Community editor's blog

Life in the Fasting Lane

2010-02-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't write that headline. Disneyland hotel workers began a water-only fast this week to protest what they describe as life-threatening safety issues on the job.

More than 2,000 bellmen, dishwashers, room attendants, and cooks at the Grand Californian Hotel say new work requirements have led to serious health problems among workers, including heart attack, stroke and musculoskeletal injuries.

Narciso Guevara, a houseman at the Grand Californian Hotel, who is particpating int he fast, said: "We’re fighting for our health. We need better, safer conditions on the job, healthcare we can afford, and even more importantly, we need the company to respect us."

I'm all for fighting for your rights - particularly where health and safety is concerned - but aren't they just harming their own health more?

Judge for yourselves - they're blogging - and they've called it Life in the Fasting Lane.

I told you I didn't write the headline.

H&S experts pan Cameron's latest crowd-pleaser

2009-12-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

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Legal experts, safety bodies and unions have joined in questioning the substance behind Conservative leader David Cameron's planned campaign to end what he called the the "over-the top culture of health and safety and compensation".

IIRSM chair Keith Scott said he was disappointed the Conservatives had made no constructive suggestions for legal reform.

Talking to HSW magazine, he suggested there might be scope for consolidating some overlapping legislation while maintaining its impact, as in the case of the Fire Safety Order which replaced more than 100 older regulations, and pointed out that the planned review would tread the same ground as that carried out by the government's Better Regulation Executive in 2008.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber pointed out that none of the cases mentioned in Cameron's speech relate to health and safety regulation - he called them either distortions of the facts or misunderstandings.

"People expect political parties to develop policies based on facts, not on half-truths and myths culled from newspaper headlines," he added.

So, is it just another Cameron crowd-pleaser? Or do you think it is time the Health and Safety at Work Act was revised to lessen bureaucracy? Would it make your job easier? Tell us in the discussion forums.

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Classic? A classic trip hazard more like...

2009-11-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

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Artist Eva Rothschild's 'scribble in space' sculpture - a thin, zig-zagging metal sculpture made up of 26 enormous triangles which visitors are invited to walk through - is currently being exhibited at the Tate Modern.

Not only is it far too modern (not to mention dull) for the space in which it stands - the rather grand Duveens - does it not also present a very obvious trip hazard to gallery visitors? See for yourself and tell us your views by clicking here.

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Workers are sick of Mondays...

2009-11-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday afternoon, and memories of getting up for work on a dark, miserable Monday morning are quickly fading (until next week, that is). Interesting stats published on http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/ today have revealed that workers are sick of Mondays, with one in three sick days taking place on the first day of the week. In addition, Mondays account for a startling 35 per cent of all sick days.

Human resource consultants Mercer looked at absence records for around 11,000 private sector workers and also found that MSDs account for nearly a quarter of all days lost to sickness.

To read HSP's analysis of the report, click here.

Clearly borrowing a pair of scissors is considered too cutting edge...

2009-10-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here's another absurd "elf 'n' safety" story for you...

A woman working in a London library says she was refused the loan of a pair of scissors by an assistant because she "might stab a member of staff". Lorna Watts, 26, told the BBC: "I asked why I couldn't borrow a pair of scissors and she said, 'they are sharp, you might stab me'.

"I then asked to borrow a guillotine to cut up my leaflets but she refused again - because she said I could hit her over the head with it!"

Lorna added: "It's absurd - there are plenty of heavy books I could have hit her with if I wanted to!"

A spokeswoman for the HSE said there was no policy in place on lending sharp implements.
"People know their own workplaces and must carry out their own risk assessments", she said.
"But we do ask workplaces to take a common sense approach. This could be a case of someone misinterpreting the rules."

Well, if Miss Watts didn't want to assault Ms.Jobsworth before her library visit, I bet she does now.

Time to give high heels the boot?

2009-09-16T03:54:00.000-07:00

Few women can resist the allure of a pair of high heels - however, the appeal appears to be lost on delegates at the Trades Union Congress, who demanded yesterday that employers take a stand against the risks of wearing high heels in the workplace.

What do you think? Are they to blame for the two million working days lost each year to lower limb disorders?

Should women who work in the retail or airline profession be allowed to wear "sensible" shoes to work and not be forced into high heels by companies' uniform policies?

Post your comments here.

Sign our petition

2009-09-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

In early 2010 the Health and Safety Executive's board has to decide whether or not to ask the government to create a legal duty on directors of companies and other organisations to protect the health and safety of their employees.

At present, directors' only health and safety duties in law are expressed as sanctions for criminal failure to prevent accidents or ill health.

HSW magazine and Health and Safety Bulletin believe that a positive duty would encourage senior executives to give safety a higher priority along with their financial responsibilities and raise safety standards in UK workplaces.

This belief was supported by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Work and Pensions in its 2008 report on the role of the Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive in regulating workplace health and safety and in Rita Donaghy's recent government-funded inquiry into deaths on construction sites.

Petition
We call on the HSE board to recommend the government introduces a statutory duty on directors to take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of their organisations' workers.

Sign the petition here.

Violence against H&S practitioners

2009-08-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

We are looking for H&S practitioners who have experienced violence in the workplace for a new article.

Have you been subjected to violence during the course of your work? How did you address it and what approach did you take to manage it?

Please post your comments here and we'll contact you.

Health and safety blamed...yet again

2009-06-18T03:25:00.000-07:00

A Coke advertisement featuring Duffy, the singer, cycling in the street without lights or a reflective jacket has drawn 22 complaints.

The advert shows the singer cycling through the night along quiet streets, singing with passers by joining in.

Thankfully, the Advertising Standards Authority rejected all the compaints.

"Because of the fantasy context we concluded that the ad did not condone behaviour prejudicial to health and safety."

How about we get back to 'real' health and safety now?

