company from prosecution by the HSE.

When to Perform CPR?

admin — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 08:46:57 +0000

How would you feel if a friend or loved one suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing? Would you know how to perform CPR if a work colleague's heart stopped? What if a member of your family should lose consciousness after suffering severe chest pains? Of course, the emergency services should be called immediately, but while they are getting to the incident, somebody properly trained in emergency first aid could make all the difference to that person's chances of survival. It's not complicated, but far too few people know what to do when some of these frightening things happen, despite a wide range of courses being available.

The rates of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are shockingly low, and yet many of the annual 30,000 casualties would stand a much better chance of living after suffering a cardiac episode if somebody with just a little bit of training had stepped up and helped by giving CPR. Even poorly administered CPR is much better than no CPR at all. So, it makes sense for each and every one of us to be able to perform emergency first aid; especially when acting swiftly and correctly could mean the difference between life and death. After all, it's something we would all hope for if we ourselves were unfortunate enough to go into cardiac arrest or have a heart attack.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is still responsible for a huge number of deaths in the UK, but by learning some simple and safe techniques, you could be responsible for saving somebody's life, or at least for keeping them alive until the emergency services arrive. Many people feel worried about acting to help somebody whose life is in danger. Their concerns stem from a lack of training and understanding. Or maybe they believe they could make things worse. But learning how to administer CPR isn't difficult, and it is almost impossible to make the situation worse for someone whose heart has stopped beating!

Health & Safety Regulations

The Health and Safety Regulations 1981 require every workplace to adequately and appropriately provide for immediate attention should an employee be injured or taken ill. These provisions should take the form of facilities, equipment and personnel. With this in mind, it is easy to see why companies and organisation of all sizes are keen for members of staff to be professionally first aid trained; encouraging individuals to attend courses that will teach them the skills necessary to save the lives of those around them should an emergency occur. These courses are often conducted on-site by trained professionals, and many of them take as little as a couple of hours. After training, the individual merely needs to ensure their skills are regularly refreshed. So as an employer looking to fulfil your responsibilities and keep your staff safe, the team at Health and Safety Training Ltd can tailor an emergency first aid at work course to reflect your individual workplace, but that will also include the basics such as how and when to perform CPR.

First aid training at work

So what's stopping you? Just a few hours out of your employees’ schedules could equip them with the skills to save the life of someone who needs help, whether it be a friend, colleague or stranger in the street.

Work Related Deaths on the Decline

admin — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 08:29:59 +0000

According to official statistics based on data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the beginning of July, the number of workers fatally injured in Britain last year has fallen. Between April 2011 and March 2012, there were 172 work related deaths, but the following year (April 2012 – March 2013) shows a decline to 148 deaths. For the last 8 years, Britain has been reporting the lowest number of work related deaths in comparison to other industrial nations in Europe, and these latest figures mean the overall rate of fatal injury is now just 0.5 per 100,000 workers, which is just below the 0.6 average for the last five years. The Figures by Industry Construction – 1.9 deaths per 100,000 workers with 39 fatal injuries in the year 2012/2013. Previously there had been an average of 53 deaths a year for the last 5 years, with a slight reduction to 48 deaths for the year 2011/2012. Agriculture – 8.8 deaths per 100,000 workers with 29 fatal injuries in the year 2012/2013. Previously there had been an average of 36 deaths a year for the last 5 years, with 35 deaths in the year 2011/2012. Waste & Recycling – 8.2 deaths per 100,000 workers with 10 fatal injuries in the year 2012/2013. Previously there had been an average of 6 deaths a year for the last 5 years, with 5 deaths in the year 2011/2012. The Figures by Area England – 0.5 deaths per 100,000 workers with 118 fatal injuries in the year 2012/2013. Previously there had been an average of 144 deaths a year for the last 5 years, with 131 deaths in the year 2011/2012. Scotland – 0.9 deaths per 100,000 workers with 22 fatal injuries in the year 2012/2013. Previously there had been an average of 22 deaths a year for the last 5 years, with 19 deaths in the year 2011/2012. Wales – 0.6 deaths per 100,000 workers with 8 fatal injuries in the year 2012/2013. Previously there had been an average of 12 deaths a year for the last 5 years, with 19 deaths in the year 2011/2012. The HSE’s Response Although this is good news, Judith Hackitt, the HSE Chair, was keen to remind us that even though there were fewer deaths, 148 people went to work last year and never returned home to their families. And the fact that these figures were published around the 25^th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster – when 167 men were killed following an explosion at an oil rig in the North Sea – serves as a poignant reminder to the importance of health and safety in any workplace. This is why it’s essential we don’t let standards slip, and instead we continue to strive towards improved health and safety that will continue to reduce these figures further. Part of this is the dedication of the HSE to producing clearer and simpler guidance and regulations that will help workers and employers manage the real threats to safety and the risks that cause death and serious injury. Ms Hackitt emphasised how “we all have a part to play to ensure people come home safe at the end of the working day” and some of the biggest factors influencing this are good leadership as well as employee engagement and effective risk-management.

What are the different types of forklifts?

admin — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 09:58:56 +0000

If you need to move heavy loads in a warehouse, on a construction site or in a storage facility, a forklift truck is likely to be the most useful piece of equipment you can invest in! But with a wide selection of styles and types to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is best for your environment. Have a read through our simple guide below to find out more about each different truck and their individual benefits: Industrial Reach Forklift Trucks Industrial reach forklift truckare renowned for their extended lift height, making them ideal in any warehousing situation with high rise storage pallet racking. There are different types of reach forklift truck that are best suited to a range of scenarios: Stand-up trucks are the most common and are often used where there’s only one load per bay. The two forks on the front of the truck slide underneath palletised loads, to lift and transport safely. Double-deep trucks are similar, but with longer forks, making them perfect for areas where multiple pallet loads are stored in each bay as they will reach right to the back of the bay. Straddle trucks also have long forks to slide under the load, while they also have the ability to grip onto the edges for increased stability and ease of access. This is ideal if you have multiple loads in one bay that you can access from different angles, as the truck can grab loads further back. Industrial Counterbalance Forklifts Industrial counterbalance forklifts are the most common trucks used in indoor warehouses and stores, although they can be used outdoors, on stable, even surfaces. They offer straightforward operation and have dual forks at the front of the truck that lift and transport the loads. There are different types available, including three-wheel models that provide better manoeuvrability, making them perfect for narrow aisles. Rough Terrain Forklifts For outdoor construction and with difficult terrain, a rough terrain forklift is ideal. It has inflatable tyres with thicker threads, allowing stability on uneven ground, as well as a more powerful engine so it can reach higher speeds, and better manoeuvrability, making them must more robust and durable. This means that they are perfect for transporting heavy loads across rugged terrain, with some models handling up to 3 tonnes per load. The carefully calibrated counterbalance at the back of the truck prevents overbalancing, with it being easily operated in mud, ice or even snow. Industrial Side Loader Forklifts Side loader forklift trucks are ideally suited to working in narrow aisles. This is because the forks are mounted to the side of the truck and can pick up wide or long loads that would be awkward or inaccessible with a straight forward forklift. There are two main types of side loader forklifts, the enclosed cab that is most commonly used outdoors, and a stand up version that is more suited to indoor tasks. There’s also a multi-way version, where the wheels all rotate by 90°, allowing ease of transportation in any direction.As a result, they are especially useful for lifting and transporting tubing, pipes and sheet materials safely and efficiently. Telescopic Handler Forklifts Telescopic handler forklifts are ideal for use in agriculture and all kinds of industry that require high lifting. They offer a whole range of features that make them much more useful in a range of situations, so much so that they are often thought of as small cranes, rather than forklift trucks. Telescopic handlers have the additional advantage of a single telescopic boom that allows the truck to become a much more powerful and flexible piece of machinery. There are a number of practical attachments available, including a lift table, bucket, pallet fork and muck grabber. These attachments, and the ability to extend the lifting capabilities with front outriggers, enable the tele-handler to complete work at heights that normal forklifts can't reach. Pedestrian Operated Pallet Trucks Pedestrian operated lift trucks and pallet trucks are most commonly used in warehouses and storage facilities for the easy transportation of pallets. All pedestrian operated trucks have forks that slide beneath the pallet and use a hydraulic jack to lift the load from the ground for easy manoeuvrability. There’s a wide variety of styles and designs available, some capable of moving loads of 5000lbs, but the main difference is between the lift and pallet trucks. The pallet truck is simply for moving loads from one place to another at ground level, but it has limited reach, while the lift truck is more complex and is capable of transporting and lifting a palletised load onto a higher level or for stacking loads on top of each other. Forklift training Whichever type of forklift your decide on to assist with your work, it is essential that you receive thorough and proper training to ensure that you can operate and maintain it safely and effectively. Always contact a well-respected and experienced training organisation that will tailor your training to suit your chosen vehicle and work requirements.

Lift Trucks Receive New Approved Of Practice and Guidance

admin — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:41:55 +0000

Everyone needs to keep abreast of new developments with workplace health and safety regulations. Without proper compliance, of course, an organisation or business can fall foul of the law and, in some cases, serious injuries and fatalities can occur. Nowhere is the more evident than with driv er operated lift trucks where, unfortunately, fatalities among UK workers are still a regular reality. Fork lift trucks, and some other types of lifters, are covered by the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance which was first published in 1988. This sets out how the government considers lift trucks can be used safely within industrial settings. However, new guidance came into place as of March 2013 and many who use fork lifts in the workplace need to be made aware of the revisions and what measures they need to take to remain using them lawfully. HSE revised their ‘Approved Code of Practice and Guidance’ to bring it up to date with technological developments in the industry. This is now the third edition for rider operated lift trucks, meaning that if you have the second revision it is now out of date. Filed under HSE’s L coding for legal reference documents, the guidance is aimed at employers and those responsible for the workplace safety with the operation of such trucks. It is also designed to be read by people in control of worksites, such as foremen, self-employed people who use trucks, managers in the warehouse and logistics industries and supervisors. Also referred to as ACOP, the guidance offers an outline of the main legal requirements relating to lift trucks. Some of ACOP’s text relating to the approved code of practice remains unchanged from previous editions but there are changes to be found elsewhere. It offers new guidance for trainers of staff operators who use rider operated lift trucks for stacking – a typical warehouse application for a fork lift. ACOP also puts forward some of the same guidance published in HSG6 - Safety In Working With Lift Trucks – but replaces and supersedes sections of it. For instance, the new code deals with information about advancements in certain types of lift features. It also offers guidance on the safe use of lift trucks, particularly on how to protect pedestrians in the same area as the lift truck operator. Lastly, the document provides valuable guidance on the importance of regular maintenance of the equipment through a routine inspection regime. Fork lift trucks are not the only equipment covered under the revised edition of ACOP. Other types of truck included are power pallet trucks, industrial reach trucks, and industrial counterbalance trucks. On top of this variable reach trucks, sometimes called telehandlers, and side loaders are included. Any business using these types of lifting mechanisms needs to be aware of the new guidance and obtain a copy. HSE has other guidance material for operatives and managers who are in businesses that use these and other types of lift trucks. It is well worth knowing about these, too. For instance, HSE has separate and additional guidance notes for lift trucks that are used in proximity with flammable material. This guidance gives further details of emergency procedures and what sort of permits to work are required to continue operating within the legal framework. Additionally, HSE has material specifically aimed at trainers of lift truck operatives, which is essential reading material for managers and supervisors. This goes into further detail and specifies how to keep training records, monitoring systems and refresher training. Like the Approved Code of Practice, these documents are updated once in a while, so even if you have them already it may well be in your interests to check that all the publications you have are fully up to date.

