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How First Response Training is responding to the latest vaccination requirements

National workplace training provider, First Response Training (FRT), has taken decisive steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its staff, clients, learners and they people they support.

The leading training provider, which works with hundreds of local and national health and social care providers on a regular basis, has confirmed that all of its trainers are double vaccinated.

FRT have verified that all of their trainers have received two doses of an approved Covid-19 vaccine and have stated that it is their policy, for the foreseeable future, not to recruit or deploy any trainers that remain unvaccinated.

In addition to this, all trainers carry out Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) on a twice-weekly basis and the results are recorded centrally. Trainers can only deliver courses if they have evidence of a negative test result.

Providing Covid-19 secure training

The training provider continued to provide a wide range of workplace training throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, adopting stringent safety procedures to control the risk of transmission. Their Covid-19 Secure Pledge encompassed a number of measures in line with government guidelines, recommendations and changing lockdown rules. This included the development and regular updating of a Covid-19 risk assessment addressing their training activities and additional secure measures for practical training.

FRT also supported many of their clients to move their staff training programmes across to the virtual learning environment, delivering over 2,000 live, remote webinars as well as providing bespoke e-learning courses throughout the pandemic.

The company was also able to access priority vaccination for their trainers due to their role in delivering essential training to frontline workers within settings which housed or supported vulnerable people.

Vaccination requirements for care home workers

Current government guidelines state that all care home workers must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by 11th November 2021 in order to continue to carry out work within a residential care setting, although certain exemptions do apply. Many care services have also confirmed that they will not be allowing anyone who has not been vaccinated to enter their setting.

As a major provider of training to the adult social care sector, with Skills for Care Endorsed Learning Provider status, FRT takes its position on this matter very seriously.

Amy Ridge, Managing Director at FRT, explained: “We deliver training for some of the providers and frontline workers who were hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. They require certain assurances from us, and we are committed to protecting their safety and to enabling them to continue to provide safe, high-quality care through the provision of essential training.

“We must therefore confirm, after careful consideration, that we have made the decision to only utilise trainers who have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. Our entire training team is double vaccinated, and we will not be using any trainers who remain unvaccinated.

“We understand that taking up the offer of vaccination is a personal choice, and can be a sensitive issue, but we have to take steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of our staff, our clients, our learners and the people they support – many of whom are among the most vulnerable members of society.”

You can view and download First Response Training’s poster regarding their policy on vaccination for trainers here.

What we need to know about Covid-19 transmission as the UK unlocks

Now that the majority of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have been removed in England, and with other UK nations also easing controls, the PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study offers some key points to keep in mind.

The PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study on transmission and environment is a UK-wide research programme designed to improve our understanding of how Covid-19 is transmitted from person-to-person.

The study is examining how transmission of the virus varies in different settings and environments in order to enable more effective measures to be introduced to prevent transmission, with the aim of saving lives and helping us move back to a ‘normal’ life.

Led by the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Andrew Curran, the study involves more than 70 researchers from 16 institutions across the UK.

It commenced in October 2020 as part of the Covid-19 National Core Studies programme, which was established by the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance. Funded by the treasury, it is due to run until March 2022.

The key points we all need to remember

Now, a one-page briefing document has been published to outline the key points we all need to know about transmission of virus, based on evidence from the study.

It is hoped that this knowledge can be utilised by policymakers, businesses and individuals to help them manage the associated risks from coronavirus and reduce transmission.