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Be part of the solution

2009-06-04T01:21:00.000-07:00

I attended the launch of the HSE's new strategy, 'The Health and Safety of Great Britain: Be part of the solution' yesterday.

Judith Hackitt (Chair of the HSE), James Purnell (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions), Brendan Barber (TUC General Secretary) and representatives from the LGA and EEF were all in attendance, but apart from the rather attractively-designed literature, there wasn't much to report on.

A previous article by HSW on the strategy told us all we needed to know, and it seems the three-month consultation didn't change very much. However, we'd still like to know what you think of the new strategy; add your comments in the discussion forums.

The strategy is available to download here.

Another great year for health and safety

2009-05-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Last week the team behind Health and Safety at Work magazine and http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/ exhibited at the annual Safety & Health Expo in Birmingham. It was a great show, and we were fortunate to meet many readers, all of whom had great things to say about the publication and website.

Did you visit the show? We'd love to hear your experiences - please add your thoughts here.

UK retains working time opt-out

2009-05-07T02:09:00.001-07:00

Will the news that the UK can keep its opt-out from the EU's 48-hour working limit make any difference to your company's policy?

Vote in this week's opinion poll. Results will be published in next week's e-newsletter.

HSE to publish names of those killed at work - a wise idea?

2009-04-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Following a ruling by the Information Commissioner last year, the HSE has announced that it will publish the names of people killed in workplace accidents on its website (read our news story here).

Do you think it is a wise idea? HSP user Judy Joinston is in two minds about this. "Whilst, yes, reading the names, ages and circumstances of their deaths makes you think, but what about Data Protection? I'd feel dreadful if my loved one died at work (obviously), even more so if I found their name on a public web site without my permission. I pray I'm never in the situation, but if I am, I'll be challenging anyone who puts their name on this web-site, unless I've specifically agreed to it..."

Do you agree with Judy? Add your comments here.

Just how painful is this recession?

2009-04-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

The recession will not lead to a reduction in investment in health and safety for companies, according to health and safety minister Lord McKenzie of Luton.

Speaking at last month's IOSH conference, he explained that the current economic situation would mean "testing" times ahead, but there would be no let up of "duties around health and safety".

Has your health and safety role changed due to the current economic climate? Have there been redundancies within your department? We want to hear how the recession is affecting industry. Add your comments here.

F10 notifications

2009-03-31T07:59:00.001-07:00

Is a construction project comprising of demolition and asbestos roof removal notifyable under CDM 07? Answer Matthew Aitken's question here.

£90K penalty for work at height injury

2009-03-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

One of the UK's largest construction contractors has been fined £80,000 plus £10,000 costs after a construction worker was severely injured when he fell from a roof. Read the full story here.

Challenging accidents

2009-03-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had to challenge alleged accidents at work? If an employee has been instructed to carry out a process in a certain way and they don't, resulting in an injury, is that an accident at work or a deliberate act?

Post your answers to this and many other questions in our discussion forums.

Network with HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk

2009-02-26T06:26:00.001-08:00

Are you on Facebook? If so, join our group for all the latest health and safety events, news and offers.

To keep up-to-date with our daily news feed, follow us on Twitter.

And don't forget to post your comments in our discussion forums and share your health and safety knowledge in our Q&A section.

Health and safety knowledge required!

2009-02-13T05:48:00.001-08:00

There are a number of questions posted in our Q&A section on www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk which still require answers. So if you can spare a few minutes on this lovely Friday afternoon, why not use your health and safety know-how and help your peers?

The questions which need answers are: Thermite action, HSE Plan and OSHA.

Don't forget to post your queries to gain knowledge from other health and safety professionals.

The holiday that blew me away...literally

2009-01-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from a short break in Spain, where we were subjected to hurricane-force winds whilst out taking a walk. Winds of up to 112mph carried us along the roads, which we had to walk in to avoid the falling roof tiles from buildings to the pavements.

Authorities in Spain reported at least 12 deaths linked to Saturday's storm, including four children crushed as a sports facility buckled in high winds in Barcelona.

We witnessed sand storms, walls collapsing, structures swaying - I tried to take pictures of electrical wires literally hanging at shoulder level on a residential street - although my photographic skills leave a lot to be desired. It was still sunny though.

New Year

2009-01-09T03:42:00.000-08:00

We recently ran a poll on HSP on the MEPs' vote to scrap the working time opt-out and the results were interesting. A record number of you voted, with the majority siding with Gordon Brown in that you don't want to see it abolished in the UK.

In the current economic climate, many of us are worried about our jobs. We are currently running a poll on job security, asking how many health and safety professionals believe their jobs are safe this year. Tell us if you think yours is by voting in this week's poll.

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MEPs vote to scrap opt-out

2008-12-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

Those lovely (ahem) chaps at the European Parliament have completely scuppered the UK Government by voting to abolish the opt-out that allows EU member states not to apply the maximum 48-hour week if a worker agrees to work longer.

The TUC is pleased, calling it "an early Christmas present". What do you think? Tell us here.
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A risky business

2008-12-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

A user of HSP, Claire Ingram, has posted a thread in our online forums about Cutting Edge's "The Fun Police", a Channel 4 programme aired last week. Did any readers watch it? I'd love to know your thoughts. Add them here.

When people go too far

2008-11-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

I was just in a large retail store happily browsing in my lunch hour when I heard shouting and swearing coming from where the security guard stands. A customer (and a rather thuggish and scary-looking customer at that) was verbally abusing the guard in an extremely aggressive manner while everyone just stood and watched. I alerted another guard at the other side of the store who approached to deal with the situation and he subsequently diffused it. But it got me thinking ... why should employees have to deal with abuse such as what I witnessed today? These kinds of situations lead to stress and time off work, which isn’t good for the worker or the employer.

