health and safety Archives | First Response Training

IOSH calls for ‘proactive and holistic’ approach to health and safety

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is calling for a “more proactive and holistic approach” to health and safety at work to prevent UK standards from falling.

IOSH calls for holistic and proactive approach to workplace health and safety The world’s largest professional health and safety body is urging the government to ratify the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) conventions relating to occupational safety and health.

In June last year, the ILO conventions classed a healthy and safe working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.

Despite this, fewer than 1 in 5 of the conventions are currently ratified in the UK, something which IOSH has called on the government to act on, warning that the nation risks “falling way behind other developed countries” when it comes to workplace health and safety.

Managing health and safety ‘key’ to economic growth

IOSH’s Head of Policy, Ruth Wilkinson, spoke of the organisation’s frustration that there had been “little movement” since its letter to the government last year.

She explained:

“The Government is focused on economic growth and reducing economically inactive workers, so let’s make sure we identify and action holistic ways to support these agendas through good work. This means work which is meaningful and for which any safety and health risks are well managed.

“Occupational safety and health actually has a key role here, through supporting people back into work, to work healthier and more sustainably, and to prevent them falling out of work.

“The Government can take a major step to improving workplace health and safety standards by ratifying relevant occupational safety and health conventions, including the Convention on Occupational Health Services. Failure to do so will see the UK fall way behind other developed countries.”

Deaths at work ‘sobering reminder’ of the cost of poor health and safety

IOSH warns that health and safety standards in the UK risk slipping behind other developed countries

It follows data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which revealed that 135 people died in accidents at work last year – something which IOSH has called a “sobering reminder of the cost of health and safety failure.”

Thousands of other people are injured each year in accidents at work, while 1.8 million people suffer from work-related ill-health.

Ruth said that, while health and safety standards in the UK have improved in last few decades, they have also “stagnated in more recent years, with the number of fatalities remaining similar each year for over a decade.”

She added:

“With work-related ill-health and injury equating to millions of lost working days and costing the economy billions of pounds each year, there is a risk that the significant progress achieved in recent decades might lull into complacency.

“One death in the workplace is too many. We are calling on the government to act on this, to ratify these conventions and be more proactive and holistic in supporting people to work, to undertake good work, and thus preventing harm at work.”

No time for compromise on workplace safety

IOSH wants the government to safeguard health and safety legislation following the passing of the Retained EU Law Bill IOSH has also been urging the government to safeguard health and safety legislation following the passing of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 – the so-called “EU Bonfire” Bill.

The health and safety body fears that the Act could lead to workplace safety standards in the UK effectively being scrapped or “dumbed down”, risking a reduction in productivity and an increase in insurance premiums for businesses and costs for the government.

As IOSH continues its push towards a healthy and safe world of work, Ruth said:

“This isn’t a time to compromise. Ensuring the UK has robust health and safety standards is crucial. It’s good for business, good for society and, importantly, it saves people’s lives.”

Common sense health and safety training

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

Health and safety training is key for productivity and reduced downtime They deliver a wide and diverse range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors and throughout the UK. Their course range includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, mental health, food safety, health and social care and more.

Their health and safety training is mapped to current UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines. It includes training awards in Health and Safety, Managing and Supervising Risk, Working at Height, DSE Assessment, Manual Handling, Accident and Incident Investigation, and more.

They are also licensed to deliver courses externally approved and certificated by IOSH including Working Safely and Managing Safely.

Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment at work.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“We believe in creating safer working environments with people who care, and know that when workers feel safe, valued and protected, they are likely to be happier and more productive at work.

“Companies with a strong health and safety ethos can not only reduce workplace accidents and downtime, but also see better staff retention rates and increased employee satisfaction in the future.

“Health and safety training can help employers understand their responsibility to assess risks to workers, consult with workers on control measures to reduce those risks, and implement those measures.”

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

School trust fined £80K after multiple children injured

A school trust has been fined £80,000 after safety failings led to multiple young children being injured in an incident that risked significant “mental and emotional impact.”

Young children were injured when safety failings led to a ceiling collapse in their classroom The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) decided to prosecute Thurlow Educational Trust after a classroom ceiling collapsed at Rosemead Preparatory School in London, injuring 15 year 3 pupils and their class teacher.

The children, aged between 7 and 8, and their teacher sustained upper limb fractures as well as cuts and concussion when the classroom ceiling collapsed during a morning lesson in November 2021. Several of them had to be taken to hospital for assessment and treatment.

School had stored items unsafely

the school trust was fined £80k for safety failings that led to the ceiling collapse Tables and chairs that were being stored in the attic above the classroom were among the falling debris.

An HSE investigation into the incident found that these items of school furniture were being stored in an unsuitable area in the attic which was not designed to be load-bearing, and it was this that led to the ceiling collapsing onto the class below.

HSE inspectors also found that Thurlow Educational Trust had failed to undertake any structural or load-bearing capability assessments of the area being used to store the items. They had also failed to assess whether this area of the attic was appropriate to be used to store tables and chairs.

Trust failed to ensure school building safety

Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Thurlow Educational Trust pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. In addition to their £80,000 fine, the Trust was also ordered to pay over £7,000 in prosecution costs.

Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Samuel Brown said:

“Schools should be a place where children can come to learn from teachers and one another without having to worry about their safety.

“Fortunately, this incident did not cause any more serious injuries, but the mental and emotional impact of such an event should not be understated.

“Employers need to take action to ensure that building stability and solidity problems are not caused through overloading areas not designed to bear weight. As proven, the failure to do so can have severe consequences.”

Relevant guidance from the HSE can be found online.

Vital safety training for schools

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

They deliver a wide and diverse range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors and throughout the UK. Their course range includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, mental health, food safety, health and social care and more.

Their health and safety training is mapped to UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines. They can offer courses in Managing Health and Safety, Risk Assessment, Accident and Incident Investigation, and many more.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“It is vital that schools can protect the health, safety and welfare of their pupils as far as possible when they are on site and attending lessons.