The document outlines three key things to remember about Covid-19 virus transmission:

  1. Transmission is a continuous risk. Covid-19 transmission can occur in any of the environments that we populate and pass through during the day, including the workplace. Outbreak investigations conducted as part of the PROTECT study have shown that effective risk management should focus on small spaces such as canteens, changing areas and meeting rooms as well as the spaces that people inhabit for the majority of their working day, such as office spaces or factory floors. Work-associated transmission can also occur when commuting or socialising with colleagues.
  2. There are three main routes of transmission and all must be addressed for effective risk management. This means that, in every setting and during every activity, measures should be in place to reduce transmission via surfaces, directly from person-to-person via inhaled particles, and through the air in a shared room. Lab-based experiments, computer modelling and human volunteer studies have demonstrated that face coverings can be effective in reducing all three routes of transmission, as long as they are worn correctly and by the majority of people. Perspex screens can also be effective in blocking larger particles at close range but should not be relied upon to prevent airborne transmission. In fact, airborne transmission is the most difficult to control and improving ventilation is key to this.
  3. Control measures are more effective if introduced pre-emptively. Agent-based modelling has demonstrated that measures can limit transmission when introduced early but are much less effective if an outbreak is already underway. This means that organisations should implement good baseline measures from the start if they are to effectively manage transmission risks in the workplace. Such measures include social distancing, ventilation, testing and isolation. The PROTECT study is working to develop evidence on the most effective combination of measures and the optimum time of intervention within different environments and situations.

The one-page briefing document can be viewed and downloaded online.

Further training and support

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

sanitisation remains crucialTheir diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing and Supervising Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“We’re at a really key point in the pandemic and it is important to remember that, while restrictions have mainly been removed, Covid-19 is still present in society and still poses a risk. Responsible businesses will maintain control measures to keep workers, clients and the general public safe and these three key points will help them determine how to do this most effectively.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Adult social care sector receives last minute funding boost

The government have announced an extra £250 million worth of Covid funding for adult social care, just three days before existing funds were due to run out.

Care sector receives covid funding boost

The funds will be used to help care providers to maintain sufficient staffing levels while controlling Covid-19 infections, and to fund testing, in line with the latest government guidance.

An extra £142.5 million has been promised to help with staffing levels, while £108.8 million is being provided for testing.

The new funds are expected to last until the end of September and the majority of the funding will go to care homes.

Recognition of hard work in the sector

The previous infection control and testing fund was worth £341 million and had been in place since April, but it was due to run out at the end of June, with many care providers warning that they would be left in financial hardship as a third wave of the virus gathers pace in England.

Adult social care funding will pay for infection control and testing measuresThe Chief Executive of Care England, Martin England, said the additional funding was “recognition” of the fact that the sector “has worked extremely hard to continue to protect the people it supports and cares for through extensive infection control and testing procedures.”

The infection control funding can be used by care providers to pay staff who are required to self-isolate their usual wage. It will also enable them to recruit additional staff to enable care home workers to work in only one home or, where required, restrict them to working only with certain residents or in certain areas of a home.

The testing funding will be used to support ongoing testing for staff and visitors, so that people can continue to safely visit individuals who are living in care homes.

Care sector funding reaches £2 billion

The new batch of funding means that the total amount of money provided to the adult social care sector during the pandemic now stands at £2 billion.

Care workers have taken risks during the pandemicIn addition, much of the £4.6 billion awarded to local authorities to meet the costs of the pandemic have also been directed to the sector, and adult social care services have also received some of the £2.5 billion hospital discharge funding.

The government has also pledged to fund free personal protective equipment (PPE) for the adult social care sector until March 2022.

The President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) said they welcomed the latest funding but added that the government must continue to prioritise adult social care in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “We now need certainty for all other aspects of adult social care funding so that we can ensure that everyone continues to get the care and support they need.”

Training and support for adult social care

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Care funding will help maintain staffing levelsTheir diverse portfolio includes training awards designed for health and social organisations, such as Infection Control and Prevention, Safeguarding Adults, Duty of Care, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Understanding Mental Health and many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “All those in the health and social care sector have worked incredibly hard during what has been a very challenging and, at times, distressing, year. It is fantastic that the sector is receiving additional financial support to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable people in society can continue to be met, and that they can be kept safe.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE continues Covid spot checks as infection rates rise

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have advised that they will be continuing to carry out Covid spot checks and inspections on businesses after the date for the final easing of lockdown restrictions was pushed back.