What do you think? Have you ever had to deal with workplace violence as a health and safety professional? Discuss here.

Road safety and the HSE

2008-11-19T02:34:00.001-08:00

I have just had a call from a IIRSM member regarding a story I ran in the latest issue of the Newsletter on a new report by the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, which recommends the HSE could play a "much greater part" in managing occupational road risk.

He believes this is not the HSE's role ... what do you think? Add your comments here.

Healthy and happy employees

2008-11-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I attended a private clinic to have a full healthcare screening, courtesy of my employer. Having not even been aware that we are entitled to this after three years' service, I went along not really expecting much.

However, I was very surprised - I had various tests including stress, posture, glucose, antioxidant levels, cholesteral etc etc and am pleased to say I am relatively healthy. But it got me thinking. The benefit to my employer of paying for us to have this health check is enormous - ever since the tests I have thought much more about my health, and the impact it has on my job. Looking after my health is obviously important, both to me and my employer.

I think more businesses should offer health screenings as a benefit - although with the current economic crisis it's probably not the best time to start spouting off...

A rude awakening

2008-11-07T02:01:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday morning I woke up to Barack Obama giving his victory speech - which, considering it was 4.30am, rather cheered me up. However, I am really not the sort of person who would rise at such a ludicrous time - election or no election, I like my sleep. The reason for my early awakening was to get the first train to Birmingham to attend the 2nd annual HSW/IIRSM conference.

It was an informative, enjoyable day - most of the speakers had obviously attended a comedy course as the jokes came thick and fast. But there were serious points too - namely defence lawyer Paul Burnley of DLA Piper's talk on corporate manslaughter investigations. He told the audience how he is involved in two of the first cases - and warned that police have arrested supervisors, site-level managers and directors and interviewed them under caution within weeks of the incident.

Read the full story here.

A tale for our times

2008-10-24T02:18:00.000-07:00

This poem was a contribution by the late Sir Allan Holt OBE, former Group Head of Health at the Royal Mail. I just thought I'd share it with you.

The ambulance in the valley

'Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke and full many a peasant.
So the people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally;
Some said, "Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff,"
Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,
For it spread through the neighbouring city;
A fence may be useful or not, it is true,
But each heart became full of pity
For those who slipped over the dangerous cliff;
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds and gave pence, not to put up a fence,
But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right, if you’re careful," they said,
"And, if folks ever slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below when they're stopping."
So day after day, as these mishaps occurred,
Quick forth would those rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff,
With their ambulance down in the valley.

Then an old sage remarked: "It's a marvel to me
That people give far more attention
To repairing results than to stopping the cause,
When they'd much better aim at prevention.
Let us stop at its source all this mischief," cried he,
"Come, neighbours and friends, let us rally;
If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense
With the ambulance down in the valley."

"Oh he's a fanatic," the others rejoined,
"Dispense with the ambulance? Never!
He'd dispense with all charities, too, if he could;
No! No! We'll support them forever.
Aren't we picking up folks just as fast as they fall?
And shall this man dictate to us? Shall he?
Why should people of sense stop to put up a fence,
While the ambulance works in the valley?"

But the sensible few, who are practical too,
Will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure,
And their party will soon be the stronger.
Encourage them then, with your purse, voice, and pen,
And while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretence, and put up a stout fence
On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

What are you worth?

2008-10-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

Do you know the market rate for health and safety managers? How does your salary compare with other companies? We are conducting our annual pay survey and welcome your responses. Start the survey.

Your knowledge is required

2008-10-14T03:56:00.001-07:00

There's been a few new questions added to the Q&A section on www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk recently:

Ladders to enter underground structures
REACH
Difference between ELCB and RCCB?
Too many steps?

Click on the links above to share your health and safety knowledge.

House of Lords luncheon

2008-10-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

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On Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending the IIRSM annual House of Lords luncheon. It was a great day, and gave me the chance to meet lots of members and discuss topical issues.

The day was tinged with sadness as we said goodbye to Chief Executive Julie Silvester, who left the Institute after 13 years.

I am writing an article about the event for a forthcoming issue of the IIRSM Newsletter, so if any members who attended would like to drop me a line, feel free to do so.

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Back in the headlines

2008-09-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

The death of Jean Charles de Menezes is back in the headlines as the inquest is finally getting under way. The Metropolitan Police, as a corporate body, has been convicted at trial of endangering the health and safety of de Menezes. What the inquest will determine is whether or not de Menezes was unlawfully killed.

According to the Guardian, Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair's internal website message to Scotland Yard staff was leaked to the de Menezes family campaign:

"Our approach will be one of humility. On 22nd July 2005, we confidently believed that our systems of command, of surveillance and of firearms intervention were among the best in the world. However, they failed in response to a previously unforeseen circumstance, suicide bombers on the run.

"This will be a difficult couple of months and we must brace ourselves for criticism.
I am certain that the amount of work we have done in the aftermath of the tragedy and the professionalism of the colleagues giving evidence will take us through the turbulence that lies ahead and it is to be hoped that one of the legacies of Jean Charles is a Metropolitan Police Service even better equipped to deal with tragedy and danger.

"Finally, I am acutely conscious of the fact that the inquest will come on top of some serious challenges around race, within and outside the organisation. I am immensely proud that, despite the past few weeks, you continue to deliver a first-class service to all Londoners. You should stay proud too."

During the inquest, the de Menezes' family representative Michael Mansfield asked Deputy Assistant Commissioner John McDowall if a tragedy such as this could ever happen again, and he responded: “I very much hope that this will never happen again. But at the same time, with human beings, it is entirely feasible that some such tragedy may occur again, with just the way that circumstances sometimes unravel themselves”.

That doesn’t bode well, does it?

Be a part of our community

2008-09-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

Have you visited our discussion forums yet? If not, you're missing out on being a part of the health and safety community. Want to know what your peers are talking about? Click here.