Top 5 Uses for a Cherry Picker

admin — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 09:05:43 +0000

The cherry picker has a diverse number of uses and is an integral part of many construction and engineering environments. Originally designed to be used in orchards for fruit picking, this versatile piece of equipment is as likely to be seen being used for fixing a telegraph pole as it is for taking cherries off trees. A cherry picker is important to use for any task which is at height. Safety is paramount when carrying out jobs above ground level and a cherry picker means that the person carrying out the job can do so in safety and security. On any given day, a cherry picker could be being used to assist with any number of important jobs. The top 5 uses are:

Building maintenance
Servicing of telephone and electricity poles
Filming events such as large sporting competitions
Use by the fire services
The original use of fruit picking

A building which needs cleaning or painting will require those given the task to work at height and often at awkward angles. Whilst a ladder may be seen as sufficient, a cherry picker gives the mobility, security and safety of moving to any part of the building whilst handling maintenance equipment, reaching or stretching. There are thousands of miles of telephone and electricity poles around the world and keeping them all maintained and repaired is a skilled job. For anyone employed in this field, a cherry picker will be a regular part of their daily routine to ensure that they can reach the area to be worked on. In the past, it was expected that a ladder would be used and then climbing equipment to reach the top, but this is deemed too dangerous and inefficient by most companies now. When watching events on television, the excitement is added to by the swooping shots and the high angles of the camera as it captures every aspect of every second of the proceedings. A cherry picker means that the filming equipment can be mounted high in the air to give the viewers a bird’s eye view, which is often better than the spectators who are actually there to see it live. Every day across the globe, firemen bravely risk their lives to rescue people trapped through fire or other life-threatening situations. Without the use of a cherry picker, they would not be able to bring those on upper floors to safety other than using a ladder. A cherry picker means that - within its operating limitations - multiple rescues can take place at the same time. It also means that firemen no longer have to lift those needing assistance over their shoulder before returning to the ground as they can be placed into the cherry picker. Picking fruit from branches high up in orchards is now easy with the use of a cherry picker. There is no longer the danger of falling from height or the loss of fruit which is unreachable due to its location. All these tasks have been made safer, quicker and more efficient thanks to the use of a cherry picker truck. However, it is essential that rigorous training takes place before anyone is allowed to operate this piece of machinery. Areas such as general health and safety, machine operation, emergency control and limitations of use must be covered before competency to operate is gained. With the cherry picker one of the most important pieces of equipment when working at height, its use and application continues to grow as different industries recognise its use and benefits.

‘Save a Life September’ Awareness

admin — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 16:02:17 +0000

As part of the St John Ambulance’s ‘Save a Life September’ campaign, demonstrations are being held across the country to teach the nation basic first aid skills. It is the second year of the charity’s first aid awareness month, which aims to equip people with first aid knowledge that can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. According to St John Ambulance, up to 140,000 people a year die in situations where first aid could have saved them. This is why here at Health and Safety Training Limited we believe it’s of vital importance that people are armed with the correct first aid information that can prepare them in emergency situations. The charity is holding several roadshows throughout the North East of England, in which the public will actively learn how to save a life using five simple techniques and will receive a free pocket-sized first aid guide to keep on them in case of an emergency. This nationwide training scheme gives everyone the opportunity to learn the first aid skills that can then be applied to real-life emergency situations. On the back of the hugely successful British Heart Foundation ‘Hands-only CPR’ campaign featuring Vinnie Jones, the importance of providing first aid knowledge in a straightforward and memorable way is prominent now more than ever. This is why the most notable appeal of the St John Ambulance demonstrations is their accessibility. The uncomplicated and hands-on training method means the public will be provided with all the essential information in an easy to remember way. It also gives them a taster if they wish to further their skills and try a more intensive course. In terms of location convenience, no booking is needed to attend these first aid roadshows which are dotted all over the North East of England in areas such as Newcastle Upon Tyne, Middlesborough and Blyth. Completing first aid training is just as much of a necessity for businesses as it is for personal development. At Health and Safety Training Limited we work with NUCO, the UK’s leading independent company in First Aid training, to offer courses to businesses in the North East of England area. We ensure selected candidates are properly educated so they achieve the required standards as directed by the Health and Safety Executive and can carry out first aid duties correctly and efficiently. We provide several services under the umbrella of first aid training. The programmes available comprise of an intensive and comprehensive three day First Aid at Work course, and the more compact one day Emergency First Aid course. We also offer First Aid at Work training to ensure everyone present on site is fully cared for in the event of an accident or medical emergency. This is a three day course which can also be followed up with a two day refresher to maintain employees’ knowledge of first aid and confidence in their abilities. Our courses require candidates to participate in theory lessons, as well as proactively taking part in practical demonstrations and exercises. We use power point presentations and safety DVDs to ensure all topics such as resuscitation, control of bleeding and CPR are appropriately covered. So give us a call today on 0191 6440 332 for further information about our range of courses for businesses in the North East of England region. Details about the St John Ambulance roadshows, as well as information about the first aid techniques and guidebook can be found on the St John Ambulance website: www.sja.org.uk.

National Fork Lift Safety Week 2013

admin — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 09:00:39 +0000

This year Fork Lift Safety Week runs from 23rd September through to 27th and, as ever, aims to raise awareness around a serious issue in the workplace. The annual campaign is led by the Fork Lift Truck Association and is designed to coincide with a particularly problematic time of year. For some reason late summer sees a regular increase in forklift related accidents. With this in mind, the week is aimed at warehouse managers, logistics executives, forklift truck operators, picking staff and the wider public to try and reduce the number of injuries caused by operating this sort of machinery. Roughly four hundred employees suffer serious injuries per year following involvement in a forklift truck accident. These injuries range from fractures to dislocations and sometimes result in amputations and long term conditions. It is also worth remembering that forklift truck accidents are responsible for the fatality of a British worker every six weeks over the course of a year. Even more sobering, the usual fatality rate doubles during the month of September. However, it is not just forklift drivers who need to know about the sort of safety issues raised under the campaign. Of course, forklift operatives should be trained in safety procedures already, even if this awareness ought to be refreshed by the week’s campaign. Note that, the figures relating to industrial accidents caused by forklift trucks demonstrate that it is not just drivers who suffer injury. On the contrary, the majority of these types of accidents lead to injuries for people who were not operating the equipment at the time. As much as two thirds of forklift injuries fall into this category. Therefore raising awareness among the general public, and anyone who might visit a warehouse in particular, is just as essential as targeting forklift operatives themselves. The safety week aims to bring drivers and their managers up to speed with the latest government regulations surrounding health and safety law. It also means that many employees will learn about best practice guidelines – something that can change from year to year. Furthermore, the campaign aims to encourage workers to be more engaged with their own safety and that of their colleagues, rather than leaving it to managers. Ultimately, the campaign is designed to help reduce the number of accidents in the following twelve months. Many forklift related accidents occur when workers on foot are distracted or unaware of the proximity of a forklift truck. Visitors to warehouses who are unfamiliar with forklift safety regulations are a particularly vulnerable group. The campaign will highlight the need for operatives to remain ever vigilant when driving a forklift truck and to anticipate problems, like people stepping out in front of them. As with previous years, the awareness campaign will also encourage those who engage with it to spread the word among colleagues about safety measures and vigilance. About one million people in the country are expected to be involved with the week long campaign at some level. Launched in 2008, this year’s campaign includes a free online resource which is designed to test knowledge surrounding forklift safety and raise awareness of some new issues. The programme will culminate with the National Fork Lift Safety Conference which is run by experts in the field. Held at the University of Warwick, the conference is open to anyone with an interest in this area of workplace safety. This year’s conference aims to provide a more engaging and hands on approach than ever before with plenty of educational material to get involved with.

Does My Business Need A First Aid Room?

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 08:36:51 +0000

A first aid room is a priority for anywhere where a sizeable number of people congregate. Public places and businesses should all have first aid facilities in place, whether sport centres, gyms, factories, office blocks, or construction sites. Some injuries may occur on the premises, but there may be instances when people fall ill and require immediate treatment. Effective first aid treatment can help to reduce the chances of a person's condition becoming more serious. Even when a first aider isn't deemed necessary at a workplace, there should still be someone who is in charge of first aid matters. Their role will be to take care of all first aid items and facilities. It will also be down to the appointed person to make phone calls to the emergency services whenever the situation dictates. HSE's Introduction of Improved Guidance The HSE is set to introduce improved guidance regarding equipment. Under HSE guidelines a workplace's first aid room, or first aid area, is expected to have several essential items which are as follows:

There should be first aid signs relating to designated first aiders. Contact details, such as name, location and, if available, telephone extensions should all be known so the first aider can be contacted when necessary.
There should be a sink available that has both hot and cold running water.
Drinking water together with disposable cups.
Paper towels and soap.
Somewhere to store first aid items, ideally a cabinet.
Portable first aid kits stocked so that they are easy to find and quick to use. These will typically be in the form of a first aid box.
Refuse containers that can be operated by foot. Inside the containers should be yellow, clinical and disposable waste bags. Alternatively, a container that is appropriate for clinical waste to be safely disposed of will also be suitable.
A couch appropriate for medical/examination purposes should have clean pillows and have waterproof protection. As long as it's changed when treating different casualties, a paper couch roll can also be used.
Ways of communication should be addressed, notably that a telephone is in place.
A record book will be required, and incidents attended by a first aider or similarly appointed individual will have to be recorded.

An Evacuation Chair Not having the appropriate equipment for moving casualties is a problem for many employers. An evacuation chair is vitally important for the majority of workplaces, as is training being given on its safe use. An evacuation chair can be used to move casualties to a first aid area, where they can be treated, or it can be used as a way of moving people out of a premises that needs to be evacuated. An Automated External Defibrillator An automated external defibrillator (AED) is another essential item in a first aid room/area. Cardiac arrests affect 30,000 people outside of hospitals every year, and survival rates are severely affected without defibrillation. An AED is simple to use and shocks the heart back into rhythm when a cardiac arrest has occurred. Easy Access to First Aid Kits First aid kits should be within easy reach for anyone carrying out first aid. They should be available to use on a casualty within a minute from the time the first aider was alerted. Relevant, Up To Date First Aid Consumables Your stocked first aid consumables should reflect your workplace and the type of accidents that may occur. All items should be replaced as soon as possible after they have been used. Any first aid items that are out of date, re expiry dates, should also be replaced quickly.