Businesses must remain covid secureAmid rising infection rates, as the new Delta variant of Covid-19 spreads, businesses must continue to have Covid-secure measures in place in line with government guidance.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog have therefore confirmed that they will continue to work with local authorities to carry out Covid spot checks and inspections on businesses in all areas of the country in order to ensure they are managing the risk.

They have warned it is “vital at this stage that businesses don’t become complacent and continue to have measures in place” to protect workers, customers and visitors

Don’t become complacent

HSE inspectors will provide guidance and advice for businesses where required and will take enforcement action against those organisations which aren’t effectively managing the risk from Coronavirus. This may include the issuing of enforcement notices or stopping certain work practices until they are made safe.

Businesses who fail to comply with HSE guidance or enforcement action could face prosecution.

HSE will check covid secure measuresThe Director of Transformation and Operational Services at HSE, Angela Storey, commented: “[…] As we continue to carry out spot checks and inspections, our support of cross-government work remains. We are committed to helping employers and employees as they work through the pandemic.

“All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced call or visit to check they are Covid-secure.”

The HSE provides advice and guidance about making your workplace Covid-secure on their website.

Guidance and training

Businesses must ensure they conduct a thorough Covid-19 risk assessment and have effective measures in place for social distancing, cleaning, hygiene and handwashing, ventilation, working from home and protecting vulnerable workers.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing and Supervising Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “It’s vitally important, during these final stages, that we do not now let our guard down and that everyone continues to follow the guidance at all times to control the still-present risk of coronavirus.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE continues COVID spot checks

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned businesses that it will be continuing to carry out Covid-19 spot checks and inspections as the nation continues on the roadmap out of lockdown.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog is working with local authorities to carry out spot checks and inspections on local businesses as the economy reopens.

They say that, as more businesses reopen their doors, the opportunity for Covid-19 to spread only increases, “so it is critical that businesses shouldn’t become complacent. They still need to have Covid-secure measures in place.”

All businesses in line for inspection

Spot checks and inspections are being carried out on all types of businesses in all areas.

Inspectors will be checking the measures that organisations have put in place to manage and reduce the risks posed from coronavirus, ensuring they are in line with current government guidance.

They will be visiting businesses that have continued their operations throughout the pandemic, as well as those that have only recently reopened or are planning to reopen soon.

The HSE says it is assisting local authorities to target premises in the sectors they regulate, such as hospitality and retail.

Businesses must manage Covid risks

sanitisation remains crucialInspectors will offer businesses advice and guidance during spot checks and inspections, but the watchdog has made clear that action will be taken against any organisation that isn’t managing the risk from Covid-19.

The HSE has the power to issue enforcement notices and halt certain work activities until they are made safe.

Any business that does not comply with HSE action could be prosecuted.

The HSE has outlined some general Covid-secure measures that businesses should have in place:

  • A Covid-19 risk assessment for your workplace, which is updated to reflect any changes in legislation or guidance that may impact on your work activities.
  • Social distancing measures to ensure people are kept 2-metres apart or, where this is not possible, 1-metre apart with additional measures in place, such as screens.
  • Strict cleaning, hygiene and handwashing procedures for your workplace and staff.
  • Proper ventilation and air conditioning to help reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.
  • Information for workers about providing support and maintaining Covid-19 control measures.
  • Suitable measures to support staff to work from home where required, such as appropriate equipment and regular contact to ensure their wellbeing.
  • Control measures, support, and information to help protect workers who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus.

Engage with the HSE to protect communities

The Director of Transformation and Operational Services at HSE, Angela Storey, explained: “As we come out of lockdown, we are continuing to work with local authorities to check businesses are Covid-secure and providing guidance and advice where needed.

“Our spot checks and inspections support the cross-government work in helping employers and employees that have worked throughout the pandemic and those returning as lockdown measures ease. All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector, can receive an unannounced check from HSE or an inspection from the local authority, to check they are Covid-secure.

“If you are contacted by the HSE or your local authority, please engage with us. By checking businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of local communities as well as support the local and national UK economy.”

The HSE provides guidance on remaining Covid-secure on their website.