Chip in

2008-09-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

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The Q&A section of http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/ has been busy this week; why not have a look at the most recent queries posted below and put your knowledge to good use by logging in to answer them?

Do forklift truck drivers over the age of 40 have to be retested?

What are the strategic places to place a fire alarm system in a gas station?

What are the latest HSE rules for the internal storage of highly flammable liquids and compressed gas cylinders?

Does CCTV come under display screen equipment?

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Tesco employee sues customer over injury caused by 'depressed driveway'

2008-08-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

I've just been reading an article in the Daily Mail about a Tesco customer who is being sued by a delivery driver of the supermarket giant.

Apparently, the employee, Andrew Britton, had 'gone over on his ankle' on customer Paul Singleton's drive while unloading his shopping.

Britton assured Singleton he was fine, yet three months later the estate agent received a letter from Mr Britton's lawyer stating he "inverted his ankle" when he stepped out of the van near the gate.

It continued: "The reason why we are alleging fault is that you failed to maintain the driveway and caused or permitted areas of the driveway immediately in front of the gate to sink and form a depression within the driveway into which our client has stepped and which has caused his injury."

To make matters worse, Tesco has refused to get involved or discuss the incident, claiming it was a "private matter", despite involving a member of its staff allegedly suffering an injury while on duty.

So, who is at fault here (if anyone)? Tell us what you think here.

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Got a question? Want to share your knowledge?

2008-08-21T01:44:00.000-07:00

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Then you can, with our Q&A section on http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/

Recent questions added have been on subjects such as ethical PPE, DSE and posture, and servicing HGVs. Why not log on and use your health and safety knowledge to help your peers?

It's a great way to be part of the health and safety community.

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Another example of health and safety bureaucracy

2008-08-15T03:23:00.000-07:00

Royal Mail, which recently stopped deliveries to a village called Booze, North Yorkshire, due to health and safety concerns, has announced it will restore the service after Booze council agreed to carry out road improvements so postal workers could avoid back injuries, much to the joy of its residents.

Royal Mail had abandoned deliveries there after concerns over the state of the country lane, which health and safety inspectors said posed an "unacceptable" risk.

Yet another unsavoury story ... Isn't it time to stop condemning the profession and let us get on with the job of saving lives? Have a rant in our forums.
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RSS: How you can be kept up to date with the latest HSP articles

2008-08-14T01:13:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be alerted when a new article or news story is added to www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk? Our RSS feeds will make our content much more accessible.

Basically, if you download a feed from the site, the headlines will appear on your own computer screen - so instead of you having to go to the website to find new information, that information is sent to you.

Download our RSS feed

Instructions on how to use the feed

If you have any questions, email me.

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A waste of money?

2008-08-11T03:33:00.000-07:00

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has just published a report which states low-risk businesses are basically wasting their money bringing in consultants.

BERR says low-risk businesses could save £140 million a year if 20% sought basic health and safety advice from the HSE and other government sources rather than buying in consultancy.

According to the report, the average company spends 20 hours a year on administration to comply with health and safety regulations, costing more than £350. Do you think it's too much? Tell us in our opinion poll.

Lastly, do you believe low-risk firms are wasting money? Or are you a consultant? What do you have to say about the report? Discuss here.

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Hairy workers sent home

2008-08-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Contractors working on an asbestos removal project were forbidden from continuing work as they were not clean-shaven, according to reports.

The workers were required to wear protective gear, including mouth masks. However, managers said a satisfactory respiratory seal could not be achieved unless the worker is clean shaven.

Do you think this is just another negative story to hit the headlines, or do the managers have a point? Share your views in the discussion forum.

Decorator fined for "smoking in his workplace"

2008-07-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Some interesting comments have been added to our story on the decorator who was fined for smoking in his van. Check out what your peers have to say about it here.

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Introducing Twitter to HSP

2008-07-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

I have just created a Twitter account for users of http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/ to follow any updates made to the site.

Simply visit www.twitter.com/healthandsafety and add the page as a favourite. You can create your own account, and when we add a new piece of content or an important prosecution is reported on, you'll get an update to your mobile phone.

How cool is that?

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Something to make you chuckle...

2008-07-24T06:19:00.001-07:00

I was just sent this image and thought I'd share it with you ... it made me chuckle anyway.

IIRSM teleconference

2008-07-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

This Friday we will be holding our second teleconference - giving IIRSM members the chance to discuss hot topics in industry.

The Government published a report today, detailing the progress made so far on preparing for the extension of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act to cover deaths in custody. So that's certainly one subject we'll be discussing.

The teleconference will be posted in the discussion forums on www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk, so make sure you visit the forums next week to see how the debate went.

HGV servicing

2008-07-18T02:45:00.001-07:00

A user has recently posted a question on http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/ asking about servicing HGV which carry fuels such as petrol and kerosine.

What are the minimum requirements before such a vehicle can be worked upon in a normal HGV workshop, with regards the use of electrically powered tools, ie can they be used in the same area, on non-ADR vehicles whilst the ADR vehicle is being serviced? Is there a requirement for intrinsically safe lighting?

Click here to answer this question.

Anti-stab protection vests supplied amid knife crime fears

2008-07-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's been all over the press today - the growing fear of knife crime in Britain is forcing hospital trusts and local authorities to supply body armour to frontline workers, including A&E staff, hospital porters, teachers, benefits officers and traffic wardens.

The Local Government Association said councils had started responding urgently to staff who 'need a greater level of protection'. Already more than 20,000 sets of Home Office-approved body armour have been issued to local government staff.

The revelations came as Scotland Yard announced that knife crime had eclipsed terrorism as the number one priority for the Metropolitan police.

Experts believe councils are responding to new corporate manslaughter laws that mean organisations failing adequately to protect employees may be prosecuted.