Tyneside Company Fined For Worker's Crushed Hand

admin — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:47:44 +0000

Last month, a firm in Tyneside – Radford HMY Group Limited – were in court facing charges under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This was following an incident in February last year, when a worker for the company got his hand trapped and crushed in a piece of machinery, which had had the safety guard deliberately disabled. The accident happened as the injured worker had been attempting to reposition a component inside the machine, which had been jammed on a shelving assembly and welding machine. This caused the machine to stop working and there was an attempt to restart it. The problem was that once the issue was rectified and the component returned to its correct position, the machine immediately started up again, trapping his hand and crushing it between a solid piece of the machine and a moving robotic arm. His hand was horrifically crushed for 5 minutes before he could be freed and taken to hospital. Since the accident in February, where the man sustained severe nerve damage he has been unable to regain the any strength or feeling. As a result the company were investigated Health and Safety Executive, who found sufficient grounds to prosecute them for serious safety failings. During the hearing, the court heard how the HSE had discovered that an interlocking device, which should have prevented access to the component the worker had been trying to fix, had been defective. As such the company had failed to ensure the safe working order of the machine, in breach of the Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Radford HMY Group Limited, pleaded guilty to the breach and were fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £5,388.30 in costs. The HSE have said that the injuries sustained by the injured worker were serious, but could have been preventable had the company upheld its duty and ensured the safety devices were properly maintained, in full working order and that procedures were in place to stop access to the dangerous areas of the machine.

To organise health & safety training for your business, call HST now on 0191 6440 332

This case is a clear indication of how easily workers, carrying out normal day to day maintenance tasks, can become injured, and how important it is to ensure health and safety is properly upheld in every working environment. One of the best ways to reduce the number of avoidable accidents is to implement health and safety training, so your staff understands what is and is not expected of them in their working role, and to carry out regular risk assessments to gain a clear understanding of what could cause on accident in your workplace.

Reducing The Risks When Operating A Forklift

admin — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 08:12:19 +0000

A forklift truck can be the source of some serious, and in some cases fatal, incidents if you don’t have the correct procedures and training in place. Here we have compiled a list of handy tips and guidelines to help you in implementing safe policies related to the use of forklifts, whether you operate in a warehouse, a factory or even an aerodrome. Environment It is vital that when operating a forklift you pay full attention to your surroundings as well as the guidelines set out by your workplace. There should be designated areas and workways in which you must remain and not veer from, to do so could surprise a fellow employee who is not expecting you. Ensure that when operating a forklift near a ramp or dock that you are aware of where the edges are, it is easy to drive too close to these edges and slip over them. Similarly you should also keep your eyes on your load height when passing through doors or barriers. Speed Although we all want to get our work done on time and to schedule you should never drive above the speed limit, to do so would endanger both yourself and others working in the same area. For cornering the principle is much the same, you should proceed with caution, driving slower the sharper the corner, this limits the damage done, should anyone be oncoming from the opposite direction. If you need to change direction or stop then do so slowly and gradually, this will help avoid losing control. Your Load When driving a forklift it will be your responsibility to make sure the load is appropriate. You need to ensure that the weight of whatever you lift is evenly distributed across both forks, if the pallet or item doesn’t rest level on each, you risk unbalancing your truck or dropping the load – all of which is dangerous. You will also be responsible for knowing the capacity of the forklift which you operate and you should never use the forks as a lever or a ram. Equipment, Clothing & Qualification There are many small things you can do to ensure that you operate a forklift safely before you even get moving. First, your clothing should be appropriate, with safety shoes, a hard hat and visibility vests at the top of the list. After making sure you are ready you can also make sure your equipment is ready, as the tyres, steering and lights are all important to a safe days work. While the qualifications you need might not be a small issue it pays to stop and think: am I qualified to operate this machinery? If you have any doubts then you should speak to a supervisor or manager. Be Smart Finally you should always think and use your best judgement when in charge of a forklift, this might seem a simple and obvious tip but you always need to use your initiative to prevent accidents. Never let anyone ride on the forklift, tomfoolery always ends badly. These machines are just that – machines – not toys. When you’ve finished using a truck you should lower the forks and turn it off, and remove the keys. There is much more you can do on top of this to ensure the safe operation of forklifts in your workplace but these are just a few of the essential tips and guidelines to get you started.

Top 5 Common First Aid Mistakes

admin — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 18:25:17 +0000

Most people will come across a situation which requires immediate first aid at least once in their lives, but more often than not we get the implementation of first aid wrong. This is unsurprising as most of us will never have had any formal training the way a nurse or a doctor would have. There are however, some common mistakes made when it comes to simple first aid which, if corrected, could make a real difference in both your working and your home life. 1) Tilt you head back when you get a nose bleed Though the logic here will seem sound to most people it is not the right way to deal with a nose bleed. Rather than tilting your head back you should sit upright and pinch the bottom half of your nose with your thumb and fingers. Ensure that you breathe through your mouth whilst you pinch your nose to stop the bleeding. 2) Put a severed finger into ice to preserve it The popular idea when you’re unfortunate enough to sever off one of your digits doing DIY is to place the finger or the tip into some ice. While the intentions are good this is not what you should do, instead, wrap the digit in damp gauze, place it in a sealed bag and put the bag on ice. This keeps the finger cold but doesn’t freeze it, meaning it will be easier to attach when you get to the emergency room. 3) Hot water on frozen skin will warm you up Once again there is logic to this method but it is borne out of panic. Rather than place the skin under scalding water – risking damage to your skin – it would be more beneficial to submerge the skin or the limb into a bath of warm water to thaw out gradually. Although we don’t live at either of the freezing poles it is still possible to freeze fingers and toes whilst out in winter weather if you aren’t wearing thick clothing. 4) Allergic reactions can be treated at home While a low level allergic reaction or a seasonal reaction such as hayfever can be left to die down at home, a bite or a sting can be potentially life threatening if left untreated. A bee sting or a spider bite can cause allergic reactions which swell the tongue and restrict breathing. If you spot these signs in anyone who has been stung, bitten or has eaten something they are allergic to then you must call an ambulance or take them to a hospital immediately. 5) Soothe a burn using cold butter Any kind of oily substance, including butter, will only make the situation with a burn worse. While it might seem like a good way of protecting and soothing a burn it can increase the risk of infection and make the wound difficult to treat. Instead, you should run cool water over the burn and keep it clean, if it begins to blister then seek further medical attention from a professional. These are only 5 of the common mistakes people make when they encounter situations requiring first aid. In the heat of the moment and in an eagerness to help the person injured you should always try to keep a cool head and seek the advice of a trained first aider.

Almost 50% Of Construction Sites Fail To Meet HSE Safety Standards

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:27:24 +0000

In September 2013, the HSE launched a new Safer Sites Initiative with aims of achieving improvement in industry standards – especially on smaller sites, increasing awareness of the HSE’s expectations of the industry and to demonstrate the enforcement tools used to prevent risk and bring about long term improvements. HSE inspectors visited 2607 sites and carried out safety inspections, with disappointing results. Almost half (1105) of the sites were found to be not meeting the required standards, with 644 of these needing immediate enforcement action to protect workers from risk. Most of the problems uncovered related to failures to protect people working at height and failures to protect workers against exposure to harmful dust. There was also an abundance of inadequate welfare facilities, which includes a lack of sanitary conveniences, washing facilities and drinking water. Ms Bryant, the HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction found the results hugely disappointing, blaming many of the issues found on sites with poor safety practices on a lack of understanding of basic safety issues. She explained that initiatives like this one are vital for educating employers and tackling poor standards that could endanger workers. She was also keen to express that while the HSE would work with those that didn’t have the necessary information to keep their workers safe to bring up standards, anyone found to be recklessly endangering the health and safety of workers would face tough consequences. The Construction Union (UCATT) were quick to respond to the findings, stating that the figures expose the truth – that too many employers are choosing to gamble with the safety of their workers, instead of upholding basic safety requirements. The key to improving safe practices is training. Not just for those managing the safe, but for all employees expected to carry out potentially dangerous tasks as part of their job. The team at Health and Safety Training Ltd have many years of experience delivering training courses that will improve your standards, protect your workers and ensure you are fulfilling your legal obligations to your staff. There are many courses available in general site management, including managing and working safely, first aid at work and emergency first aid at work, as well as bespoke courses tailored to your specific environment. There are also many job specific courses designed to protect those working in particularly risky roles such as working at height and using abrasive wheels and cutting discs. To find out more and improve your site safety, contact the HST team today.

The Complete Guide To Effective Fire Safety

admin — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:33:53 +0000

Whether you’re an employer, owner of a commercial or industrial premises, landlord or occupier of any other non-domestic property – you are the responsible person, according to the Fire Safety Order. As such, you have an obligation to protect the occupants, employees and residents of that building by undertaking appropriate fire safety measures.

Below is an overview of your duties. For more detailed information, please contact Health & Safety Training Ltd on 0191 6440 332.

Fire Risk Assessments

You must carry out a fire risk assessment of your premises and regularly review it to ensure you have properly identified all possible risks and fire hazards. You should also identify which people are at risk, taking care to understand specific risks for individuals including those with a disability, children and the elderly. Once completed you will need to assess these risks and evaluate their level in order to properly implement a procedure to reduce the risk or eliminate it completely. Everything should be properly recorded and your findings should be communicated to all occupants and employees. Some of the most important aspects include:

Preparing an effective evacuation procedure to ensure everyone can escape via pre-planned routes and exits in the event of an emergency.
Implementing adequate fire detection and warning systems and making fire fighting equipment available.
Ensuring everyone undergoes relevant fire safety training enabling them to respond appropriately in an emergency situation and appointing responsible fire wardens to oversee measures.

Fire Safety Equipment

Understanding what fire safety equipment you need can be difficult, but with the assistance of a professional, this should become clearer when undertaking your fire risk assessment. Two of the most essential pieces of the equipment you will need are extinguishers and alarms:

Nearly every property will need a tailored fire alarm and warning system, with detection points and sounders to warn occupants of any danger and allow them adequate time to evacuate. Larger premises may require a specially designed wireless system with detection zones and a dedicated control panel, whereas smaller alarms may only require a traditional alarm with call points and smoke detectors.

Fire extinguishers are one of the most effective methods of controlling localised fire outbreaks, but using the wrong type of extinguisher can accelerate the fire and heighten the danger - For example, you should use a water extinguisher for paper fires, but if the fire is in an office environment with lots of computer equipment a water extinguisher could be dangerous as it could conduct the electricity and harm the user. Instead you will need a dry powder extinguisher that can be used on both paper and electrical fires.

A professional supplier or risk assessor will guide you through the various types of equipment ensuring that you have the right fire safety and protection for each area of your business.

Evacuation Plans

Drawing up an effective evacuation plan should combine everything you learnt in your risk assessment with best practice. Plans should be individual to your premises, the occupants and the risks present, and must evidence:

That you have a clear passage of escape
Clearly marked exits and escape routes
Emergency doors that provide fast exit
Adequate emergency lighting, if necessary
Training has been complete by all occupants
Special arrangements has been made for people with mobility needs
A safe meeting point has been agreed

Fire Wardens

You should appoint a fire warden of fire marshal, who will be responsible for overseeing general fire safety, using fire extinguishers and coordinating evacuations. This person should be given adequate training to carry out the role safely and legally, giving them an insight into relevant fire safety regulations and precautions. Your fire warden will then be able to:

Liaise with the fire service
Take the correct action on discovering a fire
Understand and implement fire safety legislation & precautions
Understand the chemistry and common causes of a fire
Execute fire drills and evacuation procedures
Effectively use fire extinguishers.