“We can provide vital health and safety training tailored for schools and other settings and industries, to enable employers and employees to understand and effectively discharge their legal duties in regards to health and safety.”

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

HSE publishes asbestos report for schools

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a report about the management of asbestos in schools, including key safety recommendations.

HSE has published a report into the management of asbestos in schools Britain’s health and safety watchdog visited over 400 primary and secondary schools across England, Scotland and Wales between September 2022 and March 2023.

They wanted to check that schools were effectively managing the risks posed by asbestos within the school estate, and that they were meeting their legal duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Inspections were aimed at all those who have a responsibility for managing school estates, including local authorities, headteachers, maintenance staff, academy trusts and governing bodies.

Some schools failing to manage asbestos safely

The focused site inspections confirmed that the majority of schools were complying with their legal duties and were managing and monitoring the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) safely and effectively.

But the HSE has revealed that a small minority of schools – 7% – had significant failings in their systems.

Asbestos fibres can pose a serious threat to human health Inspectors found that these schools often required improvements to be made to their management plans or surveys, and took enforcement action to ensure that these failings were addressed swiftly.

Asbestos management plans should clearly set out who does what and when, including regular scheduled checks to monitor the condition of ACMs.

Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but prior to this its use was widespread and many older buildings, including schools, still feature materials that contain the deadly fibres.

Asbestos is safe as long as it is undisturbed and safely maintained. If damaged, however, it can release smaller fibres that can be breathed in or swallowed, causing serious harm over time.

HSE report makes key recommendations for schools

The report into the management of asbestos in school buildings details the key findings that schools should:

Maintain an up-to-date survey which clearly shows the location of ACMs and highlights any areas that have not been surveyed
Identify any action required by the survey, check to make sure this is completed and update records accordingly
Have a clear asbestos management plan that is specific to the school site, and ensure it is regularly reviewed
Regularly monitor the condition of ACMs
Have effective procedures for dealing with any unplanned disturbance of ACMs and providing accurate information to emergency services attending the site
Ensure staff have clear roles and responsibilities for managing asbestos and ensure deputies or contingency plans are in place to cover for absences
Ensure any contractors provide suitable and sufficient risk assessments, method statements and evidence of asbestos awareness training

The watchdog says that these findings will be used to inform future intervention approaches within the education sector, and to help identify areas for improvement in schools.

They want schools to use the report to ensure that their systems for managing asbestos are suitably robust and regularly reviewed, and have warned that they will carry out further inspections across Britain during 2023-24.

Asbestos awareness training

Asbestos must be monitored and managed effectively 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 safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards in Asbestos Awareness, Handling Hazardous Substances (COSHH) and Managing and Supervising Risk.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“Exposure to asbestos fibres can be extremely hazardous, with long lasting and devastating consequences.

“It’s vitally important that, where these are present in school buildings, those with responsibility for managing safety on the premises are aware of the appropriate safety measures they must take to minimise the risks of exposure and protect themselves, their employees and all pupils from harm.”

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.

Care firms fined following violent attacks on staff

Two firms operating in the adult social care sector have been fined more than £400,000 after “systemic failures” led to staff being injured in repeated violent attacks by patients.

Care providers have been fined after repeated violent attacks on staff and patients at a mental health hospital The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the leading care firms should have implemented “preventative measures to prevent violence,” such as training for staff.

Britain’s care watchdog brought charges against Parkcare Homes (No.2) Limited and Priory Central Services Limited, both part of the Priory Group, after staff working at a South Wales mental health hospital were subjected to violent attacks by patients over a three-year period.

Violent attacks allowed to continue at hospital

The now-closed Priory Hospital in Aberdare was a specialised setting that supported people with complex mental health, behavioural and learning issues. Up to 12 in-patients were cared for by staff at any one time. It was owned and operated by Parkcare Homes (No.2) Limited. Meanwhile, Priory Central Services Limited was responsible for the provision of training and equipment and the employment of staff at the Aberdare hospital.

Both firms, based in London, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, where they pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 after failing to manage the risks of violence and aggression at the hospital.

Indeed, the court heard there were repeated incidents of violence and aggression by patients towards both care staff and other patients at Priory Hospital between 2014 and 2017. These incidents often resulted in serious injuries, including hearing loss, loss of consciousness, discolouration, numbness and permanent scarring.

The frequency and severity of these incidents led senior management figures at the hospital to raise formal concerns with Priory Central Services in November 2016. They, however, failed to take prompt and appropriate action to address the concerns and violent incidents continued to take place.

No measures implemented to diffuse violent attacks

Violent attacks at the Priory Hospital in Aberdare led to serious and significant injuries When the HSE investigated, they found that the firms had not carried out suitable and sufficient risk assessments and that the equipment provided to the hospital and the general environment was not fit to diffuse violent situations.

Additionally, staff had not been provided with adequate information or training to equip them to deal effectively with patients who exhibited aggressive behaviour.

Staff also lacked appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that could have helped keep them safe, such as bite resistant clothing and personal safety alarms.

The companies failed to conduct de-brief sessions in the wake of violent incidents, or when patients returned from sick level following an injury. They also failed to carry out any investigations into the incidents to establish what had led to them. This meant that no lessons were learned despite the serious and significant injuries repeatedly being suffered.

Firms fined for “systemic failures”

At a sentencing hearing in July this year, Parkcare Homes (No.2) Limited was fined £363,000 and ordered to pay a further £43,656 in prosecution costs. Priory Central Services Limited received a £40,000 fine and were ordered to pay a further £21,828 in costs.

Commenting on the case, HSE Principal Inspector Anne Marie Orrells said:

“Priory are a leading independent provider of mental healthcare and adult social care in the UK. It is a long-established company and despite repeated warnings about systemic failures it failed to prevent its staff being injured.