Do you agree? Discuss here.

National Falls Awareness Day

2008-06-24T02:53:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, it's National Falls Awareness Day today. It is led by Help the Aged in parnership with other organisations and is aimed at raising awareness about falls and promoting information on staying fit, healthy and independent in later life.

Further information can be found on the Help the Aged website.

Is your organisation involved in promoting National Falls Awareness Day? Tell me.

HSW readership survey

2008-06-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

As part of our continued efforts to ensure that HSW magazine meets your information needs, we are inviting subscribers of the magazine to take part in our 2008 Readership Survey.

If you are a subscriber and would like the opportunity to influence the content of HSW in future issues, complete our survey.

We want your opinions!

2008-06-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here at HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk we always listen to our readers - and now we have given you the opportunity to tell us what you think about all things health and safety with our new weekly opinion polls.

This week, we are asking if you think it is worthwhile for the HSE to pursue prosecutions of firms in liquidation where there is evidence of serious safety breaches. The question was borne out of the recent prosecution of North West Aerosols, which was fined a measly £2 for the death of a worker because the company's directors put the firm into voluntary liquidation four months after the incident.

Tell us what you think by visiting http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/

Protecting our professional reputation

2008-05-27T04:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time in the publishing cycle where I start writing the news for the IIRSM Newsletter. I ran a Google search on recent health and safety stories and this is what it came up with:

Clock run stopped
A unique event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Tredegar Town clock has been cancelled on health and safety grounds. To celebrate the milestone ...

Donkey derby falls foul of health and safety
This was after insurers backed away from the race due to the UK’s stringent health and safety legislation. Now the inflatable animals look set for another ...

Under-threat theatre cancels show
The Little Theatre in Rhyl has postponed its latest production by a month following a bitter row over health and safety with Denbighshire Council ...

"It is a huge contradiction that news reports simultaneously focus on serious and substantial safety issues (sometimes overstated or poorly researched) at the same time as repeatedly criticising safety people as over-zealous killjoys," Paul Hopkin, IIRSM Chairman, recently told HSW magazine.

And he couldn't be more right. As safety professionals, let's continue to promote sensible risk management and protect the reputation of health and safety. If we don't do it, who will?

Apologies for the lack of posts...

2008-05-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

...but I've recently been sunning myself in Cuba. Oh, and Birmingham. On arrival back to the UK from a fabulous holiday in Cuba, I found myself on a train to the Midlands for this year's Expo - hence the lack of posts.

Speaking of the Expo, thanks to all those who took the time to visit our stand to say hello to the team - and for your feedback on the new website. It was great to meet so many of you!

Bad practice on construction sites

2008-04-16T04:54:00.000-07:00

As you'll all probably know, the HSE has been out in force inspecting sites over the last few months. Inspectors have found that approximately one in three sites and one in four contractors inspected were found to be working below the acceptable standard.

The HSE has published good and bad practice pictures - it's ludicrous that so many sites are still operating so dangerously. Here are some of the very, very bad...

The modern take on RSI

2008-04-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Check out this picture published in the Metro this morning - definitely a modern-day version of RSI!

The human spider - just plain stupid?

2008-04-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

Anyone see that Channel 4 documentary last Thursday about the French guy with a death wish?

A married father of three, Alain Robert's terrifying brand of "free climbing" - climbing without tools or safety devices of any kind - has taken him up some of the most daunting buildings in the world. He performs his dangerous work despite suffering from epilepsy.

His often illegal antics and his ability to scale just about any kind of building quickly earned him the nickname 'the human spider'.

His terrifying brand of "free climbing" - climbing without tools or safety devices of any kind - has taken him up some of the most daunting buildings in the world, including the Sears Tower, Canary Wharf and the Eiffel Tower. Robert has been arrested countless times and admitted defeat only once – in Paris after the weather conditions made it too hot for him to continue, leading to him having to be rescued. Robert has only ever had two accidents, both during training when harnessed.

What a nutter.

Definitely NOT an April fool

2008-04-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

Pinch, punch, first day of the month...and it's April Fools Day to boot. But one statistic that quite clearly is not a joke is the recent IIRSM poll. A huge 44 per cent of IIRSM members who voted in last month's opinion poll do not think the new Corporate Manslaughter Act, due to come into force next week, will improve safety. What do you think? Let us know in our discussion forums at www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk

Doesn't it frustrate you?

2008-03-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've not posted for over a week, folks - I've been busy having fun. Yep - Easter weekend provided me with lots of fun things to do, so I was too busy to post. But fear not - I'm back now, back in the world of health and safety. And what a world it is.

I received an interesting email from my boss this morning (while I was sniffling on my hanky in bed, I hasten to add) asking if I was interested in a story. The story in question was regarding the House of Lords' decision on work-related suicides.

Now I am well aware it's not a nice subject, but let's face it - health and safety is full of workplace deaths, falls from height, crushes by machinery - we are all immune to it now. Or are we?

It's your job to ensure such things do not happen, and I am sure you are very good at doing so. Obviously the likes of such websites as www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk helps you do your job more efficiently (nice plug, thanks) but doesn't it frustrate you to constantly read about companies that don't adhere to policies, the very policies we are all striving to embrace and promote? Tell me!

Dame Carol Black's 'occupational health service'

2008-03-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

I spent this morning at the launch of the health review by Dame Carol Black, entitled Review of the health of Britain's working age population: working for a healthier tomorrow.

From where I was sitting, there doesn't seem to much to get excited about, although the research is interesting and proposals sensible, it will probably take the Government a good few years to sit on thos recommendations before actually doing anything about them.

Therefore, it's up to you health and safety professionals to continue doing what you're best at, keeping your workers healthy and safe.

How not to work on a roof!

2008-03-13T03:33:00.001-07:00

IIRSM member Roger Rustom kindly sent me these images of workers on a roof adjacent to his offices.

