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Health and Safety News

Occupational health and safety news and guidance

Blog posts : "safety guidance"

Why the UK’s awareness of asbestos is still lacking

Photo shows a corrugated cement roofIt’s the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, yet there are still far too many people who are blissfully unaware of the problem. I am of course referring to asbestos.

Although the potentially deadly substance was completely banned outright in Britain in 1999, there are still m…

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Scaffolding safety: 5 scaffolding safety do’s

Photo shows a worker on scaffoldingThis blog explores the subject of safe scaffolding and focuses on 5 scaffolding do’s which ensure safety of a scaffolding work site. Read on for valuable information on how to maintain safety on site and ensure the wellbeing of workers and members of the public when scaffolding work is taking place.…

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Fire Prevention Week: The most effective PPE gear

Photo shows firefighters dealing with a house fireAnyone who has ever seen a fire get out of control knows what an utterly terrifying and fearsome sight it can be. Once a fire takes hold there is little you can do but get back to a safe distance and hope for the best.

However, for fire fighters, there is an obligation to protect people and propert…

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Asbestos: The Facts

blue asbestos fibresDespite incessant media coverage and tremulous word-of-mouth horror stories, the risks of asbestos continue to be underestimated.

The fact is that asbestos can be lethal. The lack of immediate symptoms is deceptive, and can often mean that those handling the substance are unaware of the danger th…

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Common factors in forklift truck accidents

Photo shows a forklift truck in a warehouseIn the 21st century, health and safety considerations in the workplace are more important than ever before. As technology takes more and more of a place in our workplaces, we are more susceptible to injuries and accidents than ever before and, sadly, many of these are entirely avoidable, especially …

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Increase office safety with video surveillance

Photo shows a security cameraWhen you run a business, keeping employees and customers/clients safe is crucial — and in today’s world, that often means taking preventative safety measures. In 2010, the average surveillance camera provider performed 120 camera installations per year. While this is down from the 2007 high of 

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What are the risks of unsafe gas appliances?

Photo shows a gas ring on a cooker hobIf you don't have your gas appliances serviced regularly, if your gas appliances are fitted by incompetent and untrained workers, or if you don't take steps to respond quickly to boiler breakdowns and other gas emergencies, you could pay for your mistake with your life.

There are four major dange…

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Don’t be at risk when working from home

Photo shows a man working from a home officeWorking from home is becoming more common these days and the attractions are there for all to see. The lack of a commute, working in a relaxed environment, and simply being able to call the shots for a while, are all part of the enjoyment that this scenario offers homeworkers. But the fact is, that …

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Four smart tips for picking the best protective gear

Photo shows a worker wearing protective eyewearThere are a variety of workplace-related conditions where having the proper gear can make the difference between safe, predictable results and dangerous circumstances involving injury or even death. Your senses, hands and feet, and even torso can be subject to dangerous conditions when you work in a…

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Health and safety software takes the H&S strain

Photo shows a man relaxing by his computerThe regulatory landscape is arguably more complex than ever, and the rules and guidelines are ever-more stringent. In a complex world where environmental protection and health and safety performance are critical to long term business and supply chain success, intelligent health and safety management…

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Hidden dangers in a manufacturing plant

Photo shows an employee using equipmentIt takes a keen eye to spot all of the dangers associated with manufacturing. After all, not every hazard is obvious to the casual observer.

Because complacency in manufacturing can be deadly, workers should be well-trained and always on the lookout for hidden dangers. They should also be well equi…

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How to avoid a worker's compensation claim on your construction zone

Photo shows a worker on a construction siteThe number of work related injuries, both in the UK and Australia, is quite high. In fact, 2012-2013 saw an estimated 646,000 work related accidents with 1/3 of those leading to three or more missed work days and another 1/3, seven or more missed days. While self-reported non-fatal injuries have fal…

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Eight tips for safely setting up and running a warehouse

Photo shows the inside of a warehouseWhen it comes to setting up a warehouse, your staff safety should be top priority, closely followed by arranging the space to fit the most in. This can take a lot of planning and often needs to be laid out to exact specifications. There are many things you need to consider but to help you out, here …

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Why competency and good health and safety management go hand in hand

Photo shows workers in front of a graphCompetency is something which employers are looking for in industries of every kind. Before searching for flair, employers need to know that a candidate has precisely what it takes to take care of each part of a job effectively and efficiently.

One area in which competency is particularly important…

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The league table of construction accidents

Photo shows workers on a construction siteAny documentation from the HSE always makes for interesting reading, particularly when it relates to the construction industry. This is a field which makes up just 5% of the British workforce, yet still contributes to 27% of fatal injuries to the whole country. In short, it’s dangerous – although th…

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How to avoid injury at work

Photo shows a woman with one arm in a slingNo matter what environment you work in, from construction to the office, there are accidents just waiting to trip us up! Many people think that accidents only happen in dangerous working environments, but in fact, they can happen anywhere. Some of the most common workplace accidents are slips, trips…

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Essential protective equipment and clothing for the workplace

Photo shows a welder wearing protective clothingThere are dangers of varying degrees in just about every professional environment, from restaurant kitchens to factories, warehouses, building sites and road works – even offices to some extent. This is why it is essential to consider ways to reduce risks of injury and accident at work.

Thankfull…

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Hearing loss laws in the workplace

photo shows a work area with noisy equipmentEmployees who work in environments where loud noise is prominent have a greater risk of developing hearing problems compared to those who work in other sectors. Employers must adhere to regulations when their workers are involved in such work.

Employers must follow the Control of Noise at Work Regu…

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How safety barriers are reducing workplace accidents easily and effectively

photo shows a barrier being used to block a hazardMany workplace accidents take place either when the employees fail to recognize a prospective perilous situation or when the company’s owner or the management team fails to install safety barriers. Reports about near misses and fatal accidents often signify that the causes of these accidents were ow…

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What are employers' fire safety duties?

photo shows a building on fireEmployers, 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…

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20 Blog Posts