Training can help you manage the risks

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Infection control is crucialTheir diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing and Supervising Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “After many months of restrictions, it’s great to see things start to open back up and many businesses begin to return to some sort of normal. This is vitally important for the economy as well as for the mental health and wellbeing of employers and employees.

“It’s equally important, though, that, as restrictions ease, we do not let our guard down and continue to ensure that we are following guidance at all times to control the still-present risk of coronavirus.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

Occupational safety and health leads Covid recovery

The Director of Professional Services at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has commented on how the occupational safety and health (OSH) profession is leading the way in the recovery from Covid-19.

In a commentary featured in the Hays UK Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide 2021, Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher spoke of how OSH professionals had found themselves “front and centre of organisations’ recovery from Covid-19,” saying that leadership figures are turning to the profession for guidance to protect their workers and the future of their businesses.

As we slowly move out of the third national lockdown and the roadmap has been laid out to restarting the economy, many employers want to know how they can restart their operations safely, prevent virus transmission on their site and protect remote workers.

Ms. Harwood-Whitcher cautioned that OSH professionals must also “ensure their employers don’t lose sight of non-Covid risks.”

She added: “To achieve this, OSH professionals must be attuned to how their organisation is run and how OSH can enable it to sustain its future and achieve strategic goals. They must be able to adapt quickly as new risks emerge and provide senior leaders with assurance.”

This rise in demand for OSH expert advice will continue well into 2021 and beyond, she predicts.

As a result, IOSH aims to ensure there is a “significant pool of high-calibre people who can respond.”

They are hoping to achieve this through their Student Membership Scheme, their IOSH Mentoring platform and their Future Leaders community. These initiatives all help people at different stages to build their OSH career.

There is high demand for relevant health and safety skills, and IOSH is looking to help meet this demand by moving their main health and safety training products online.

Ms. Harwood-Whitcher says such measures are “why I am confident our profession can continue to deliver, to protect the futures of organisations and those who work for them.”

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing Health and Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

FRT is also approved to deliver world-renowned IOSH-accredited and certificated training courses such as IOSH Working Safely, IOSH Supervising Safely and IOSH Managing Safely.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “For too long, health and safety has been considered no more than an administrative burden to employers, but this really highlights how sensible health and safety approaches can really benefit businesses and how they will be instrumental in helping firms build back better after the pandemic.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE Chair reflects on 12 months of Covid

The Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Sarah Newton, has shared her reflections on the past year, which saw Britain and its workplaces battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Launching the HSE’s new regular website blog, Ms. Newton, who became Chair of Britain’s health and safety watchdog in August last year, explained that her and her colleagues would be publishing blogs sharing their thoughts on a wide range of topics related to HSE’s workplace safety mission.

Speaking of the 12 months since April 2020, she admits it’s “safe to say that it has been a year unlike any of us have ever experienced.”

Ms. Newton explained that, as Britain gradually emerges from lockdown and the pandemic, the HSE will be applying “renewed vigour to our work enabling Covid-secure workplaces. Drawing on what we are continuously learning from the data and science. With a focus on controlling risk, from identifying it to mitigating for it.”

She confirmed that the vast majority of businesses and workplaces were adhering to government guidelines and were making prompt changes to the way they work in order to keep employees and other members of the public as safe as possible.

Where enforcement action has been needed, however, Ms. Newton is clear that the HSE has been decisive in taking that action.

The regulator has been at the heart of the government response to the coronavirus pandemic in Great Britain, working alongside Public Health bodies and local authorities. It has ensured, through spot checks, inspections and advice, that workplaces are doing everything possible to provide Covid-secure working environments.

Ms. Newton says:

“HSE takes the Covid pandemic and the welfare of workers incredibly seriously. Of course, we do. That is written into our DNA and, since 1974, that has been our mission.”