“Care providers should have adequate arrangements to effectively plan and organise preventative measures to prevent violence towards staff and other patients.”

The Care Quality Commission is currently carrying out checks on other locations registered by Parkcare Homes (No.2) Limited and will publish its reports when these checks are complete.

Training to help staff deal with violence and aggression

Care providers must assess, manage and control the risk of violent attacks and can help do so with training 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 safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.

Their diverse portfolio includes training awards designed for care workers, such as Positive Behaviour Support, Understanding Behaviour that Challenges, Mental Capacity Act and many others.

They also deliver a range of training courses around Violence and Aggression and Conflict Resolution, which can include training in Breakaway Techniques.

A Trainer at FRT, says:

“Violence and aggression are significant risks within the health and care sector and anyone providing such services should conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment regarding the potential for instances of violence and aggression and should implement adequate measures to reduce and control this risk.

“Training can help care staff learn how to reinforce positive behaviour and discourage negative, aggressive behaviour. They can also learn how to diffuse aggressive situations and learn defensive strategies to protect themselves from violence.

“It’s vitally important for any employer to take action to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff.”

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

IOSH says flexible working can boost health and safety

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has welcomed new regulations that support flexible working, saying it leads to “positive mental health and physical health.”

IOSH says new flexible working laws will help to boost worker mental and physical health and wellbeing The world’s largest professional health and safety body says the benefits of flexible work patterns also include “healthier and more sustainable lives” for workers and “lower absenteeism or presenteeism” for companies.

IOSH spoke out after the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 received Royal Assent last month. The Act will enable workers to request flexible working patterns from day one of employment and will require employers to consider and discuss these requests within two months of them being made – down from three. Workers can also now log up to two requests per year.

It follows a consultation held by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade last year, which IOSH responded to.

Flexible working can boost inclusivity and productivity

Flexible working can help to make the workforce more inclusive IOSH believes that flexible work patterns should be made available to all employees in all industries from the first day they start a job.

They say this will help to boost inclusivity in the workforce and enable it to grow. They also believe it will improve staff morale and retention rates, as well as boosting productivity.

In IOSH’s consultation response, they said employers should have to provide “clear business reasons” for turning down flexible working requests and that reasonable alternatives should be explored when this happens.

IOSH also wants the legislative changes to incentivise employers to offer more than the minimum legal standard when it comes to flexible working.

The body does, however, acknowledge that there can never be a “one-size-fits-all” approach to implementing flexible work patterns. They say that organisations need to accommodate individual needs where possible and should be aware of, recognise the need for and benefits of, family and worker-friendly workplaces.

Flexible working associated with positive mental and physical health

IOSH’s Head of Policy, Ruth Wilkinson, said that, in order to develop a “flexible organisational culture” firms need to be responsible and adopt an approach “that values and supports people.”

She commented: “Enabling all workers to benefit from flexible working arrangements, where possible and appropriate, shouldn’t remain a pipe dream.”

Speaking of the wide-reaching benefits of flexible working arrangements, she added:

“Improvements in work-life balance, in the quality of working conditions, and increasing levels of independence and flexibility, facilitate workers to lead healthier and more sustainable lives. It can also lead to them experiencing greater job satisfaction and productivity, positive mental health and physical health and lower absenteeism or presenteeism.”

Ms Wilkinson also explained: “Aligning flexibility and protection practices need to be extended to different forms of atypical working time, to cover segments of the workforce working at night, on weekends, on shift work, or in other forms of on-call work including the platform economy and on-demand work.”

Training to boost inclusivity, health and welfare

Flexible working can have many benefits for employers and employees First Response Training is a leading national training provider. They deliver a wide range of training in health, safety and welfare topics for all industry sectors.

Their portfolio includes training in topics such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Understanding Mental Health, Managing Stress at Work, Managing Health and Safety and many more.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Flexible working patterns and other arrangements that help workers to achieve a better work-life balance can benefit businesses by boosting staff recruitment, retention, satisfaction and productivity. They can also significantly reduce working days lost due to staff absences or the phenomenon of ‘presenteeism’ where staff are physically present at work but not performing at their best due to life pressures or other issues.

“In this way, flexible working can really go hand-in-hand with managing health, safety and welfare at work.

“At FRT we have adopted a number of flexible working arrangements and offer flexible full and part-time contracts for trainers with a variety of hours available. We support employees to fulfil caring duties and other life demands while providing high quality training for our clients.”

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.

Hospitality firms urged to ensure electrical safety this summer

Hospitality venues are being urged to check the electrical safety of their outdoor equipment, after a young boy lost his life when he was electrocuted in a pub garden.

ospitality venues are being urged to ensure electrical safety for outdoor equipment during busy summer months Danielle Jones, aged 34 from Romford, is calling on all pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues to ensure that their outdoor electrical installations and equipment are safe this summer.

Her son, Harvey Tyrrell, was just 7 years old when he tragically lost his life after being electrocuted in a pub beer garden in September 2018.

Harvey touched unsafe lighting in the garden of a pub in Essex and the resulting electric shock he suffered killed him. The owner of the pub has since been jailed for 9 years for manslaughter after he admitted to stealing electricity from an unmetered supply.

Despite this, Danielle says that she is “still hearing of other incidents involving unsafe electrics in pubs […].”

Pubs must prioritise electrical safety this summer

Electrical safety is paramount when using lighting and other electrical equipment in outdoor spaces The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working with the hospitality sector as well as local authority enforcement officers to increase industry awareness of electrical safety standards. They advise that any concerns about electrical safety should be directed to the relevant local authority.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog said that hospitality venues need to ensure they are appointing a competent person to carry out electrical installation work and that they are only using lights and heaters specifically designed for outdoor use. Equipment must also be regularly checked for damage or water ingress.