Professional fire safety training

As a responsible person you have a duty to protect everyone in your building, and as an employer the best way to do this is to provide fire awareness training for your staff and occupants. Professionally delivered training will ensure you have fulfilled your duties and given your employees the information they need to stay safe and protected. Fire Awareness Training from the team at Health & Safety Training Ltd will give everyone a thorough understanding of:

The nature and types of fire
The common causes of fire and how it spreads
Effective means of escape from fire
Different methods of tackling a fire
Identification of different extinguishers and their use
Correct methods of fire attack and safe withdrawal

For any more information about your fire safety obligations and how to fulfil them – contact the team at HST Ltd. With years of experience providing tailored fire safety training and a team of dedicated and professional instructors, you can be sure we can help.

10 Forklift Tips to Keep Your Workplace Safe

admin — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:15:25 +0000

Forklifts are incredibly useful pieces of equipment, used throughout many industries to enhance productivity, speed up processes and protect the health and safety of employees. But they can also be extremely dangerous, with thousands of forklift accidents every year resulting in sometimes serious injuries, and usually caused by improper and unsafe operation or lack of training for the operatives. Below are a few tips that will help you keep your workplace safe and ensure you get the most from your equipment and staff. 1. Provide Proper Training This is not just a sensible choice, but a legal obligation. As an employer you must ensure that your team are given all the training they need to safely and legally operate a forklift and keep themselves, their workmates and visitors to your site safe and protected from harm. 2. Provide Safe Work Wear Your operators should have access to personal protective clothing:

A hard hat – a must for any construction environment, development or warehousing facility
Safety shoes – can be the most simple way to avoid potentially disabling accidents
Hi-Vis jackets – essential for everyone present on site – not just the operatives
Tight fitting clothing – loose clothing, sleeves or trouser legs, can easily become trapped in machinery

3. Regular Safety Inspections During their training, your employees will be taught the importance of pre-use safety checks, and how to properly examine the forklift before it is used – every time. Some of the things to inspect before each use include:

Brakes
Steering
Controls
Warning devices
Mast
Tyres

Any problems or faults uncovered, or any signs of excessive wear and tear that become evident, should mean the vehicle is immediately taken out of action until they are resolved. All repairs should be carried out by a fully trained and qualified mechanic or engineer.

All inspections, results and action should be recorded to evidence your commitment to health and safety.

4. Starting a forklift As with any vehicle, there are certain things to check before you start the engine that you will not be able to adjust once the vehicle is in motion:

Mirrors should be positioned to give the individual operator a clear view of everything around them
The seat and controls will need adjusting for each operative to ensure they are within easy and safe reach
The operative should be properly and comfortably seated for the journey, and have the seatbelt fastened

5. Be aware of your surroundings You should always operate your forklift in line with any site rules, speed limits and safety guidelines, which in most places involves:

Only driving on designated roads or paths
Keeping below a 10 miles per hour speed limit
Check signs for low ceilings or doorways, give ways, loading bays & exclusion zones
Know where the edges of ramps, bays and docks are, so you can safely avoid them.

6. Avoiding Hazards It’s important that you know the area you will be driving in well, as an unseen bump in the road can cause the vehicle to tip and result in injuries to yourself and others, as well as damage to the vehicle.

Be aware of lumps, bumps, slippery ground and uneven surfaces
Avoid any loose materials, objects or flooring
Slow for corners and doorways, especially if your visibility is limited
Use your horn to warn pedestrians of your approach
Stay a safe distance from other operatives and vehicles
Maintain a safe stopping distance at all times

7. Safe loading procedures One of the biggest causes of forklift accidents is unsafe loads. Unevenly balanced, unsecured, too heavy or too high loads can cause vehicles to tip up, resulting in accidents that could have been avoided with proper care. The rules are simple:

The load should be tilted slightly back, towards the vehicle
The forks should sit low whilst the vehicle is moving
Loads should be correctly stacked and spread across both forks
Use pallets or skid to balance the load
Check for any overhead obstacles before stacking upwards
Use ropes, straps and bindings to properly secure loads
Do not overload the forklift
Do not push a load with the forks
Never exceed the maximum capacity of your forklift or attachments
Always check the load carefully before moving off

8. Maintain good visibility Another contributing factor in many accidents is not being able to see the path ahead clearly – this not only represents a danger to the driver, but any pedestrians who may not see the forklift approach. Maintaining a clear view on your journey and load is key to upholding safety.

Position the load so you can see clearly where you are going keeping it as low as possible
If necessary, operate the forklift in reverse
Ensure you can see the load clearly, to check it remains secure
If the weather is bad, and effective your ability to see clearly, stop driving
If necessary, get a lookout to assist you and keep them in yoru sight at all times
Operate the forklift in reverse when it improves visibility; except when moving up ramps.

9. Driving on Ramps Forklift operatives should uphold good working practices at all times, especially when travelling on a on ramp or incline with a loaded forklift. The rules are simple –

If you’re travelling uphill, move in a forward direction
If travelling downhill, move in a backward direction
Always look in the direction of travel
Use a look out for additional safety if necessary
Stay away from the edge of the ramp
Do not travel on ramps with no railings
Do not travel on inclines that exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations
Never turn, change direction or load on a ramp

10. At the end of the shift Once the task is completed or the operative’s shift ends, the forklift should be returned to the designated area and parked safely in the authorised space. Operatives should never change mid-shift, or in an unauthorised zone, without the new operative being given the time to check the vehicle and adjust the controls, seat and mirrors to suit them, in a safe and designated area.

Company Fined After Serious Vehicle Safety Failings

admin — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 12:04:58 +0000

Adhering to health and safety procedures in the workplace is paramount to prevent nasty injuries and sometimes fatalities. Nothing exemplifies this quite like the incident that occurred at UK Wood Recycling Ltd back in December 2008. 43 year old Raymond Thomas Burns worked as a Load Inspector for UK Wood Recycling Ltd and was working around a large wood pile on 19^th December 2008, whilst at the same time a shovel vehicle was transporting materials from one side of the site to the other. As Burns was going about his business, he was struck down and run over by the shovel vehicle where he then died from his brutal injuries. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that there were no segregation methods in place on site to divide pedestrians from vehicles, so colleagues had no protection against the potential dangers of moving vehicles carrying heavy loads. Even previous near misses and incidents of colliding vehicles was not enough of a wakeup call for them. Yet since the death of Burns, UK Wood Recycling Ltd admitted that their current working practices were not acceptable and it was foolish to rely on pedestrians and drivers to simply notice one another, rather than implementing official health and safety procedures to ensure safety at all times when working on the site. This waste industry as a whole have a high injury rate with most major injuries being caused due to the lack of control and safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians on site, but in this specific case, HSE Inspector Bruno Porter concluded that, “A conscientious and hard-working man has lost his life in this senseless way”. As a result of this tragic incident, UK Wood Recycling Ltd was prosecuted at Teesside Crown Court. They were fined £200,000 and made to pay out an additional £34,000 after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety regulations laid out in the Workplace Regulations 1992. This avoidable tragedy not only highlights the importance of following legitimate procedures in the workplace, especially if you work in the waste industry, but also the damaging consequences that can happen when you don’t. There really is no excuse for not implementing health and safety procedures and if you need any help with training your staff, then contact the experts at Health and Safety Training Ltd today for more information about legal requirements and how to protect your staff and your business.

Q&A: How Important is Health & Safety for New Businesses

admin — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 12:17:44 +0000

As a new business owner, it’s essential that you understand how health and safety laws affect you, your business, your employees and your customers. Implementing a strict health and safety policy will keep you protected against legal action, and more importantly keep everyone safe from hazardous situations.

Does health and safety apply to my business environment?

Yes! Health and safety laws apply to every business, including self-employed individuals, no matter how big your company or how many people you employ. Your local authority will check to ensure you are abiding by these laws, and they can be enforced by the Health and Safety Executive which can result in prosecution if they find you are not upholding sufficient health and safety practices.

Do I need employers' liability insurance?

If you employ any staff – even if it’s just one person – you need to have employers’ liability insurance and you must display a copy of your certificate in a location that is easily accessible by your staff. You will also need to display a Health and Safety Law Poster.

Do I need a health and safety consultant?

According to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations you need to appoint a person competent to ensure you are complying with all relevant health and safety legislation, although you do not need to hire a professional to do this. If you have the knowledge to do it effectively, you can appoint yourself, or another member of staff, and make it part of their job role.

Does my premises need a risk assessment?

All business owners or employers need to carry out a risk assessment and regularly review and update it to ensure you have properly identified all risks and have taken steps to reduce them or eliminate them completely where possible. You’re risk assessment will dictate your health and safety policy and include everything from fire safety precautions and first aid facilities, to keep walkways clear from obstructions. Your appointed person will have the responsibility of ensuring it is adhered to and properly reviewed.

Do I need any first aiders?

Not all businesses need a trained first aider, but you’re risk assessment will prescribe if you need any and what level they should be trained to. As an employer, your only duty is to appoint someone to take charge of first aid matters – whether you choose to do this yourself is up to you. Their responsibilities will range from organising the training to liaising with the emergency services and stocking the first aid box. You will also need to keep a record of any accidents, dangerous occurrences (near-misses) and illnesses, and when necessary, report them to the HSE.

What do I need to provide for my employees?

As an employer there are certain welfare, health and safety facilities you need to make available to your staff. This includes:

Toilets and hand wash facilities
Drinking water
Somewhere to rest, take breaks and eat meals
Good ventilation and a reasonable working temperature
Suitable lighting

What happens if I don’t implement a sufficient health and safety policy?

The HSE inspectors have wide ranging powers to inspect and enforce adequate health and safety. This includes being able to:

Enter your premises at almost any time
Take photographs and obtain samples
Take possession of an article or item and have it taken apart and tested
Take statements and copy documents

If they find your working practices are being conducted in a way which contravenes any health and safety laws, even if no one has been hurt, they will decide whether you should be prosecuted. They can serve an improvement or a prohibition notice to force you to change any unsafe working practices. If the breach is deemed serious enough, or someone is hurt as a result of unsafe working practices – you can face criminal prosecution and time in prison.

To discuss Health & Safety in the workplace, contact HST today on 0191 6440 332

5 Reasons Fire Drills are Essential for Every Business

admin — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 09:28:18 +0000

The fire drill is an unavoidable event that evokes all kinds of emotions – there’s the summertime fire drill, when everyone is all too happy to put down tools and have five minutes in the sunshine chatting. Then there’s the rainy day fire drill, that invariably makes you trudge outside in the cold and the rain – without stopping to collect belongings or, more importantly, coats! But despite the mixed reactions, or the time of year, fire drills are an absolutely essential event in every work calendar…

1. Practice makes perfect!

The first, and most important reason for a fire drill is the experience it gives. It’s vital that everyone in the building knows and understands the evacuation plan, so in the event of a real emergency, they know which staircase to take, where the fire exits are located, where the assembly point is and most importantly – that there is no need to panic. Your staff should undergo sufficient fire awareness training to prepare them for an emergency and ensure they have all the information they need to respond appropriately to a fire drill or real situation.

2. Identify weak spots

No matter how thoroughly you organise your escape from a burning building, it will never go to plan. There might be a corridor blocked with a stationary delivery that hasn’t been unloaded yet or a door that has been inadvertently locked for security, that you never realised could present a fire hazard until it’s hindering your escape route. A fire drill presents the perfect opportunity to tighten up on rules and amend your risk assessment to ensure nothing like this happens in the event of a real fire outbreak.