She summarised some of the actions taken over the past 12 months to help make workplaces Covid-secure. These included:

  • Shifting their organisational resources onto Covid-related work and utilising an additional £14 million in funding to add new services to support workers and employers
  • Completing over 165,700 Covid-19 spot checks and responding to over 210,000 concerns
  • Carrying out around 2,000 workplace checks each day
  • Supporting Public Health bodies with 646 reported outbreaks of Covid-19
  • Targeting spot checks in those industries where workers are most vulnerable to transmission risks
  • Leading a Covid-19 national core study, funded by the Government, on transmission of Covid-19 in the environment. This encompasses workplaces, transport and other public settings. The aim is to answer essential policy and operational questions around the pandemic.

The Chair of the HSE concluded:

“All of the above, and more, has taken place against a backdrop of HSE continuing to regulate traditional, non-Covid related occupational health and safety in a multitude of industries.

“As well as setting up the new Building Safety Regulator and dealing with the complex regulatory responsibilities associated with the end of the EU transition period and the intake of new staff that these have entailed. I think that’s a real achievement everyone in HSE can be proud of.”

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing Health and Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “Businesses have lots to consider right now; they must ensure they are keeping people as safe as possible and minimising the risk of transmission of Covid-19, following government guidelines and effectively implementing suitable control measures. It is great that the HSE has been there to provide advice, guidance and take action where needed.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE guidance for reopened schools

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidance for schools on ensuring they remain Covid-secure as they reopen for the Spring term.

England’s health and safety watchdog has reminded schools that they must have mitigating measures in place to control the risks from Covid-19, as well as “arrangements in place to ensure effective supervision, monitoring and review of expected standards.”

Inspectors from the HSE conducted spot checks and inspections on primary and secondary schools over a 3-month period from September to December 2020.

They contacted 5000 schools in England and Wales to check they were following the correct guidelines, with spot checks spanning all regions and including a proportionate number of state-maintained, independent and special schools.

Government guidelines for the reopening of schools have not changed substantially since these inspections, and the HSE has set out its findings, including areas for improvement.

Inspectors found that around 80% of schools had a good understanding of the guidance and what it means to be Covid-secure.

The HSE undertook over 1,000 follow-up inspections at those schools where it was less certain that they were correctly following guidance to check the measures they had in place.

For more than half of the schools visited, there was no further action. For most of the remaining inspections only minor issues were detected which resulted in verbal advice.

Formal interventions and improvement measures were required in less than 1% of schools visited, after health and safety contraventions were uncovered by inspectors.

Areas of concern included social distancing in staff rooms and kitchens or canteens, cleaning regimes and ventilation in some school buildings. Inspectors found that most schools were relying on well painted walls and windows or doors being open for long periods of time in order to achieve ventilation. This led to issues around maintaining comfortable room temperatures for students and staff members, especially during the colder months.This measures can also be adopted to home for healthy living. My House Painter can also help you out in getting your home improvement services done.

The HSE has since updated its own guidance regarding ventilation and air-conditioning, which they say should help school leaders to balance these needs.

Other issues that inspectors provided advice on included:

  • Schools using generic risk assessments that did not include specific detail for their site
  • Lack of effective systems for the regular monitoring and review of risk assessments
  • Fire doors being propped open in order to provide ventilation
  • Inappropriate rooms being used for isolating suspected cases
  • Arrangements for managing external visitors and/or contractors

Inspectors also found lots of examples of schools promoting good practice in innovative ways, such as:

  • Promoting social distancing by issuing pupils with coloured lanyards to identify their bubble and to help avoid mixing between different bubbles
  • Using brightly coloured floor markings in school playgrounds to encourage two metre social distancing between parents and pupils during drop-off and collection times
  • Focusing on handwashing and UV light as a means of promoting effective hand hygiene as part of specific school projects, such as science projects
  • Producing video walkthroughs explaining Covid-secure arrangements for pupils and parents
  • Use of classroom seating plans to help with self-isolation measures
  • Using a click-and-collect app to purchase food from the canteen to reduce queues and avoid crowding
  • Using video conferencing for staff meetings and phones in classrooms to speak to other staff in order to reduce face-to-face contact.

The government has provided specific guidance about actions schools should take during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.