Roger, sitting in his Safety Department offices, couldn't just watch these men blatantly risk their lives and do nothing. So he contacted the HSE, who told them that they could and should not do anything and that they would write to the people concerned.

Will a letter (by the time it gets to them) really make a difference to men who so blatantly put their lives at risk and employers who are obviously condoning their actions?

Roger also has the whole incident on film and will be using it to educate his employees and contractors.

If you would like to send me photos of safety blunders, email me.

Online forum

2008-03-10T04:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we held our first roundtable teleconference. Selected IIRSM members were invited to call in and discuss various topics high on the health and safety agenda in order to generate some good old fashioned debate - and they didn't disappoint.

Topics covered included CDM - how have the revised Regs bedded down? and what impact the new Corporate Manslaughter Act may have on industry. Recent stories in the press provided food for thought, and the profile of our industry certainly generated a welcome discussion. To read the forum threads in full, click here.

A write-up of the forum is also included in the April edition of the IIRSM Newsletter.

For details of our next teleconference, email me. All HSW subscribers and IIRSM members are welcome.

Old arguments ... new debate?

2008-02-21T03:41:00.000-08:00

The recent death of 12-year-old Hayden Waller has reminded of a debate that occured among IIRSM members during 2007. Hayden's pal slipped while trekking on a school trip in southern Austria, and Hayden attempted to help him, falling to his death.

Hayden, a 12-year-old school boy, died trying to save another child.

Rewind to the death of Jordon Lyon, who drowned in May 2007 in a pond after trying to save his step-sister when they got into diffulties. Another child who died trying to save someone else. The subsequent inquest into the 10-year-old's death prompted calls to scrap Police Community Support Officers, as it revealed that they "just stood by and watched".

So, if a small child is willing to risk his life to help another human being in distress, why didn't the PCSOs? Lack of training? Or should they not be required to risk their lives, as thousands of regular police officers do every day?

Far be it for me to drag up old arguments, but I thought it worth mentioning.

Return to HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk

Long hours = stress

2008-02-18T03:51:00.000-08:00

This Friday (22 February) is Work Your Proper Hours Day. The aim of the day is to get the average person who does unpaid overtime to just do their normal hours on this day and reflect on how well (or badly) they are balancing their life.

Scarily, nearly five million people in the UK regularly do unpaid overtime, giving their employers an average £4,955 of free work a year. But it's not just about the money. As a health and safety professional you are undoubtedly aware that long hours are not good for us!

Long working hours are bad for work-life balance, health, productivity and safety. In the UK we have reached epidemic levels. And overwork is definitely making us sick - a DTI survey found one in five men (19 per cent) had visited the doctor because of stress, rising to one quarter (23 per cent) of over 40s.

I for one will certainly be taking advantage of the promotion to work my proper hours in the hope I will enter the weekend far less stressed than I usually do ... I hope you do too!

Do you think campaigns such as Work Your Proper Hours Day help to alleviate stress in the workplace, therefore making it safer and healthier? Why not start the debate in our discussion forum?

An alarming trend

2008-02-13T03:38:00.000-08:00

The Samaritans released a survey recently, which revealed that one in four people have suffered workplace bullying: an incredibly worrying statistic.

Young employees (18-24 years) are most vulnerable to stress, with 38 per cent feeling less likely than all other age groups to talk openly to their managers and 57per cent unable to talk to colleagues. Forty-eight per cent are more likely to be bullied by clients and customers whereas over half of other age groups reported being bullied by their managers.

Managing workplace bullying is an increasing challenge for employers. It is a serious health and safety issue that every employee and every company should be aware of.

A good anti-bullying policy and some company-wide workshops are invaluable to ensure that everyone understands and gets the message.

How do you manage workplace bullying? Click here to tell us.

The bigger picture

2008-02-06T02:15:00.000-08:00

Last month I wrote an article for the IIRSM Newsletter on the recruitment policies of the Armed Forces.

The story came in response to a recently published report, which assessed whether potential soldiers are provided with an accurate and full description of a forces career, including the risks, found that a misleading picture is created.

One member wrote to me asking that we remember the bigger picture. "The Army, just like any other organisation, has to recruit and you cannot expect it to achieve this by stating too many negatives," he said.

Does this negative publicity simply feed the appetites of those who do not really appreciate or understand? Share your views in our discussion forums.

Construction deaths hit 50

2008-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

The fatal fall of a scaffolder last week has seen the provisional total of construction deaths rise to 50 in 2007/08.

The unnamed man was working on the Ferrara Quay housing development in Swansea when the accident happened last Tuesday. He was taken to hospital but later died.

Nick Blundell, UCATT Regional Secretary for the Wales and South West, commented that this latest death underlines the dangerous nature of construction. "While it is alomost impossible to make the industry entirely safe, construction employers in general could be doing far more to make sites safer," he said.

Do you work in construction? Post your thoughts on our discussion forums by clicking here.

Click here to return to HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk

20 killed in China

2008-01-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

A gas explosion in an illegal mine in northern China has killed at least 20 people, according Xinhua news agency.

China's coal mines are the world's most dangerous, with more than 3,000 deaths reported every year. Although the Chinese government has introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal or unsafe mines, mine owners and local officials are frequently accused of ignoring regulations in search of greater profits.

China's industrial and economical advancements are amazing, however, its industrial safety seems to be severly lacking. But acceptable OSH standards in the working place are basic human rights.

What do other readers think? What should the Government be doing to improve safety in China's workplaces? Click here to start a thread in our discussion forums.

To return to HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk, click here.

Will 2008 be a pressing year?