3. Test alarms

Although it is a legal requirement that your alarms are tested weekly to ensure they never fail in an emergency, it’s all too easy to overlook checking a sounder in the ladies bathroom, or the visual alarm devices on the top floor. In the event of a fire drill, everything will have to be tested. Your fire marshal will have to check every area of your premises and account for every body – and it will be evident the loo alarms aren’t working if a straggler appears a few minutes after everyone else exclaiming that they didn’t hear the alarm.

4. Fulfil your legal obligations

Of course, one of the most important reasons to carry our regular fire drills is to comply with the law. According to legislation, you are required to fit your premises with an appropriate fire warning system and use it to carry out at least one fire drill every year, during working hours and it must include all staff. Every time you hire new staff, you should inform them of the fire drill procedure and ensure they are aware of all risks and the formal evacuation plan. Every fire drill you carry out must then be recorded and if the results are less than satisfactory, you should carry out another risk assessment and update your evacuation plan to resolve any potential problems.

5. Do you have everything you need?

Since your last fire drill, your work environment may have changed, you may have hired more staff, or even staff with mobility problems or changed the layout of your premises. Although any changes in your environment should instigate a new risk assessment and result in an updated plan, testing the new plan with a fire drill is the perfect way to check you have got it right. It may become apparent that you need to install more emergency lighting or a new fire escape sign, or even invest in a new alarm with flashing beacons to warn deaf people or the hard of hearing. Whatever your fire drill uncovers, it allows you the chance to correct it quickly in case of a real emergency. Keeping all your staff fully trained is the best way to ensure a fire drill is effective at fulfilling every purpose. For more information about your legal requirements, the best way to protect our business and staff and professional fire awareness training for your team – contact the experts at Health & Safety Training Ltd.

How to Avoid Injury on a Building Site

admin — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:19:30 +0000

The world of construction is an exciting and fast-paced one, but a construction site can be a very dangerous place if the right health and safety concerns and regulations are not adhered to. Almost everyone knows of the recent crane collapse in Brazil at the new stadium, which has served to bring these issues to the forefront. However, it is possible to work perfectly safely on a construction site, seeing the new building soaring ever higher, with each and every worker returning safely to his or her loved ones every night. Every building site or construction job should have a written risk assessment which should be made available to all the workers who request it. For those who cannot be bothered to wade through pages of detail, their managers should break down the relevant points to each group of workers: for example, scaffolding workers should acknowledge the need to wear safety harnesses when working at great heights. If each worker understands how and why the specific recommendations will keep them safe on the site they are more likely to co-operate than if they are just told to ‘wear this’.

Fatal Injuries

Some of the injuries that can be incurred on a building site are caused from falling from high places. While a fall of one story may not kill, a fall from seven stories high almost certainly will. In order to prevent serious injury and even death, the workers must undergo training to teach them about the consequences of taking chances while working high above the ground. Other common injuries in construction areas are from things falling down unexpectedly – a piece of scaffolding, a pile of planks, even a hammer or a single brick can be devastating if someone happens to be underneath it. Any areas where items may fall is a risk, and should be cleared of people whenever a fresh load of supplies is sent up, and no one should re-enter the area until confirmation comes down that the goods are safely away from the danger area. Smaller items falling can be protected against by always wearing a hard hat while in the confines of the site.

Safety Clothing

When on site, the appropriate safety clothing should always be worn; no exceptions. A hard hat protects the head from small objects and debris falling and causing head injuries, high-visibility jackets and trousers ensure that everyone can be seen easily, even in the gloom of a half-finished, unlighted building and safety boots to keep bricks, planks and pipes from crushing vulnerable toes are the standard wear on construction sites all over the country. Remember at all times that even the biggest, burliest construction workers are vulnerable to injury, especially when compared to the immense machinery that effortlessly scoops and lifts tonnes of rubble and container-loads of building supplies. Being caught between two of these machines can have horrific consequences. Notwithstanding how detailed and thorough the risk assessment is, accidents do happen, especially in places like building sites where there is a lot of action and movement going on. Minimise the impact of the occasional accident by having a clear and easy to understand plan of action. First aiders (more than one, what if it is the designated first aider that is injured?) should be ready to spring into action, knowing exactly where the first aid kit is and how to call for help if the injury is beyond their capability to deal with. Prompt action by first responders can often ensure that minor incidents don’t become major accidents. It is best if everyone on the site has some form of basic first aid training and knows what to do in an emergency, from management to the newest recruit.

Fatigue

Finally, everyone on site must understand the dangers of working when exhausted. It is understandable and forgivable to want to put on a big push to meet a deadline and possibly earn an early completion bonus, but not at the risk of the health and safety of the workers. If the construction workers are asked to work excessively long hours for extended periods of time, they will, almost certainly, begin to neglect ‘fiddly annoyances’ like wearing safety harnesses and using machinery safety guards. These lapses can kill. The best way to keep everyone on site safe and healthy as the work progresses smoothly is to ensure that everyone fully understands the rules and regulations of the site and why they have been put in place. Make the time and find the funds to have a professional risk assessor come in and train the workers in basic health and safety issues and accident prevention training – the outlay will be more than worth it when you have a smoothly running site and happy, healthy workers, ready and able to get cracking on your next project!

HST Newsletter: Winter 2014

admin — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:37:08 +0000

Our 2013/14 Winter Newsletter: [pdf]http://www.hst.uk.com/news/hst-winter-newsletter/x128469_hsts_p4_lh_lowres/[/pdf]

Cheshire Man Injured in Fall from Forklift

admin — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:55:38 +0000

Forklifts are one of the most dangerous pieces of machinery present in many working environments, with even the most careful and skilled of operators risking life and limb if they misjudge a corner or forget to tighten the restraints on a load. So it’s a surprise that many employers fail to notice when something as dangerous as a forklift begins to be regularly used in a highly illegal and potentially life-threatening way. But this is exactly what happened when a cheese firm in Cheshire allowed lifting workers on the prongs of a forklift to become a common and accepted practice. Joseph Heler Ltd was prosecuted on the 23^rd January 2014 for an accident that occurred on July 2012, and found to have breached the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974. The incident in question involved a 53 year old man, who had been lifted on the prongs of a forklift to the back of a wagon, to load a delivery of cheese. This was not only common practice, but it was actually the only way to carry out the job, as there was no means of access to the back of the wagon. On the day of the accident, the man had been lifted about a meter into the air with a foot on each prong, when the forks connected with the back of the wagon causing a jolt that knocked the worker off balance and he fell to the floor. This resulted in a range of injuries including cuts to his leg and multiple fractures to his ankle. During the HSE investigation it became clear that the company had failed to carry out a risk assessment for this aspect of the job, and as such had not provided any other method for the workers to access the back of the wagons. They had also failed to give them any guidance as to the best way to load deliveries in this situation and, despite knowing that lifting people on the prongs of a forklift was an illegal manoeuvre, they failed to identify it as a risk, letting it become common practice. Since the accident, the company has reviewed its working practices and has provided steps that allow them to access the back of wagons safely. In fact, they have totally changed the way they prepare deliveries to limit the health and safety risk to workers. Joseph Heler Ltd pleaded guilty to the breach and were fined £8,000, as well as being ordered to pay £709.15 in prosecution costs. The HSE inspector who brought the case, Jane Carroll, stated that the accident could have been much worse. Had he landed on his head, the fall could have proved to be fatal and all because his employer had failed to address an obvious and illegal risk to health and safety. The changes made since the accident could have been easily implemented a long time before and, as such, could have saved the injury from ever occurring. This case highlights the consequences of not carrying out regular and adequate risk assessments, especially when working with potentially dangerous machinery. With proper forklift training of the staff and health and safety training for the management team, accidents like this could be completely avoided. The team at Health and Safety Training Ltd specialise in ensuring your staff have all the information and practice they need to carry out their job properly. We’ll also help to encourage a culture of safety at your workplace that ensures health and safety policies are strictly followed and understood by every member of your team.

The True Cost of Improper Health and Safety

admin — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 08:45:58 +0000

Last year in the UK, 148 people were killed at work. A further 78,000 work-related injuries were reported, and 1.1 million people were suffering from a work related illnesses. And all of this cost the taxpayers £13.8 billion! Whilst some injuries, and even deaths, are complete and unavoidable accidents, had the proper risk assessments and health and safety procedures been in place then the vast majority of incidents that resulted in injury could have been prevented. Yet many still see health and safety as a burden to business and routine.

The Human Cost

The cost of poor health and safety isn’t just the extensive financial element; the high human cost is the most concerning figure. Every year millions of working days are lost through work-related illness or injury, and thousands more lives are lost to occupational diseases, not including the direct fatalities as a result of an accident. And then there’re the members of the public, visitors and people just passing by who get injured or killed as a result of poor health and safety – in 2012/13, 113 members of the public were fatally injured in accidents connected to workplace safety. So it’s safe to say that thousands of people are affected every year by poor health and safety. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a crippling lifelong injury or a minor trip or fall, nearly all accidents could have been prevented if the employer had undertaken an adequate risk assessment and implemented precautions that could have reduced, if not eliminated, the risk. Even if this has been done, and in many cases it has and the employer is well aware of the risk, accidents can be the result of a failure to uphold effective health and safety by staff or management, either because they thought it was a waste of time or simply not that important.

The Cost to the Business

Small businesses, organisations, and even large companies often rely on word of mouth recommendations, and even if they don’t, the publicity surrounding a serious accident can have a detrimental effect on the amount of people willing to do business with you. Many businesses have had their reputation completely destroyed by becoming known for not protecting the health and safety of their staff and visitors. That’s not the only way it could affect your business. If your staff feel they are not properly cared for in their working environment, their productively will fall, lowering moral amongst your entire workforce. This could be detrimental to the quality of the work produced, losing you future business, and could lead to staff resigning, leaving you to recruit and train new employees. There are also the additional costs of business insurance and uninsured losses, compensation for the injured and fines imposed for breaches of health and safety legislation – even if no accident occurred. In 2011, Marks and Spencer, and 3 of its contractors, were fined £1 million for health and safety failures that put lives at risk. During the trial the court heard how they didn’t allow workers sufficient time to remove asbestos-containing materials, and instead the workers were confined to working in enclosed areas to remove small sections of asbestos overnight, ready for the store to open the following day. They found that the workers, who had inadequately followed guidance on how to remove asbestos, failed to reduce to a minimum the spread of asbestos to the shop floor – creating a real risk to the health of the workers, store employees and shoppers.

The Benefits of Good Health and Safety

Implementing and upholding a good health and safety policy should not be seen as a burden; reducing the number of potential accidents offers a huge range of benefits to employers and business, including:

Reduced cost and risk
Lower employee absence
Lower staff turnover
Lessened threat of legal action
Enhanced reputation with employees, investors, clients and suppliers

Not to mention the benefit of happy, healthy staff that are more productive and less likely to receive a life threatening injury. Health and Safety Training Ltd offer a range of IOSH-accredited training courses to ensure that your business is doing all it can to lower the cost of improper health and safety. The courses will provide your employees and managers with all the information they need to understand and uphold effective health and safety throughout your business.