Companies are required to ensure that fixed installation and electrical appliances are installed and maintained by a competent electrician and in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Danielle said:

“People who run pubs and other hospitality venues should regularly check their electrics, especially as pub beer gardens are getting busier at this time of the year.

“I’m still hearing of other incidents involving unsafe electrics in pubs and this needs to stop – I don’t want any other family to go through what happened to us.

“Harvey was such a beautiful little soul, a cheeky chappie and one of a kind and what sadly happened to him could have been prevented.”

Meanwhile, the HSE’s Head of Local Authority and Safety Unit, said that during the “busy summer period” hospitality venues which provide outdoor spaces “need to make sure electrical equipment is in good condition, safe to use and regularly checked.”

Key guidance for outdoor electrical safety

The HSE provides important information, advice and guidance about electrical safety on their website.

Electrical safety guidance is provided by the HSE They advise anyone responsible for outdoor spaces to consider the following before installing outdoor electrical equipment:

Could extra low voltage or solar equipment be used to provide a safer installation?
Is the equipment suitable for outdoor use?
Is the equipment damaged at all?
Is any existing equipment in good condition and compatible with the equipment to be installed?
Can it accommodate the electrical load so that circuits and sockets are not overloaded?
Is it connected to a socket protected by a suitable RCD?
Are all sockets in a good condition and suitable for use outside, if appropriate, and in a location where they won’t be accessed or damaged by customers?
Has the equipment been fully removed from its packaging before use?

You should also ensure that the electrical supply is switched off before connecting or installing equipment. During installation and when using outdoor electrical equipment, the HSE has these safety tips:

Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions ensure you retain them for future reference
Ensure equipment is installed in locations where it will not be damaged and is away from flammable materials and decorations
Check equipment for damage frequently, and replace failed lamps as appropriate
Always switch off before replacing lamps and use the correct replacement lamp
Keep equipment packaging for future storage
When storing equipment, ensure that it is not in damp or excessively hot conditions

Health and safety training for hospitality

Its essential that pubs, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality venues are aware of electrical safety standards First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

Their health and safety training is mapped to UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines. They have a dedicated portfolio of training for the hospitality sector and can offer courses in Safety Aware for Hotel Staff, Health and Safety, Managing Health and Safety, Risk Assessment, Accident and Incident Investigation, and many more.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“It is imperative that hospitality venues take all aspects of health and safety incredibly seriously. They are responsible not just for the health, safety and welfare of their employees but also their customers and members of the general public.

“During nice summer weather, it’s great to be able to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family at our favourite hospitality venues, and equipment such as outdoor lighting, heaters and speakers can help add to the experience; but all those responsible for outdoor spaces must ensure they are strictly following safety guidelines to avoid tragic and preventable incidents.”

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

Firm fined after worker paralysed in ‘preventable’ incident

A manufacturing firm has been fined for health and safety failings after a worker was left paralysed following an “easily preventable” incident.

A firm has been prosecuted and fined for health and safety failings Last month, Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court heard how the worker, a 65-year-old man from Worcester, suffered “life-changing” injuries when working for Mountfield CNC Ltd on 4^th January 2022.

He had been setting up a CNC machine at the firm’s site on Berry Hill Industrial Estate in Droitwich when he became entangled in the machine’s rotating saw. This resulted in him fracturing his neck and becoming paralysed from the chest down.

Firm failed to take effective safety measures

A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Mountfield CNC Ltd had failed to take effective measures to prevent access to the dangerous parts of the CNC machine.

The worker was left paralysed from the chest down due to health and safety failings Although the machine was fitted with interlocked guards, the interlocks had been disabled before the incident took place, thus allowing the machine to move without the safety guards in place.

The HSE ruled that the company should have identified the need for effective interlocking guards and monitored these safeguards to ensure they had not been tampered with.

They prosecuted Mountfield CNC Ltd for breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and the firm pleaded guilty to their serious health and safety failings.

They were fined £18,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £3,094.

Health and safety failings led to life-changing injury

Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Harry Shaw said:

“This life-changing injury was easily preventable, and the risk should have been identified.

“Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from dangerous parts of machinery.”

The HSE provides free-to-download health and safety guidance for engineering workshops.

Training is vital for worker safety

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

Their health and safety training is mapped to UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines. The portfolio includes courses such as Health and Safety, Managing Health and Safety, Risk Assessment, Accident and Incident Investigation, and many more.

Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment at work.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“Health and safety law is there to keep people healthy, safe and protected from harm as they carry out their work; this is the least that any employee should expect.

“It is important to ensure that you are up to date and well informed about health and safety legislation, guidance and best practice and that you have carried out suitable and sufficient risk assessments to identify hazards and risks in your workplace, and implemented suitable control measures to remove or reduce those risks. All risk assessments and associated control measures should be regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to protect people.

“This may sound simple, it may even sound boring or repetitive, but it is what keeps people safe and prevents life-altering incidents like this from occurring.”

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

School fined £35,000 for ‘shocking and scary’ burn incident

A primary school has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £35,000 for “common sense” safety failings that led to a “shocking and scary” burn incident involving a young child.

A school has been fined £35,000 for a life changing burn incident that could have been avoided The London-based school had pleaded not guilty to breaching health and safety regulations but were found guilty following a trial at Southwark Crown Court in June this year. In addition to their fine, the school was also ordered to pay £25,970 in prosecution costs.

The incident had occurred on 11^th December 2019, when a group of year 3 children were waiting to appear in church as part of their school carol concert.

The court heard how 60 children had been lined up in a costume in a narrow corridor, holding 10-inch lit taper candles, when a 7-year-old boy wearing a homemade sheep costume made out of cotton wool balls caught fire.

It took some effort to extinguish the fire and the child received first aid at the scene before being rushed by air ambulance to Broomfield Hospital, where medics found that he had sustained an estimated 45% burns to his body.

His injuries were life-changing and he now faces ongoing, regular and invasive surgeries throughout his youth and into adulthood.