2008-01-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

February's issue of HSW magazine includes a super article on the best guesses of some of the most senior figures in health and safety - including the HSE's chief executive and experts at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the EEF manufacturers' organisation - of what will be the pressing issues this year. (Read the article by clicking here)

This got me thinking. It's great to hear what industry leaders think about the coming year; it's very interesting and gives food for thought. But being the Community Editor of HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk, I am much more interested to hear what our readers think. So hear is your chance to come up with even better ideas - what's in store for 2008?

Legislation this year will be quite sparce - although the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act is sure to be of interest to 99% of health and safety professionals. But is there anything else you think will have a big affect on how we work? Share your thought with your peers by visiting our discussion forum.

Your input is needed!

2008-01-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk has been live for a few weeks now, and the response from users has been excellent. The only gripe I have been informed of is that some users are having difficulties logging in. Well, there's an easy way around that. Just give our technical helpdesk a call on 0845 370 1234 and they should be able to solve the problem.

On another note, I have noticed that users are taking full advantage of our Q&A section on the site. It is great that members are posting questions, however, in order for this to be a successful feature of the site and for users to get the most from it, we need you to post answers! So if you have experience or knowledge on a particular subject that a user needs help with, this is your opportunity to use that knowledge to assist your fellow professionals.

We don't want the information on the site to be one-way. Remember, registered users can comment on any piece on the site, and read the comments of other members. So, if you agree or disagree with the opinions expressed, or if you want to share some hot tips and advice, you can express your views at the touch of a button. So please do!

To return to Health and Safety Professional, click here.

Putting lives on the line

2008-01-03T01:54:00.000-08:00

We received many letters from HSW readers and IIRSM member alike over the festive break. It's always great to hear your views and my aim for 2008 is to build an online health and safety community that we can all be proud to be part of.

At the end of last year there were calls to scrap Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) following the death of a ten-year-old boy. Many readers had lots to say, as relayed in this very blog just last month. However, Geoff Lloyd, Deputy Chairman of the IIRSM Board of Governors, wrote to me recently with his view. Here is his letter in full.

"As the retired Head of Safety for the Metropolitan Police I felt I had to raise some points to consider.

"Firstly, the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 was not written with emergency services in mind, particularly section 3. In fact, police did not come under the umbrella of health and safety law until The Police (Health and Safety) Act 1997 was enacted. I know that the Metropolitan Police Service does not train its officers to carry out water rescues and officers are not required to swim.

"Concerning the case of the two PCSOs, I understand that the officers did not just stand and watch the little boy drowning. When the officers arrived at the lake there was no sight of the boy in the water. Apparently some anglers who were sitting on the bank told the officers about it but had done nothing.

"Perhaps we should also consider and ask where were the parents when this tragedy happened? Why had they let two small children play near water without supervision?

"As I compose this letter, the radio news is reporting of a small child killed on the highway while riding a petrol 100cc-engine quad bike while following her father’s car at 7pm, in the dark, down an unlit country lane. Rather than debate whether PCSOs are fit for purpose, perhaps we need to debate whether some parents are."

Geoff Lloyd FIIRSM CFIOSH, Deputy Chairman, IIRSM

Do you agree with Geoff? Post your comments in our discussion forum and get your voice heard. Click here to visit to our forum.

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas is over and done with - I have even taken down my tree (I like to be organised). At this time of year I often think of all the effort we go to, the stress we put ourselves under, and it's all over in a flash!

I haven't posted for a couple of weeks owing to the fact that I decided to try and forget all about work over the festive period and relax. Work-life balance and all that. But I'm back and will be posting regularly - it's one of my resolutions.

Today saw the return of millions to the workplace - minus, of course, the ones who decided to pull a sickie. Apparently, today is the most popular date in the calendar to call in sick - a staggering five million do so! I made it in, just about.

Thanks to everyone who sent me letters over the festive break ... come back for an article on your opinions on health and safety in the police force tomorrow.

To return to Health and Safety Professional, click here.

Milky coffee and emails of praise

2007-12-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

After a nice relaxing few days out of the office, I was kind of dreading come back to work. Not because I dislike my job (how could I not enjoy interacting with health and safety professionals through our shiny new website?!) No, the reason I was dreading it comes down to emails. Two days away from the office and 376 emails. How is that possible?!!! It took me the best part of the morning sorting through them, although it actually wasn't as tedious as one may have presumed. While sipping my milky coffee I came across many emails congratulating our team on our new website. I underestimated just how good it would feel when real-life users actually praise us mere journos for doing a great job and giving them what they need! Praise indeed...

To return to Health and Safety Professional, click here.

The launch of HSP

2007-12-11T07:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time coming, but last week saw the launch of http://www.healthandsafetyprofessional.co.uk/

After months of content-building, technical development and testing (with a few problems along the way) the industry finally has a one-stop shop for all things health and safety, including:

A fully searchable archive of articles from Health and Safety at Work magazine
A news service which we will update regularly
Blogs, discussion forums and a Q&A section where you can join in the health and safety community and benefit from the experience and advice of other users
A consultants database, where you can find local consultants specialising in everything from asbestos management to corporate manslaughter– or advertise your services if you are a consultant.
Links to our job board, where you can find out about all the latest vacancies and top jobs in health and safety.

We pushed the button to send out passwords to all HSW subscribers and IIRSM members, who have full access to the site, about ten minutes ago, so we're expecting the site to be bombarded with users joining our health and safety community in, ooh, the next ten minutes (hopefully!)

We'd love to hear your opinions of the site. Please send an email to healthandsafetyprofessional@lexisnexis.co.uk and tell us your thoughts.

To return to Health and Safety Professional, click here.

Right to convict?

2007-11-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

As any health and safety professional worth their salt would know, the Metropolitan Police were recently convicted of health and safety breaches following the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

Earlier this month, an Old Bailey jury found that the failings of Met officers breached an obligation on public bodies under the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 in that it failed to reduce risks to the safety of employees and the public. It was fined £175,000 with £385,000 costs.

