Employers, building owners and other people responsible for commercial buildings have a duty to put necessary fire safety precautions in place to all reasonable and practicable extents. This is seen in health law under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic…
Blog posts : "guidance"
What are employers' fire safety duties?
Winter safety advice
Going out in the winter can be hazardous, especially if you will be driving. Then again, staying in has its risks too. Make sure you stay safe this winter with these helpful tips:
Driving in the winter is very different than at other times of the year. Adverse weather and longer periods of darkness…
Fire training, why is it necessary in the workplace?
The possibility of a fire breaking out at work often seems too remote to warrant much attention, and as a result many businesses tend to give insufficient thought to workplace fire safety. In fact, many employees are quite clueless as to what to do to prevent fires and how to react should a fire bre…
The dangers of carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide has been called “a silent killer” by Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England, stating that the deadly toxin “leads to 50 deaths every year”. At first glance this figure may seem relatively low when compared to other statistics (for example, from 2010 to 2011, 388 people …
Safe methods of asbestos disposal
Handling asbestos can release fibres which are known to cause lung cancer and other lung and respiratory problems. According to the 2012 Control of Asbestos Regulations, removal of some asbestos waste is designated a ‘licensed’ task (and must be handled by special licensed contractors).
What …
Legal changes make it harder for employees to win compensation
The implementation of new laws in October 2013 will make it more difficult for employees who have been injured at work to make a successful claim for damages, according to a legal expert.
This could lead to thousands of workers being unsuccessful in claiming compensation for injuries sustained at w…
Is your wood workshop safe?
According to a report published in December 2012 by the HSE, the major accident rate for wood-workers is 17% above the national average for all kinds of machine workers. Such incidents could cost your business huge amounts of compensation, and further problems whilst you wait for a valued member of …
Health and safety in the warehouse
Just about any manufacturing business, and many other types of company, will require warehousing or other storage space of one sort or another. Large or small, managing that space comes with risks – and they may not be in places you’ve anticipated. As a business owner, you have a legal duty to prote…
E-learning vs the classroom - putting health and safety training to the test
When it comes to health and safety training, it is essential that you choose a good course and that the course is delivered in the most effective way. Just a few years ago, all training was classroom led and held either on a training site or at the client's site. Today, thanks to advances in technol…
Choosing the right fire extinguisher
Starting with a risk assessment
It can difficult to choose the right fire extinguisher for your business. A good place to start is with a risk assessment. Firstly, a risk assessment is a legal requirement. Secondly, it will help you identify hazardous areas, potential sources of fuel and the size o…
Transportation safety consulting services
Since there are many variables concerning safety in the trucking industry (equipment, drivers, materials being shipped, other vehicles on roads and highways etc.), it shouldn't come as a shock that it's one of the most crucial focal points for many companies. The nature of the industry means that dr…
Serious head injuries in the North East highlight the need for protection at work
The need for effective health and safety measures has always been an important one at the top of many company agendas but just how crucial it is has been highlighted by an incident in the north west of the UK. Two north east firms have been fined heavily after an employee suffered serious injuries t…
How to protect staff at risk of an electric shock
If
you are an employer, you have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at
Work etc. Act 1974 to protect your staff and the public from hazards.
Electric shocks can result in injury or even instant death which means it’s in your interest to take the necessary precautions to minimise the …
Monmouth roof refurbishment company prosecuted after worker's ladder fall
A Monmouth roof refurbishment company has been fined after an employee was injured in a six-metre fall from the roof of a house in Cirencester.
On 17 September, Cheltenham Magistrates' Court heard that 26 year-old Lee Hanson, from South Shields, was using a roof ladder as he replaced tiles …
The importance of a company fire safety marshal
It is well documented that fires are one of the most lethal killers in the workplace and can occur at the most unexpected of times, due to a variety of reasons. All businesses are legally required to have carried out a fire risk assessment of their premises and the risk of fatality can be dramatical…
First aid kit requirements for the workplace
Over the last few years, there has been a significant change in the standards businesses must conform to when providing first aid boxes for their workplace.
In June 2011, the BSI introduced BS-8599 British Standard for First Aid Kits, which gave business owners until the end of 2011 to change thei…
Health and Safety Law - site update
The Health and Safety Law page has been updated, this is the first step toward making the page a much more helpful reference tool - many additional cases will be added and the page will see an eventual redesign which is aimed to make it more user friendly.
Essential tips for site safety
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. The nature of the work, and the tools used to carry it out, means the potential for accidents is always high.
Some of the tips on this list are required by law, but they're well worth reminding yourself of every now and again. There is…
5 health and safety tips to keep in mind when setting up your own business
Being your own boss is exciting; it opens you up to the world and various opportunities. But, amidst the excitement, be sure that you have all your legalities in check too. While having entrepreneurial spirit can be exhilarating, it comes with risks – especially if you are going to need employees.
Working with height safely: How to use risk assessment
People who work high above the ground have a number of things to consider so that they stay safe. From telephone line workers to tree pruners to window cleaners, all personnel who must work high above the ground need the best, most stable access equipment for height.
Equipment that provides support…