Burn incident ‘could have so easily been avoided’

A subsequent investigation by the HSE found that the school had not taken appropriate measures to control the inherent risks in giving lit candles to children while they were wearing potentially flammable costumes.

Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector Sarah Whittle described it as a “shocking and scary incident that could have so easily been avoided.”

She added:

“Common sense alone should have been enough to see the risk. Mitigation in this case would have been the substitution of wax candles for flameless ones, thereby reducing the risk to zero. This was a step the school took after the incident but by then it was far too late for a young child who will be forever affected by this.

“The importance of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment has never been made so clear.”

Train to conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“This is a heartbreaking incident for the child and his family, which occurred during what should be a happy and exciting time for young children.

“Training can ensure that everyone who works with children understands how to properly identify, assess and control risk to protect them from harm.”

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

HSE reveals 135 people were killed at work last year

The latest work-related fatality statistics for Great Britain reveal that 135 people were killed in accidents at work last year.

Work-related fatality figures reveal 135 people were killed at work last year Published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) this month, the annual figures cover the period from April 2022 until March 2023 and detail work-related fatalities.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog says that the industries with the highest rate of fatal injuries were the construction (45), agriculture, forestry and fishing (21), manufacturing (15), and transportation and storage (15) sectors.

The work-related fatality statistics also show that the most common cause of death were falls from height, which claimed 40 lives during 2022-23.

Being struck by a moving object (29) and being struck by a moving vehicle (20) were also common causes of death at work last year.

Each work-related fatality is a ‘tragedy’

Falls from height were the biggest cause of work-related fatality in 2022-23 The HSE’s annual figures show that Great Britain continues to be one of the safest places in the world to work, but their CEO stresses that each life lost represents a “tragedy.”

Although the total of 135 worker deaths for 2022-23 was higher than the previous year (123), it is broadly in line with workplace fatality figures recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic. Overall, there has thankfully been a long-term downward trend in workplace fatalities, though in the years before the pandemic the rate had remained broadly flat.

In addition to the 135 workers who lost their lives, a further 68 members of the general public were killed as a result of a work-related incident last year. This represents a decrease of 20 from 2021-22.

The HSE’s Chief Executive, Sarah Albon, commented on the figures:

“Any loss of life in the workplace is a tragedy.

“While these figures show Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world to work, safety must continue to be at the top of everyone’s agenda.

“Our mission is to protect people and places and we remain committed to maintaining safe workplaces and holding employers to account for their actions.”

More work-related fatalities as a result of asbestos

Work-related fatality figures represent tragedies for families across Britain The watchdog has also published annual figures for the number of people affected by mesothelioma, a cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos.

The latest figures reveal that 2,268 people died from this disease in 2021. This figure represents a drop-off of 302 from the 2,570 people who died as a result of mesothelioma in 2020 and is substantially lower than the average number of annual deaths recorded between 2012-2019 (2,520).

The HSE explains that asbestos-related diseases such as a mesothelioma take decades to develop and that the vast majority of people who are affected by them today were exposed to the deadly fibres before the use of asbestos was banned in Britain in 1999.

Asbestos regulations have resulted in a significant reduction in exposure and the number of people going on to develop asbestos-related illnesses is expected to fall as more years pass since the tightening of controls.

HSE launched its campaign Asbestos & You to help raise awareness of the risks associated with the deadly substance.

Asbestos remains present in many older buildings but regulations state that it must be managed, maintained in a good condition and left undisturbed. If this level of safety cannot be achieved, then it must be safely removed following regulations and approved practices to avoid dangerous exposure.

Training is vital for worker safety

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

Health and safety statistics show work-related fatalities are broadly flat They deliver a wide and diverse range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors and throughout the UK. Their course range includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, mental health, food safety, health and social care and more.

Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment at work.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“We believe in creating safer working environments with people who care.

“It is fantastic to see that Britain maintains its impressive workplace safety record, but any life lost at work is one too many and we must continue to be vigilant about health and safety standards and ensure we are providing suitable and sufficient training for our staff as well as appropriate control measures, safe systems of work and procedures to protect them from harm.”

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

Employers must protect workers in hot weather, HSE warns

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers that they must take action to protect their workers during periods of extreme hot weather.

Employers must address the risks posed by hot weather Britain’s health and safety watchdog spoke out as temperatures rose across the UK and have said that recent heat-health alerts issued by the Met Office, coupled with the record high temperatures recorded last summer, should act as a “wakeup call for all employers,” prompting them to review safety procedures and protect workers.

Employers must assess hot weather risks

Although there is no legally defined maximum temperature for workplaces, employers must be responsible, and have a duty to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees as far as is reasonably practicable. They are required to assess risks to their workforce, and this includes any health and safety risks posed by extreme weather such as heat waves.

Hot weather can impact worker health During Summer 2022, visits to the HSE’s online guidance for working in hot weather soared by 1000%, while the number of concerns relating to hot weather reported to the regulator almost doubled in July.

All workers, whether based indoors or outdoors, are at risk during spells of extreme hot weather and employers should discuss potential changes they can make with their workers to help manage and reduce the risks.

Simple measures to reduce hot weather risks

The HSE has set out a number of recommended measures which are cheap and simple for businesses to implement, including:

Checking that workplace windows can be opened or closed
Using blinds or reflective film on windows to shade workers
Positioning workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Insulating hot pipes and machinery
Offering flexible working patterns to enable employees to work at cooler times of day
Providing free access to drinking water
Relaxing dress codes where possible
Providing weather-appropriate personal protective equipment
Advising workers that they should remove personal protective equipment when resting to enable them to cool down
Sharing key health and safety information, such as the symptoms of heat stress and heat exhaustion and what actions to take if someone is affected

Extreme heat can impact worker health

Employers can implement simple and cheap measures to manage hot weather risks The HSE’s Head of Operational Strategy, John Rowe, said: “Last summer should have been a wakeup call for all employers. Climate change means we’re likely to get hotter summers and that could have a big impact on the workforce of this country, affecting everything from health of workers to productivity on construction sites.