The trial highlighted a catalogue of errors by police:

surveillance officers incorrectly identified de Menezes as the failed bomber who lived in the same block of flats;
senior officers deviated from the agreed plan on how to deal with the incident; and
firearms teams were poorly briefed and in the wrong locations.

After the verdict, presiding judge Mr Justice Henriques commented that this was very much an isolated breach brought about by quite extraordinary circumstances. The CPS used health and safety legislation after deciding there was insufficient evidence to charge officers with corporate manslaughter. Had this happened in 2008, do you think there would have been enough evidence to charge officers under the forthcoming Corporate Manslaughter Act? Post you views and tell the community. Meanwhile, lots of IIRSM Members got in touch with their opinions.

IIRSM Member John Hill MIIRSM has worked in the health and safety industry for over 20 years, and has been somewhat taken aback at the “alacrity” with which the CPS decided that the de Menezes killing was a health and safety offence.

“It seems clear that there has been a terrible hash made, the result of which was the death of an innocent man.

“This, in my opinion, was the result of Prime Ministerial involvement when the last PM announced that he was to authorise "summary powers" for the police, which in some circumstances would justify a "shoot to kill" policy.

“I am outraged that the health and safety law which I have been working to enforce for a long period of years should have been used as a political tool in order to avoid the uproar which would no doubt have erupted during the trial of police officers (and their superiors), for murder in a public place. It is clear that the decision to use H&S law was taken as a political way out to save political embarrassment.

“Any law, including H&S law was not designed to prevent embarrassment to authority, but to ensure justice! The fact that EU law was also ignored makes the event even worse. For how can anyone have trust in the judicial system when (in my opinion), it was so blatantly misused in this case?”

Many IIRSM members agreed with John, including Brian Cowan MIIRSM. He spent 25 years in the armed forces and has been a safety professional of 14 years. Brian admits he has mixed feelings on the case.

“I know that the only way to stop a suicide bomber is to shoot him (or her) in the head and keep doing it until they lay down and become still. This may seem harsh but I assure you it is true. If the Met had failed to take this action and de Menezes had indeed been a bomber the resultant loss of life was potentially enormous.”

Brian told me that he does recognise that the use of health and safety law and the subsequent successful prosecution proves beyond doubt that the letter of law was considered and the offence proven.

“My end feeling is one of sadness,” continues Brian. “I wish that I could believe that the people who brought this prosecution remembered that policing and soldiering are not the same as working in a warehouse or on a construction site. Unfortunately I don't believe that.”

Another member who wrote to me expressing their feelings on the case was Gordon Hartley FIIRSM. He finds it quite unacceptable that the Met can shoot a person seven times in the head. “What's the matter with shooting to disable?” he asks. “He should be paid off like the England Manager for doing a rubbish job!”

So, should the officers have simply shot to disable, or were they right in their actions? We want to hear from you. Please post your comments and get your voice heard.

To return to HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk, click here.

A lucky escape

2007-11-26T03:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday’s dramatic rescue of 159 people from a blazing oil platform in the North Sea has prompted an investigation into its safety procedures.

The fire on Thistle Alpha, which has been operating since the 1970s, started in the turbine section and comes less than a week after an HSE inspection of the offshore industry’s oil and gas installations found the overall state of more than half the platforms to be poor.

It has since emerged that the platform has been the subject of numerous enforcement notices served by the HSE, one of which highlighted safety problems with the rig’s turbine.

Thankfully, there were no casualties, probably thanks to the heroic efforts of rescue workers. But why has it taken a disaster such as yesterday’s, for the safety problems to be investigated? It seems that to get something done, they have waited until a major incident happens before we all stand up and take note and start to do something about it. That simply isn’t acceptable and I am sure many health and safety professionals will agree.

Apparently the evacuation procedures worked like clockwork but surely they didn’t adhere to their risk assessment if the problem had been previously noted but not fixed? The HSE has launched an investigation so we’ll have to wait and see if anyone is prosecuted for the failures.

Do you work in the North Sea’s offshore industry? Post a comment and give your opinion.

To return to HealthandSafetyProfessional.co.uk click here.

The buck stops here

2007-11-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

I attended a conference yesterday on Corporate Manslaughter, Director’s Duties and Safety Enforcement and it was a real eye opener. For so long we have watched the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act go backwards and forwards between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, it was most definitely a relief to learn the facts – and discuss the impact.

The event, held at the Hamilton House Hotel in London by the Centre for Corporate Accountability, was attended by leading figures in industry, and looked at the likely impact on private and public sector organisations and the way the new offence will be investigated and prosecuted. Also in attendance were representatives of bereaved families – giving delegates an insight into the devastating impact that health and safety failures can have.

Speakers included Lord McKenzie of Luton and the TUC’s outspoken general secretary, Brendan Barber. Mr Barber’s speech was certainly one that made my ears prick up. He mentioned last year’s 241 workplace fatalities, and also invited the audience to remember the 5,000 people killed last year because of asbestos exposure, the 1,000 killed in work-related road accidents, the many thousands killed by workplace cancers every year, as well as those who suffer heart attacks as a result of overwork or stress. He questioned why these deaths are not on the front of every national newspaper, why there aren’t more calls for action – and simply answered his own question: “I suppose it’s because we have become immune to it”.

Suspicious sounds from the audience seemed to agree. But we shouldn’t accept it ... and that is why the majority of the health and safety profession are in favour of the forthcoming Act, as I witnessed yesterday.

The enormous impact that the new legislation will have on business was discussed and the message of the day seemed to be: The prospect of limitless fines and the potential for huge damage to reputations mean that those responsible for health and safety need to get their houses in order before the Act comes into force. Something we will all be working hard in order to achieve in preparation for the 2008 legislation.

To return to Health and Safety Professional, please click here.