Construction Industry Sees Rapid Growth in 2014

admin — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:06:20 +0000

A recent survey shows that the UK construction industry has recently experienced its biggest growth in six and a half years - and the biggest since August 2007!

Rapid Growth in the UK Construction Industry

According to the Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) there was a considerable rise in the construction sector in January 2014. A level of 50 in the index indicates expansion, so with the current figure of well over 60, it’s easy to see just how rapid the sector's growth has been. For instance, last month the construction industry reached a level of 64.6, which, compared to 62.1 for December 2013, shows the increase clearly. The PMI began in 1997, and the figure for last month was one of the highest since its implementation; Markit's reasoning for such a sharp growth is that there are more homes being built now. The senior economist at Markit, Tim Moore, said that January's results offered ‘reassurance’ that the British construction industry's recovery ‘remains on track’.

Almost Unprecedented Rises

In terms of residential house building, January's figures revealed that there hadn't been such a marked increase for over 10 years, and hadn't been as high since November 2003. However, the growth is widespread and also encompasses civil engineering activity and work on commercial buildings. The figures for both these sectors are the highest they've been for some six and a half years. The signs of a recovery only really became evident in the summer of 2013. Indeed, the rate of increase is almost unprecedented in these two areas in the 16 year history. In fact, since the PMI's introduction, the amount of new homes being built has only been more than January's figure on three occasions. Another indicator of a recovery in the construction industry was the fact that, for the ninth month in a row, there had been a rise in volumes of new work and, for the eighth consecutive month, there had been an increase in the number of jobs in the sector.

Reasons for the Upturn

The financial crisis that occurred between 2007 and 2009 hit the building industry hard, and the sector has taken years to recover. So much so that the January 2014 figures were a surprise for many!

There were several contributing factors to the growth in the construction sector. Decreasing unemployment, low interest rates and the government's Help to Buy initiative (along with similar initiatives), which was launched to boost home ownership, were all seen as reasons for the upturn.

Supply and Training Issues

The improving state of the UK construction industry has led to a problem for some suppliers of construction materials. Not all are finding it easy to keep up with demand. One area that will have to be addressed is the need for training in related areas, such as health and safety and forklift training, to be able to keep up with the increasing demand for workers and materials. Failure to keep up with this demand sufficiently means running the risk of having workers with inadequate training, which could lead to a higher accident and prosecution rate. This could damage the chances of success for the industry, so is an investment that should be taken very seriously.

House building in the UK has risen for 12 months in a row, and there are now over a thousand new homes being built every month.

Currently, the quarterly rate of growth in the UK construction sector is around the 4% mark. There is optimism that the pattern of growth in the construction industry, which has been close to record-breaking, will continue throughout 2014.

Success for New Youth Training Initiative

admin — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 10:30:43 +0000

A new training partnership between North Tyneside Council, Kier North Tyneside and Justice Prince have been celebrating success as the first batch of trainees have completed the first 12 week programme.

Working Roots

The ‘Working Roots’ initiative currently has 15 young recruits, aged between 16-18, who have left school with few qualifications, leaving them with limited options for entering further education and employment. It’s thought that this portion of society is more at risk of unemployment, with 40% of unemployed people aged 16-25! The trainees, aged between 16 to 18, have embarked on a training programme with Kier to learn trade skills such as fencing, gardening and decorating. They’ll also earn £50 a week and gain essential basic qualifications in math and English. To mark the occasion, the trainees were invited to a special event at the at the council’s headquarters, where Mayor Norma Redfearn expressed her commendation for the new venture: “Our trainees have done us proud and are showing other young people – who may believe there is nothing out there for them – that there is.” The Working Roots programme has proven how successful building partnerships can be and how much they can benefit the community as a whole. With unemployment in the North East soaring to 5.4%, one of the highest figures in the country, initiatives like this can’t come soon enough. Health and Safety Training Ltd Although this training course is only available for 16 – 18 year olds, at the minute, there are other options for unemployed people of all ages in the North East of England. If you are currently out of work and on active benefits, the team at Health and Safety Training Ltd offer a specialist unemployed training programme that will help you learn the skills to get you back into work. The EDI QCF Certificate Qualification in Plant Operations offers training for a Forklift Truck, Telescopic Forklift Truck or Cherry Picker & Scissors Lift. Each of the courses are accredited by leading industry bodies, such as NPORS, RTITB and IPAF, so the resulting qualification is recognised throughout all industries in England. Depending on the trade you’ve chosen, from construction, warehousing and distribution, to engineering, manufacturing and transport, the team can help you choose the best pathway to get there. So if you’re looking to get back into work, but don’t know where to start – take some inspiration from the young people on the ‘Working Roots’ programme and give the Health and Safety Training a call. They’ll be able to assess your edibility and set you on the path to success and employment!

What Stops Forklifts from Tipping Over?

admin — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 10:04:01 +0000

Forklift trucks are impressive pieces of equipment – usually compact vehicles have a fairly restricted weight lifting capability. But forklifts seem to be able to handle ever increasing loads with ease and stability. Unfortunately, the truth is that forklifts often do tip over, whether it’s a split second when the rear tyres lift from the floor, or the operative gets themselves into a position that means they lose control of the vehicle. This can be avoided with a real, working knowledge of the basic safety restraints and load limits of a forklift.

The most important rule to remember is that for a forklift to remain stable, the centre of gravity of the truck must remain within the wheelbase.

Every forklift should have a load rating chart, which will show where exactly on the forks you should place the load, and will explain the maximum loading weight. If the load is placed closer to the front tyres, where the canter of gravity - or the fulcrum - is, the less likely it will become unbalanced and tip up. So, the further along the forks you go, the lower the weight the truck will be able to handle.

Forklift stablity

This is because, whether you lift the load with the tips or base of the forklift forks, the hydraulics will apply the exact same amount of force to lift the load. For example, this is the same as sitting on a see-saw. The further the away from the centre you sit, the more you will move up and down. This means that a forklift truck with a maximum load of 10,000 lbs might change to a maximum load of 2,000 lbs if the load is balanced on the end of the forks, as it will be able to handle less weight the further it gets from the centre. Similarly, lifting the load to certain heights will have a similar effect, as the lift will also take the load away from the centre of gravity. So if a load has to lifted to the top of the reaching ability of the truck, the maximum load might change from 10,000lbs to 2,000 lbs.

Some Forklifts have zero turning radius

Another problem relating to the height of the load is that even if you manage to balance the load at a height, if you make a sharp turn, the load could still become unstable and tip. Forklifts can turn around in very restricted spaces - some have zero turning radius – and with speeds reaching as much as 35mph, it can be very easy to offset the centre of gravity and to tip the truck whilst moving with a high load. So it’s best to keep the load low whilst moving and only lift it when the vehicle is stationary. Generally, the stability of the truck is almost wholly dependent on the ability and knowledge of the operative, so to keep the truck upright, professional forklift training is essential. Without a proper working knowledge, the truck can easily become unbalanced and tip, risking the life of the operative and anyone working close by. For more information about keeping your workers safe and your trucks upright, simply contact the professional team at Health and Safety Training Ltd. We can provide full training that will give your operatives all the skills they need.

Firm in Northumberland Fined After Worker Severely Damages Right Hand

admin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:12:01 +0000

A Northumberland firm has learned the consequences of not adhering to health and safety legislation, as they were found guilty of breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The case concerned a 55 year old saw mill worker from Amble in Northumberland, who was left with a permanent impairment to his hand after it was severely damaged following an accident with an unguarded saw blade. The court heard how the worker, who was using an industrial-sized rig saw to cut logs, caught his fingers in the machinery when he tried to clear away a blockage caused by a section of wood. The safety guards that should have prevented him nearing the moving blade were missing and didn’t protect him from one of the most dangerous parts of the machine. The accident resulted in the worker having to have a partial amputation of his middle and ring fingers.

Safety Failings

The incident, which occurred on the 28^th June 2012 at Station Sawmills in Wooperton, was swiftly investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, who found sufficient evidence of serious failings to prosecute the worker’s employer, A & J Scott Ltd. They found that the missing safety guards that should have protected the worker from the moving blades constituted a breach of Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. A & J Scott Ltd pleaded guilty in court and were ordered to pay £8,911.85 in costs. After the successful prosecution, Andrew Woodhall of the HSE expressed his concern that these types of easily avoidable injuries are too common in the woodworking and sawmill industry, where the major injury rate is almost 3 times that of general manufacturing. Mr Woodhall also stated that had A & J Scott Ltd followed health and safety law and taken simple steps to make sure workers couldn’t come into contact with the blade, this accident could have been prevented. Although the injuries sustained on this occasion were not life threatening, they are life changing and extremely painful for the worker. If the accident had been any worse the results could have easily been disabling and even fatal.

Health and Safety Training and Risk Assessments

Had a thorough risk assessment been undertaken, the danger presented by the missing guards would have been identified and the company could have taken steps to negate the hazard. A lack of proper guidance from management and a failure to provide adequate training for staff working dangerous jobs is one of the biggest causes of accidents of this kind. If the company had upheld an effective regime of training and culture of safety, they could have avoided the accident and the consequences. To find out more about how to keep your business running smoothly and safely, simply contact the team at Health and Safety Training Ltd. We’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and provide tailored training that will keep your staff, visitors and clients safe.

Identifying Health & Safety Hazards in the Workplace

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 08:32:46 +0000

While the topic of health and safety can generate a bad press, this is usually down to lack of understanding of the rules and the consequences of ignoring them. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees a range of laws intended to keep people safe in work environments. It can and does issue penalties for breaches and can bring criminal prosecutions resulting in fines or even prison sentences. It should also be noted that health and safety breaches can have a number of related consequences such as loss of productivity, compensation claims, and reputational damage. Fortunately a combination of risk assessment and appropriate training, with a little common sense, can go a long way towards mitigating these risks. Start With a Risk Assessment… You need to know what specific risks there are, where they are and who is at risk to be able to deal with them. The HSE warns not to overcomplicate the process and breaks it down into 5 easy to follow steps:

Identify the hazards
Decide who might be harmed and how
Evaluate the risks and decide on precaution
Record your findings and implement them
Review your assessment and update if necessary

Your duty of care extends throughout the whole of your company property, so if for example you have a car park as well as an indoor facility, then this also needs to be assessed and made safe. In the event of an accident, proof that you undertook an appropriate risk assessment may help significantly in dealing with the consequences.

One of the most important requirements of carrying out a risk assessment is that the appointed person, or company, has the required skill to undertake the job properly.