“We know all employers are under pressure and we don’t want to add to their burden, but it’s vital they think hard now about simple and cheap measures they can put in place to support workers should we see extreme heat again this summer.

“The extreme heat we experienced in 2022 isn’t going away so sensible, supportive employers will be planning now how they should respond.”

Common sense health and safety training

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

Spells of extreme hot weather are likely to become more commonplace They deliver a wide and diverse range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors and throughout the UK. Their course range includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, mental health, food safety, health and social care and more.

Their health and safety training is mapped to UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines.

Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment at work.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“We believe in creating safer working environments with people who care, and know that when workers feel safe, valued and protected, they are likely to be happier and more productive at work.

“Companies with a strong health and safety ethos can not only reduce workplace accidents and downtime, but also see better staff retention rates and increased employee satisfaction in the future.

“Health and safety training can help employers understand their responsibility to assess risks to workers, consult with workers on control measures to reduce those risks, and implement those measures. This applies to measures to maintain a comfortable, safe temperature for all workers as well as many other health and safety factors.”

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

Health and safety organisations form ‘historic alliance’

Leading professional health and safety organisations have formed an alliance to provide a unified voice for the sector.

Prominent health and safety bodies have formed an historic alliance The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the British Safety Council (BSC), Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) signed a memorandum of understanding on 12^th May this year to form the Occupational Safety and Health Stakeholder Alliance.

The intention is that the alliance will, for the first time, be able to provide a 360-degree perspective on critical workplace safety issues.

Health and safety alliance will support good practice

The health and safety alliance will help to inform policy and support best practice Members of the alliance offer wide-ranging expertise, covering everything from education and regulation to policy development, professional standards and thought leadership. This will enable the collective to inform and support occupational safety and health (OSH) decision-making at a government policy maker and corporate level.

IOSH have described it as a “truly historic alliance with the potential to have a far-reaching positive impact on OSH management in the UK.”

The alliance will work to support good practice and develop and implement new programmes, initiatives and activities and facilitate continuous progress on OSH issues.

Another key aim is to enhance the visibility and value of the OSH profession.

One initial area of focus will be lobbying government to protect key UK health and safety legislation that is at risk of being scrapped under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill. Many members of the alliance have already been engaged in this.

Workplace mental health a key priority for the alliance

Workplace mental health is a key priority for the alliance In addition, the alliance will also be making mental health in the workplace a key priority.

The latest workplace statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that mental ill-health associated with work accounts for more than half of all work-related illnesses, affecting 914,000 workers.

This highlights the fact that, despite its enviable safety record, the UK remains less well advanced when it comes to workplace mental health issues than many of its EU counterparts.

The alliance will therefore focus on identifying, developing and implementing measures to better equip the OSH profession to mitigate the risk factors that contribute to poor mental health in the workplace. This work will benefit individual workers, employers and the NHS, which is already under immense pressure.

Health, safety and wellbeing training for all sectors

First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

Health and safety training can benefit businesses They deliver a wide and diverse range of training for businesses and organisations across all industry sectors and throughout the UK. Their course range includes training in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, mental health, food safety, health and social care and more.

Their training is mapped to current UK standards and legislation and follows HSE guidelines. It includes training awards in Managing and Supervising Risk, Working at Height, DSE Assessment, Manual Handling, Accident and Incident Investigation, and more.

They are also licensed to deliver courses externally approved and certificated by IOSH including Working Safely and Managing Safely.

Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment at work.

This includes supporting and promoting positive mental health in the workplace, with training provided in Understanding Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace, Managing Stress and Mental Health First Aid, among others.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“Companies with a strong safety ethos can not only reduce workplace accidents and downtime, but also see better staff retention rates and increased employee satisfaction.

“This goes far beyond just protecting the physical health of workers and extends into supporting their mental health and wellbeing, ensuring that issues such as work-related stress, depression and anxiety do not impact the workforce.

“Training can help employers understand their responsibility to assess risks to workers, consult with workers on control measures to reduce those risks, and implement those measures.”

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

HSE spotlight on fairground ride safety

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out 100 targeted inspections of theme park and fairground ride safety this summer.

The HSE will be carrying out 100 inspections of fairground ride safety Britain’s health and safety watchdog has planned extra checks on various theme park and fairground rides after a string of incidents in London, Barrow, Cardiff, Hull and Barnsley during recent years.

The focused inspection campaign is designed to promote the safe use of rides.

The HSE’s National Fairground Inspection Team (NFIT) started visiting fairgrounds and theme parks on 24^th April to carry out 100 targeted inspections of specific rides, with the programme of safety checks due to conclude in September 2023.

Fairground ride safety issues have emerged in recent years

The HSE is currently investigating a number of fairground ride safety incidents It comes as the watchdog looks to build on previous intervention work carried out in previous years to address emerging fairground ride safety issues.

Inspectors will be carrying out safety checks on specific rides used at travelling fairground and theme park sites, including Round Ups, Crazy Frogs, Twists, high speed rides and Star Flyers. They will be checking that these rides are safe for workers and passengers alike and that they are being correctly maintained and operated.

The HSE provides specific guidance for fairground safety.

The watchdog is currently investigating several incidents which have taken place on these types of rides at various fairground and theme park sites across the country.

Twist rides are at the centre of two incidents currently under investigation by the HSE. One took place at Cavendish Park, Barrow, in August 2021, while the other happened at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland attraction in November 2022.

HSE investigators have also looked into incidents involving high speed rides at Hull Fair in October 2019, Yiewsley Wood, West Drayton, in April 2018 and Brockwell Park, London, and Penny Pie Park, Barnsley, which both occurred in August 2019.

The watchdog is also aware of a further incident involving a Star Flyer ride which occurred at Planet Fun in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, in July 2021.