The HSE has said that it will continue to investigate any concerns or incidents reported to them about school safety measures.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.

They work with a large number of early years and childcare providers, as well as schools, colleges, and children’s services. Their courses include Safeguarding Children, Understanding Mental Health and Anxiety Awareness.

They can also provide accredited trainers to deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid training, certificated by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.

A trainer from FRT says: “It is fantastic that schools have been able to reopen as this is so vital for the mental health and wellbeing of children, as well as their physical, mental and social development and, obviously, their education.

“It’s now really important that schools understand the guidance and the measures they need to maintain so that they can keep their staff and students as safe as possible.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

IOSH partners with WHO to protect lives and livelihoods

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has partnered with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to provide free online learning to help businesses and workers develop their knowledge around Covid-19.

The two organisations have developed a new course which teaches people about preventing transmission of Covid-19 and managing the risks of returning to work and remote working.

They say it has been created with the aim of “protecting lives and livelihoods.”

The free online training can be accessed by anyone across the world on the WHO online learning platform.

The IOSH and WHO first joined forces last year in order to support businesses, workers and safety and health professionals in managing the risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

IOSH’s Chief Executive, Bev Messinger, said they were “delighted” to have worked with the WHO to develop the training modules.

She explained: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the way we work, as well as the way we live.

“Many organisations have opted for remote working, although this has been beneficial for employers and workers, it is something which can create significant risks, not least around mental health.

“Organisations are also planning their recovery and have been doing for some time. This includes how they can allow people back into workplaces in a safe way, ensuring that the risks of Covid-19 transmission are managed. Some organisations, of course, have had to continue operating in workplaces and we have supported them too.”

She said the training modules would “support people in organisatons of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises and start-ups who might otherwise find it challenging to access such training. Across these organisations, they will enhance the way workers are protected and, as a result, protect lives and livelihoods.”

IOSH has created modules on Safer Teleworking and Reopening your workplace safely, while peer reviewing the other training modules.

The Safer teleworking module focuses on issues such as isolation and work-life balance.

The full course includes interactive content and is available on the WHO’s online learning platform.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Infection Control, Lone Working, Risk Assessment, Managing Health and Safety, Managing Stress in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health, among many others.

They also offer a portfolio of e-learning training courses, including COVID-19 Infection prevention, identification and control.

A trainer from FRT explains: “Businesses have lots to consider right now; they must ensure they are keeping people as safe as possible and minimising the risk of transmission of Covid-19, following government guidelines and effectively implementing suitable control measures.

“But they must also think about their employee’s mental health and wellbeing. With the stress and anxiety of the pandemic, the potential isolation of working from home and the strain of national lockdowns, many of their workers may be struggling with low mood, stress, depression or anxiety.

“Health and safety duties for employers are not limited to an employee’s physical health and safety – they also include the responsibility to support their mental health.

“That means it’s not just crucial that employers understand Covid-19, its routes of transmission and how to minimise the risk – as well as other physical safety considerations – they should also understand how they can promote and support positive mental health and wellbeing throughout their organisation.

“A range of training is needed to help foster a truly safe and healthy workforce.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE checks Covid-secure measures in transport and logistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been conducting spot inspections on transport and logistics firms to ensure they’re managing the risk of Covid-19 during periods of high demand.            

Britain’s health and safety watchdog has been working with local authorities to carry out the spot inspections and ensure that businesses in the transport and logistics sector who has left in-charge to Strader Ferris International, have maintained strict Covid-secure measures throughout the festive period and New Year sales.

Inspectors were pleased to find examples of good practice being demonstrated on many of their visits.

These included good provisions for access to toilets, handwashing facilities and rest areas, as well as arrangements to enable visiting drivers to safely access site facilities.