As a business owner you can outsource the job of carrying out a risk assessment to a specialist company, and although this is a great option for larger companies, it’s less feasible for smaller companies. There are risk assessment training programmes available to help you learn how to recognise risk and carry out a sufficient risk assessment, whether you choose to do this yourself, or appoint a responsible person within your organisation. Any risk assessment needs to be tailored to the individual business, but there are some hazards common to all environments: Falling This is a standard hazard, although its precise causes are likely to depend on the specific environment. In a kitchen, it may be caused by spills and in an office by loose cables. Bad lighting can cause people to misjudge their step in any environment and on construction sites the chances of falling from a height can be fatal if not properly assessed. Hits and Knocks In any environment, care should be taken to create a workspace where people can move freely without bumping into either each other or obstacles. In environments where items are continually being moved, meaning that they are more likely to be dropped, it may be appropriate for employees to wear safety clothing such as protective hats and boots. In all environments, items must be stored in an appropriate manner so that they do not fall out or cause free-standing storage units to overturn. Burns and Scalds Where handling hot items is integral to the nature of an employee's work, appropriate training should be provided. Where it is incidental, companies should take steps to minimise the exposure to heat and provide extra guidance if required. A typical example of this would be in kitchen facilities. Kettles and urns should be cool to the touch and it may be appropriate to remind employees to respect the maximum capacity. Fire Fire is one of the most serious hazards in any environment, and can easily result in death if not properly assessed and protected against. Companies should also be aware that in addition to the damage fire can cause, if water needs to be used to put it out, this in itself can actually cause significant extra damage. Essentially it creates a situation equivalent to being flooded. While naked flames are an obvious fire risk, any source of heat can cause a fire. Faulty electrical equipment is another common fire risk. In addition to managing sources of heat, companies also need to manage sources of fuel. For example offices which store a lot of paper need to look carefully at how they store it. Safety Education and Training The best way to ensure the safety of the people present on your premises is to provide appropriate health and safety training for your staff, whether that’s job specific training, risk assessment training or fire awareness training, the more educated your staff are the easier it will be to avoid hazards and mitigate the consequences should an accident occur.

What is a Vehicle Banksman?

admin — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 15:47:59 +0000

One of the most important jobs in any workplace, such as a building site or loading bay, is a Vehicle Banksman. A Vehicle Banksman is the person who is in charge of directing the movements of large vehicles on a work site, particularly large cranes during loading and unloading. A Vehicle Banksman will be the eyes and ears of the crane or truck driver and make sure any manoeuvres they make are safe and don’t put the driver or anyone else in danger. The Banksman communicates with the driver via a radio link or pre-arranged hand signals. By doing this the Banksman can inform the driver of what is going on around the vehicle since they may not have a complete view or clear visibility. A Vehicle Banksman can also be called upon for many other duties such as directing traffic in and around the site. As such they are sometimes also called traffic marshals.

Vehicle Banksman Training

The importance and responsibility of this job means it requires Banksmen to be fully trained. In turn, the training for any Vehicle Banksman needs to be thorough and comprehensive. It’s essential to have knowledge of all the health and safety aspects associated with this job. This includes things like:

Knowing what responsibilities a Vehicle Banksman has
The main causes of accidents
How to prevent common accidents
Understanding equipment and machinery
The correct procedures for manoeuvring equipment

It’s a job which is always in demand and highly valued, not just by employers but by work colleagues. According to statistics, nearly one in four deaths which involve a vehicle at work, are when it’s reversing. It’s easy to see, with this fact alone, why a Vehicle Banksman has such an important role to play in any work area.

Why Do you Need a Vehicle Banksman?

As well as deaths and injuries, there can be significant and costly damage to vehicles and other on-site equipment in an uncontrolled environment. A Vehicle Banksman has the important responsibility of trying to ensure these accidents don’t happen. The other side of this is that being a Vehicle Banksman can be an extremely rewarding job, one which repays training with giving any individual a fulfilling, rewarding and satisfying role in the workplace. With training and qualifications, a Banksman can be vital in a number of different working environments such as docks, factories, loading bays and storage depots. Places such as building sites, for instance, which often have large vehicles, trucks, diggers and cranes all in one relatively enclosed space need a good Vehicle Banksman to take control and direct vehicle operations. In simple terms, the better the training, the better the Banksman - which is why when it comes to training you should make sure you always go to a recognised training company which is well respected within the industry. Health & Training Safety Ltd have been providing a wide range of health and safety training courses, including Vehicle Banksman training. Once you have your qualifications from a provider like us, employers will know you have the much desired skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job you apply for to the highest industry standards.

HST have moved offices to Newcastle

admin — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:51:46 +0000

The team at Health and Safety Training Ltd are pleased to announce the opening of our new office in Newcastle. The move means we are no longer working from our old offices in Gateshead or North Shields, but our new premises in the Benton Square Industrial Estate has 14,000 square feet of space situated on a 1.3 acre site. We are now able to offer training in additional fields such as loading shovel, dumper truck and road rollers as well the existing telescopic handler courses due to our substantial outside training area at the new site. The site also offers a more central location with easy access for visitors and an office block, as well as warehouse style training areas with plenty of room to deliver our expert training.

New Address

Health & Safety Training Ltd, Unit 6, Wesley Way, Benton Square Industrial Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 9TA Here at Health and Safety Training, we’re dedicated to expanding the services and enhancing the quality of our work, and as a result, over the last few years we’ve experienced great growth and success. Our customers come back to us time and time again, because they trust us to fulfil all their training requirements and know our instructors deliver tailored training to meet their individual needs. The move to our new office emphasises our commitment to delivering an extensive range of high quality, professional training, not just at our premises – but at your site too. We’ve always offered on-site training, which is ideal for large groups, unusual workspaces and specialised machinery, but thanks to our new location we can reach any location in and around the North East, including Durham, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Northumberland easily. Our team are settling in well and are looking forward to welcoming our new and returning customers to our fantastic new premises – so come in to see us soon!

The Health and Safety Kit: Fire Safety

admin — Tue, 06 May 2014 09:24:59 +0000

In any environment, whether domestic, commercial or industrial, fire can have devastating effects. In the six months between April and September 2013, there were 140 fire fatalities in England, and a further 1,664 hospitalised but non-fatal casualties. The majority of these fires will have been preventable, and as an employer or someone who is responsible for a workplace or other public building, you have a legal responsibility to adopt the right procedures, behaviours and policies to prevent an outbreak of fire.

The Hazards

Fires need 3 things to start: oxygen, fuel and ignition. Oxygen is obviously something you can’t control, but the most important thing you can do is keep sources of ignition, e.g. naked flames, lighting, matches, electrical equipment, etc., separate from sources of fuel or combustible materials, such as wood, paper, plastic, furniture, waste materials, etc. As most fires are accidental, it’s important to uphold good housekeeping that will ensure fire kindling and ignition sources stay separate, things like:

Avoiding a build-up of rubbish or litter that could act as a fire fuel
Ensuring electrical equipment is regularly serviced and maintained
Keeping your fire protection equipment and alarms in good working order
Keep escape routes clear so as not to cause an obstruction in an emergency

The Law

The legislation covering this area of health and safety law is The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which covers all general fire safety in England and Wales. In the majority of commercial properties, local fire and rescue authorities are responsible for enforcing fire safety legislation, although there are a few exceptions where the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has enforcement responsibility, such as on construction sites. The most important aspect of the legislation is to undertake a fire risk assessment that will identify hazards and dictate your fire protection policy.

Your Responsibilities

Fire Risk Assessment

As the legally responsible person, it is your job to undertake regular fire risk assessments of the property to identify any hazards, take steps to avoid them and establish a plan for emergencies. These are similar to carrying out normal health and safety risk assessments, but with the focus on ignition sources, types of fuel, and fire protection equipment, as well as taking into account any individual hazards for particularly vulnerable people, such as disabled people or children. Whether you incorporate your fire risk assessment into your health and safety assessment, or have it conducted separately – which is advisable if you are in a particularly high risk environment, such as catering – you’ll need to properly record your findings so you can take appropriate action to limit risk. You need to ensure any fire risk assessment doesn’t become stagnant, which means it must be reviewed and updated regularly. Most working environments are constantly changing; new staff, new equipment and new layouts all mean new risks and hazards that must be identified and protected against.

Equipment

The type of fire protection equipment you need will be evident of completion of your risk assessment, and will be different for every property. Some of the most likely equipment you’ll need includes:

A fire alarm and warning system that covers your entire premises and is capable of warning everyone present, including those who may have a disability that would stop them being able to see or hear the alarm
Fire extinguishers suitable for the types of hazards identified in your assessment
Emergency lighting, fire exits signs and specialist fire doors

You’ll need to ensure all your equipment is properly installed and maintained, and if necessary, that your staff are trained to use it.

Training & Drills

As an employer you also have a legal obligation to ensure your workers receive appropriate training. This includes carrying out regular fire drills and training on procedures your staff need to follow in an emergency.

Evacuation Plan

As a result of your fire risk assessment you must formulate an evacuation plan and communicate it clearly to all your staff. This should include:

Clearly marked, short and direct escape routes
Enough exits and routes for all occupants of the building
Easy to open emergency doors
Adequate emergency lighting
Escape procedure training for all employees
A safe meeting point

You’ll also need to take into account any individuals that may have mobility issues in the event of an evacuation and ensure you make special arrangements to facilitate their escape.

Available Training

Here at Health and Safety Training Ltd, we offer a range of general safety courses to keep you, your staff and your business working safely and efficiently, and this includes Fire Awareness Training. The course is designed to give all learners a basic understanding of fire safety in the workplace, and will prepare them for raising the alarm upon identifying a fire, and using a fire extinguisher.

The Health and Safety Kit: Manual Handling

admin — Wed, 21 May 2014 15:30:28 +0000

Incorrect manual handling is thought to be responsible for more than 1 in 5 of all work related injuries. It is such a broad subject that it covers a whole range of ways in which an injury can be sustained, from lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling objects, to strains, sprains, trapped fingers and even cuts. As a result of the broad definition, from 2012 to 2013 7% of major injuries, including 1 fatality, and over 25% of seven-day injuries to an employee were the result of manual handling accidents, most of which could have been avoided by following proper handling procedures.

The Hazards

The main injury associated with manual handling is work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These make up around a third of all workplace injuries and can happen in any industry, sector or environment from farms, building sites, and warehouses, to banks, offices and hospitals. The main risk factors in developing an MSD include:

Heavy manual labour, prolonged and repetitive tasks
Previous or existing injuries
Poor working conditions, including a lack of mechanical aids and unsuitable loads
Lack of training or failure to follow proper manual handling procedures

The Law

As an employer you have a responsibility to keep your staff safe from the risks associated with incorrect manual handling, and the best way to do this is to make sure you comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the requirement in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) (MHOR) to carry out a risk assessment on manual handling tasks. According to the legislation, your main duty is to is to avoid any manual handling task, as far as reasonably practicable, if you believe there is a possibly of harm or injury. If you can’t avoid the task, you must reduce the risk as much as possible. You also have a duty to make appropriate changes to work to avoid or reduce risk if an employee complains, and you must monitor the situation to ensure they are reducing any discomfort.

Your Responsibilities

Assess

As the legally responsible person, it is your job to undertake risk assessments of each task and consider the risks from manual handling to the health and safety of your workers. The purpose of your risk assessment is to identify all the risks so you take proportionate measures to control them. The best way to ensure that you cover all bases is to carefully consider how an accident could occur in each situation and during each process, make sure you take into account machinery or substances that cause injury. Include your staff by asking them their opinion of the hazards – if they’re the ones carrying out the actual work, they’ll probably have a better understanding of any risky jobs that cause them strain or concern. Be sure to include any workers who might be particularly vulnerable, such as the people with disabilities or pregnant women, as they might have concerns you wouldn’t normally consider. Check the safety instructions on all the machinery, equipment and substances you use.