An intervention carried out by the HSE in 2022 also identified that the control system used for passenger restraints on a Crazy Frog ride was inadequate and needed improvement.

Fairground ride safety failures have ‘catastrophic consequences’

Fairground ride safety failures can have catastrophic consequences The HSE is ready to take enforcement action against operators if NFIT inspectors identify ongoing risk of serious personal injury during the current targeted inspections.

HSE Inspector David Kivlin warned that safety failures “or incorrect operation of a ride” can have “catastrophic consequences.”

He continued:

“HSE recognises that recent incidents, including the prosecution of operators following a fatal incident in March 2016 involving inflatable devices, have raised public awareness of the potential for injury and harm to users of such devices when they are not set up, maintained and operated in-line with manufacturer guidance or good practice standards.

“HSE’s overall strategy is to promote the safe use of fairground rides and inflatable devices and in doing so reduce the risk of such catastrophic incidents to as low as is reasonably practicable.”

The HSE provides detailed information about fairground and fairground ride health and safety, including what to do if people get hurt.

Fairground organisers have a legal duty to ensure the overall safety of the site is maintained. They must ensure that people responsible for setting up, breaking down, operating and attending the fairground do not face risks to their health and safety. They are responsible for managing the site and for managing its rides and attractions.

Quality health and safety training and information

Those who operate fairs have legal responsibilities to ensure they are managed safely First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider.

They deliver a wide and diverse range of training courses in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, specialist safety, mental health, health and social care and more.

They can offer courses in subjects such as Health and Safety, Working at Height and Accident and Incident Investigation and accredited options such as IOSH Working Safely and IOSH Managing Safely.

A trainer from FRT says:

“Fairs and fairground ride safety come to the forefront in the summer, when fairgrounds are often travelling around the country and many people are enjoying fairgrounds or theme parks as part of holiday time and day trips.

“It’s essential that fairgrounds and their rides are planned, managed and monitored effectively to ensure that workers and the visiting public are not exposed to serious health and safety risks.

“All those involved need to understand their roles and responsibilities in this respect, and health and safety training can ensure they understand the law and relevant standards and guidance.”

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

Training failures in managing violence and MSDs in the NHS

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has identified failings, including in training, in relation to managing violence and aggression and musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) in the NHS.

Britain’s health and safety watchdog carried out a targeted inspection programme on NHS trusts and boards between 2018 and 2022 to assess the management of risks from violence and aggression and MSDs.

They have now set out their key findings in a report. It identifies management failings in 4 broad areas. These are:

Risk assessment
Training
Roles and responsibilities
Monitoring and review

Although HSE inspectors found that NHS employers had relevant policies and procedures in place, they were often not monitored or reviewed to ensure that they worked in practice or remained effective.

NHS trusts must manage risks of violence and MSDs

The watchdog has now shared its findings with NHS Chief Executives of NHS Boards and trusts across Great Britain, NHS stakeholder groups and NHS unions.

Some inspections identified breaches of the law and enforcement action was taken where relevant, including the issuing of Improvement Notices.

The HSE is now planning further inspections within the NHS over the next 12 months to review the key areas identified for improvement within the report.

The Head of Health and Social Care Services Sector at the HSE, John Crookes, explained that those working within the healthcare sector can be at increased risk from violence and aggression and MSDs, due to the nature of their working activities.

He said:

“We hope all NHS trusts and boards will take note of our findings and review their operations to check these risks are being managed effectively.”

Managing the risk of violence in the NHS

The HSE recently refreshed their guidance on managing violence and aggression at work after reported incidents of work-related violence and aggression were found to have increased in recent years – numbering 688,000 in 2019-20.

The updated guidance covers which pieces of legislation relate to violence and aggression at work, how to assess the risks, suitable control measures and reporting on – and learning from – incidents. It includes practical guidance for preventing work-related violence within different industries, such as social care, education, retail and transport.

The watchdog also identifies training as a key control measure to prevent and manage violence and aggression at work.

The HSE says that training “can provide workers with appropriate skills to reduce or diffuse potential incidents,” and that it should be available to everyone who may be at risk, including cleaners and maintenance workers and temporary or agency staff.

Workers should be trained at a level which is appropriate to the needs of their work activities.

The watchdog says basic training about managing violence and aggression could include:

Identifying underlying and immediate causes
Understanding that violence and aggression should not simply be accepted as part of the job
Recognising warning signs, such as body language
Relevant interpersonal skills, such as verbal and non-verbal communication skills
Details of working practices and suitable control measures
Procedures for reporting incidents

Where workers face a significant risk of physical violence at work, they may need additional training in skills such as physical intervention techniques.

Employers should ensure they are regularly holding refresher training to ensure workers’ skills remain up to date, and that they regularly review their training needs and evaluate training courses for effectiveness.

Managing MSDs in the NHS

The HSE also provides key advice and guidance for managing musculo-skeletal disorders at work. Managing these risks is key for protecting workers from suffering from MSDs that are caused or made worse by their working activities.

The HSE’s workplace health and safety statistics for 2021-22 show that 477,000 workers across all industries suffered from a work-related MSD, with 7.3 million working days lost as a result.

The majority of work-related MSDs affect the back (42%), with upper limbs and the neck also widely affected (37%).

Human health and social work had one of the highest rates of work-related MSDs of all industries. Human health and social work also reports the highest rate of work-related ill-health overall.

It is therefore vitally important that all workers in the health and social care sector are provided with effective manual handling and moving and handling of people training, along with adequate supervision and guidance.

Training solutions for managing violence and MSDs

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

Their workplace health and safety training includes awards in Health and Safety, Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety, Managing and Assessing Risk, Manual Handling, Lone Working and Accident and Incident Investigation.

They have previously worked with organisations to develop bespoke training for them in subjects as such Hostile Situations, Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety and De-escalation and Breakaway Techniques.