Other good safety measures observed included:

  • Active monitoring to ensure staff were following procedures
  • Limiting numbers of workers allowed in canteens and break rooms to ensure social distancing
  • Providing Covid-kits to drivers, which contained hand sanitiser and wipes
  • Grouping workers who typically work closely together
  • Providing delivery notes electronically for drivers while they remained in their cabs, rather than requiring them to visit the transport office
  • Staggering shift start times to reduce congestion at entry points
  • Rearranging desks and fitting screens in offices to enable office workers to work safely

sanitisation remains crucialThe HSE says that its very important that goods can be quickly and safely despatched to stores and to customers via home delivery during the coronavirus pandemic.

They highlighted these “novel ways” that businesses have been implementing Covid-secure measures in order to manage and reduce the risk of transmission for workers, visitors and others.

Inspectors did, however, also report areas for improvements across some sites.

They said that some office spaces lacked good ventilation while some sites lacked a site-specific risk assessment and that hand sanitiser was sometimes too far away from workstations to allow regular use.

A number of workplace transport issues were also observed, including:

  • Poor marking of pedestrian routes
  • Footpaths being blocked
  • Inadequate controls to prevent vehicle driveaway incidents

These failings prompted verbal advice or, where there was a serious risk of harm to workers, enforcement action. The HSE reports that, in the majority of cases, issues could be quickly resolved during the inspection.

The watchdog says that, to be Covid-secure:

“businesses need to keep up to date with the latest guidance and put measures in place to manage the risk and protect workers, visitors and customers.”

Guidance for businesses on being Covid-secure can be found on the HSE’s website.

Inspectors from the HSE are continuing spot checks and inspections on all types of businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

First Response Training is a leading, national training provider. They deliver a wide range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors, and throughout the UK.

They can provide training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their health and safety range includes the IOSH-approved Managing Safely as well as other courses such as Health and Safety, Risk Assessment, Managing and Supervising Safely and Accident and Incident Investigation.

In 2020, they also developed the COVID-19: Infection prevention, identification and control e-learning training course, to help businesses learn how to manage the risks from coronavirus.

A trainer from FRT says: “The HSE are continuing their inspections and will be looking to see that businesses are maintaining all proper health and safety measures – as well as Covid-19 secure measures – during the pandemic.

“It’s very important that where people are continuing to go to work, carrying out essential roles, that they are protected from harm as far as possible.

“This includes the risk of infection with coronavirus but also other risks they may encounter at work. Businesses must continue to do all that is reasonably practicable to protect those affected by their activities.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300, or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.

HSE continues safety spot checks in run-up to Christmas

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made clear that it will be continuing spot checks and inspections as Christmas approaches.

sanitisation remains crucialBritain’s health and safety watchdog will be calling and visiting all types of businesses across the country throughout December in order to ensure they are COVID-secure and following all health and safety regulations.

They have warned firms juggling the busy festive period that they are still required to have sufficient measures in place to protect people from the risk of coronavirus.

HSE inspectors provide advice and guidance during spot checks to help companies manage risk and protect their workers and visitors. If a firm is not following health and safety guidelines, however, inspectors will not hesitate to take action.

Firms may receive specific advice or be issued with enforcement notices that stop certain work practices until action is taken to make them safe.

If firms fail to comply with enforcement notices, they may be prosecuted.

The HSE is also working closely with local authorities to assist them with the sectors they regulate, such as hospitality and retail and check they have implemented protective measures in line with government guidance on coronavirus.

The watchdog details the “sensible and proportionate steps” that all businesses should take in order to keep their workplace COVID-secure. This includes:

  • Completing a COVID-19 risk assessment
  • Enforcing social distancing
  • Keeping your workplace clean, with strict handwashing and hygiene procedures in place

The HSE has a video on its website which outlines how its spot checks and inspections work, what they will check if they make a visit to your business and how these checks can help to keep your workplace COVID-secure.

It also details the actions that inspectors will take if businesses are found not to be following measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider. They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Risk Assessment and Managing Health and Safety, among many others.

A trainer from FRT explains: “It’s always important that businesses follow relevant guidance to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their workers, visitors and members of the public.

“During the pandemic, this includes following all government guidance to manage the risk from coronavirus, keeping your workers as safe as possible.”

For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.