Avoid

Once you’ve identifies all the possible risks, you’ll be able to see which ones can be completely eliminated. The first step is to check whether you need to conduct a manual handling task at all. So, for example, does that large load need to be moved, or can the task be carried out closer to the load to avoid the risks associated with moving it? Can raw materials be delivered closer to their point of use? Can you use a mechanical aid to avoid human effort and strain? If you decide that avoiding manual handling completely is not an option, you are legally required to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Reduce

Risk is a part of everyday life, so it’s not expected that you eliminate all risks, but you must do as much as you can to make sure you are aware of them and manage them responsibly. Legally speaking you must do everything reasonably practicable to protect your employees from harm. So, for example, if you must move a load consider ways you can reduce risk, such as:

Could a mechanical lifting aid be used to reduce manual strain?
Could you change the workplace layout to ensure a more direct journey?
Could the load be stored higher to reduce bending and lifting?

Available Training

Here at Health and Safety Training Ltd, we offer a range of general safety courses to keep you, your staff and your business working safely and efficiently, and this includes our NPORS Manual Handling Training Course. The course can be applied to almost every industry, and is recommended for every member of your staff who may be at risk of receiving an injury whilst carrying out all manner of manual handling tasks during their daily working duties.

HST team up with AquAid to provide clean water to African village

admin — Thu, 22 May 2014 08:35:52 +0000

Here at Health & Safety Training Ltd we know that one of the best ways to ensure a productive workforce is to ensure they stay happy and healthy – and one of the many things we do to keep our team and learners performing at their best is to provide fresh, chilled drinking water that keeps them properly hydrated and ready to tackle a day of teaching or learning. But, the water coolers we chose to invest in have another benefit – with every water cooler we have installed through AquAid, we have provided a donation to The Africa Charity. The charity works hard to provide sustainable solutions to the poverty stricken people of Africa, and this includes creating a clean and fresh supply of water. AquAid are also part of a wealth creation programme that provides training to African school leavers. This training gives them the skills, knowledge and confidence to begin businesses and generate income for themselves and their community. Our contributions to The Africa Trust have helped to make it possible to install an ‘Elephant Pump’ near a village in Africa. The Elephant Pumps are made from locally sourced materials and are cheap, easy to make and simple to repair, and have an immediate and positive impact on the lives of those living nearby. Our pump will proudly bear our name, but more importantly will help to improve the quality of life for those living near the well, giving them much needed access to clean, safe drinking water. So we’d like to thank our learners and staff for helping to make Health and Safety Training Ltd a success, which has allowed us to help some of the worlds’ poorest people. We look forward to sharing some photos and letters of thanks from the village near our pump soon, and are immensely proud to be part of such a fantastic and life saving project.

Unguarded Machinery Results in Fines after HSE Visit

admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:22:40 +0000

In May 2012, the Health and Safety Executive paid a visit to two floral foam manufacturing units on the Crowther Industrial Estate in Tyne and Wear, both of which are owned and operated by manufacturers Smithers-Oasis UK Ltd. The visit was in response to an accident at one of the premises, in which a worker suffered an injury to her left hand after it became trapped in a piece of machinery she was operating. The accident resulted in her having a finger broken and another partially amputated, and, after an investigation, the HSE found that there were no protective measures in place to stop her or other workers from getting too close to the dangerous moving parts of the machine. Following this finding, the company had a piece of guarding fitted to restrict access, but on a further visit the HSE found that this was still not adequate or effective. They were served with an enforcement notice to improve the guards, which they took on board and complied with. However, later in the same year, the HSE carried out a further general inspection on the company’s two premises and had serious concerns about a substantial amount of other machinery. They found that several pieces of machinery had similar guarding defects to the milling machine, which could cause serious injury to workers. Again, they served an Improvement Notice requiring immediate action to resolve the problem and avoid future accidents and, again, the notice was complied with quickly. Despite the machinery being fixed with effective guards, the HSE inspector came to the conclusion that for a number of months the employees had been put at unnecessary risk of serious of injury. Smithers-Oasis UK Ltd had failed in their duty to protect them by not preventing access to the dangerous moving parts of a number of machines, despite the injury suffered by the milling machine worker earlier in the year and the numerous visits from the HSE. The HSE Inspector responsible, Paul Miller, brought the case before Sunderland Magistrates’ Court on the 25^th April 2014, and the company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Inspector Paul Miller believed the repetitive failings could have easily led to further and more serious injuries to the company’s employees, ranging from cuts to more amputations and even severe crush injuries. It stated it was simple a matter of good luck that no further incidents had occurred. The court agreed with Mr Miller, and Smithers-Oasis UK Ltd was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay an additional £6,630 in costs.

The Health and Safety Kit: Vehicle Safety

admin — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:59:34 +0000

No matter what industry you work in, if you work with or around vehicles of any kind, vehicle safety is a huge concern. There are almost 5,000 accidents each year involving workplace vehicles and, of these, around 50 result in a fatality. From huge plant equipment, cranes and lorries, to smaller lift trucks and cars, each vehicle is chosen specifically for its practicality, but ultimately, without the proper training, care and adherence to regulations, they present a real risk of harm to the driver, pedestrians and other road users. As an employer, it is your duty to ensure your drivers have all the necessary skills, training and licences to keep themselves and those working around them safe from harm.

The Hazards

Because of the size and weight of even the smallest vehicle, when accidents do occur, they are more likely to cause serious in injury. The majority of accidents however, could have been avoided if the driver had had the correct training and applied in properly. The most common causes of accidents include:

Speed

Whether vehicles are being used on site or on the road, speed limit restrictions will be in place to reduce the likelihood of accidents, and the level of injury or damage caused if there is an accident. It’s important that these restrictions are adhered to at all times, but it is also important that the driver understands his vehicle and load sufficiently to change speed when approaching corners or obstacles.

Loading and Carrying Loads

Loading bays are particularly hazardous because of the combination of busy workers and vehicles. Accidents include workers being knocked down or even becoming trapped by vehicles; workers falling from loading platforms and unsecured loads falling onto workers. Loading bays are typically hectic places with numerous vehicles, which present another set of risks, including multiple vehicle collisions. The most common use for vehicles in the workplace is transporting good and loads. These loads, if not properly secured can cause smaller vehicles such as forklifts to tip, or obscure the view of the driver resulting in collisions. In larger vehicles, loads can break free and move about, causing the centre of balance to shift. Even the most skilled driver can be caught off guard if the load suddenly shifts, causing the lorry to tip or swerve when cornering or breaking.

Manoeuvring and Reversing

One of the most dangerous times to be around a vehicle is when it is manoeuvring or reversing. This is because of the limited sight of the driver. Even with the assistance of a banksmen to help direct the driver and warn of pedestrians and obstacles, if both the driver and the banksman are not well trained and practiced in the use of all the necessary signs and signals, accidents can occur without warning.

Road markings and zones

Any work site, warehouse or depot that utilises vehicles should have properly marked out routes and zones in which the vehicles can travel, without the concern of bumping into a pedestrian. If the site doesn’t have this, it’s more likely that pedestrians and vehicles will be using the same space, heightening the risk of an accident. It’s also essential that all routes are properly marked out, so visitors are immediately aware of any potential hazards and that there are appropriate road signs for use by the driver to ensure they maintain the correct speed and position.

Maintenance and Inspection

Faulty vehicles are responsible for fewer accidents, but the damage that can be caused by faulty lifting gear or even worn brake cables can be disastrous. Another major cause of vehicle accidents is the condition of the vehicles. Without proper and regular maintenance, undertaken by a qualified professional, an employer can’t be certain it is safe and suitable for the job at hand. It’s also important that vehicle operatives are trained to inspect and identify potential issues with their vehicles. Even if they don’t have the mechanical knowledge to rectify the problem themselves, knowing when to call a specialist engineer is essential.

The Law

As with all safety concerns in the workplace, The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 governs this area of law, but employers are under further duties prescribed by The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The main provisions applying to the responsibility of employers using vehicles are:

All vehicles should be suitable for the required purpose
They should be properly maintained and regularly inspected
The use of the vehicle should be restricted to the necessary users
All operatives, users, supervisors and managers should be given adequate training, detailing working practices, any and all possible risks and all required precautions.

Your Responsibilities

As an employer it is your responsibility to provide a safe working environment for all your staff, and the simplest way to ensure you are doing this is with an effective risk assessment. Risk assessments can be specific for certain hazards, such as fire risk assessments that require more detail, or they can be an extensive singular assessment that covers every risk in your workplace. You can choose an external company to assist you if you don’t have the necessary training, or can assign responsibility to a competent member of staff. The point of a risk assessment is to identify all possible risks, so you can take appropriate steps to eliminate, or at least reduce, them. One of the most important aspects of safety that is required by law and should be covered in your risk assessment is to provide your staff with the appropriate training to enable them to carry out their job safely and efficiently.

Available Training

At Health and Safety Training Ltd we offer a wide range of courses that can improve the level of safety at your premises. The most applicable to vehicle safety are our wide range of forklift operative training courses, as well as plant operative and MEWP operative training. These courses can be adapted to suit the vehicles used on your premises and will give the operatives all the knowledge and skill they need, including how to carry out inspections and understand their legal responsibilities. We also offer risk assessment training that will train a member of your staff to undertake a sufficient risk assessment, and give them a thorough understanding of its legal implications. For any more information about how our training can help to keep your business, staff, customers and visitors safe from the risk posed by workplace vehicles, or for a more inclusive education about how to manage your business safely – simply contact our team today for tailored training that reflects your needs.

Health & Safety Week 2014

admin — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:16:42 +0000

Since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the rate of serious and fatal accidents in the workplace has fallen dramatically. Whether this is because employers are more aware of the legal and financial risks of not upholding an effective health and safety culture, or they have a better understanding of the benefits of maintaining a happy, healthy and productive workforce, it has caused the figures to drop by about 85%. To celebrate this achievement, many health and safety organisations, including the Safety and Health Expo team, SHP and Barbour EHS, from across the UK have come together to launch the very first Health and Safety Week 2014. The event will take place between the 16^th and 20^th June 2014 at the Safety and Health Expo and aims to restore a more positive opinion of the prestigious health and safety profession, and celebrate the impressive health and safety record of the UK. We are a world leader when it comes to the safety of our workers, as illustrated by the fact that no lives were lost during the construction of the Olympic Park for the 2012 London Olympics. This is not a surprising outcome; as a nation we would have been outraged if even one person had lost their life during such a major project. But over in Brazil, as they get ready to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup, they are mourning the loss of at least 8 workers who have tragically died during the construction of the stadiums. So, although health and safety is a regular and accepted part of our lives, it is obvious that this is not the case everywhere and we should be celebrating the success of the health and safety profession, who work hard to protect the lives of UK workers. Many organisations who recognise the outstanding achievements have already signed up to the event, including the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH), the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) and the British Safety Council (BSC). We’ve come a long way over the last 40 years, and although a large part of the event is to celebrate and recognise the value of health and safety and encourage the importance of engaging with health and safety, it is also about creating awareness of the next step. Reducing deaths from work-related illnesses is still a major concern. Every year, around 13,000 people die from illnesses contracted throughout their working lives, such as lung disease and cancers. This is a fairly shocking statistic, and clearly needs to be addressed urgently. No worker should be subjected to life threatening risks in their job, and the first step towards reducing the figure is to raise awareness of it. For more information, or to follow the event, check out the Health and Safety Expo website.