FRT also provide specialist health and social care training courses, and have worked closely with a range of regional and national health and social care providers and NHS Trusts over two decades. Their training includes a range of courses in the field of Moving and Assisting People.

A trainer from FRT says:

“No one should have to endure violence or aggression while carrying out their working activities. It’s vitally important that employers assess and address the risks of work-related violence and aggression for their workforce and that they are able to respond appropriately and effectively if any incidents of violence and aggression do occur.

“Similarly, MSDs can be debilitating and impact people’s quality of life, as well as their mental health and wellbeing, and its vitally important that any worker who is required to carry out manual handling activities, or who has responsibility for moving and assisting people, is provided with relevant training which is updated regularly.”

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 warns scrapping EU health and safety laws could lead to deaths

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has warned that plans to consider scrapping EU health and safety laws could cost lives and livelihoods.

There are calls to extend the sunset deadline in the Retained EU Law Bill to protect UK health and safety standards IOSH said that the majority of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals believe that the amended Retained EU Law Bill (REUL) will still harm businesses, workers and economic growth.

8 in 10 opposed to REUL Bill

The world’s largest health and safety body conducted a survey of its members and found that 7 in 10 respondents anticipate an increase in work-related fatalities if the Bill is implemented in its current form.

The survey of over 330 OSH professional also found:

Over half (55%) believe the current iteration of the REUL Bill will cost businesses more money
The majority (53%) also believe that it could lead to a reduction in inward economic investment opportunities
Almost two thirds (63%) think it will increase costs for the government
Nearly 8 in 10 respondents (79%) were opposed to the Bill in its current form

IOSH says that the amended REUL Bill still means that health and safety standards in the UK could be scrapped, risking a reduction in productivity and an increase in insurance premiums for businesses and costs for the government.

They also warn that scrapping health and safety laws could jeopardise investment into the UK, with many companies already looking to move out of the UK due to the uncertainty that has arisen from the Bill.

Health and safety laws positive driver for UK economy

health and safety laws are a positive driver for the UK economy and scarpping them could have negative consequences for UK businesses and workers As the Bill returns to the House of Lords this week, IOSH urged ministers to commit to removing provisions within it relating to health and safety entirely.

The organisation has argued that the health and safety of the UK workforce is a positive driver for business performance, the economy and sustainable development. It says that, if the Bill is passed in its current form, the negative impact will be felt across the country.

The health and safety body says that the additional burdens placed on businesses as a result of the Bill, and the uncertainty it creates, could cause workers to take more sick days, push people to retire earlier and spark a rise in unemployment as a result of businesses being forced to close.

They say that such issues will ultimately lead to an increase in costs for the government and will undermine its drive to grow the UK workforce.

REUL Bill risks UK’s world-leading health and safety reputation

OSH professionals want health and safety legislation to be protected to in turn protect workers and the economy The Chief Executive of IOSH, Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, said: “The UK has built a reputation over the last 50 years as a world leader in health and safety, with other countries turning to the robust measures implemented as the gold standard.

“With a vision for a safe and healthy world of work, IOSH wants to see all countries, including the UK, prevent harm, improve occupational health and safety standards and enhance protection for workers.

“Even in its new form, the REUL Bill still risks negatively impacting both the UK’s reputation as a global leader for health and safety and its economy at what is already an incredibly uncertain time.

“But its not too late as there is still opportunity to protect the status of the UK as a world leader in health and safety. We would welcome the opportunity to partner with the Government to ensure this happens, through robust due diligence and consultation to ensure the key pillars of the UK’s health and safety regulation remain.”

The amended REUL Bill, being dubbed the ‘EU Bonfire’ or ‘Sunset’ Bill, relates to all UK secondary legislation derived from EU law and retained direct EU legislation, and this includes a significant number of occupational health and safety regulations. It could lead to these laws being amended, repealed or replaced.

The Bill has the potential to affect specific health and safety legislation including:

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
The Work at Height Regulations 2005
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

IOSH says: “Workers across the UK have the right to life a life free from serious accidental injury and ill-health; the REUL Bill puts this severely under threat.”

A common sense approach to health and safety

The retained EU law bill could lead to health and safety law being scrapped First Response Training (FRT) is one of the UK’s largest and leading national training providers.

They are also licensed to deliver courses externally approved and certificated by IOSH including Working Safely and Managing Safely.

Based on a common sense, proportionate approach to workplace safety, training helps learners to understand the true benefits of creating a healthy and safe environment at work.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“We believe in creating safer working environments with people who care, and know that when workers feel safe, valued and protected, they are likely to be happier and more productive at work.

“Companies with a strong health and safety ethos can not only reduce workplace accidents and downtime, but also see better staff retention rates and increased employee satisfaction in the future.

“Health and safety training can help employers understand their responsibility to assess risks to workers, consult with workers on control measures to reduce those risks, and implement those measures.”

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

Health and safety measures to support long Covid workers

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) believes that workplace health and safety professionals have a key role to play in supporting those with long Covid to work.

Long covid affects the ability of millions of people to work Dr Karen Michell, IOSH’s Research Programme Lead for Occupational Health, has highlighted the fact that thousands of long Covid sufferers are struggling at work or have been left unable to work at all.

She says that support is key to ensure they can remain in the workplace, and OSH professionals can assist managers in implementing suitable interventions.

Long Covid affects millions of people

1.9 million people live with long covid, including fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating and muscle aches It is estimated that 1.9 million people in the UK continue to experience fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog or other debilitating symptoms as a result of a past Covid-19 infection.

Figures provided by the ONS in March 2023 suggest that long Covid symptoms adversely affect the day-to-day activities of almost 8 in 10 (79%) sufferers, equating to 1.5 million people.

A fifth of these (381,000) report that their ability to undertake their day-to-day activities has been “limited a lot” by the disease.

Of those with self-reported long Covid, nearly three-quarters (72%) experience fatigue, while around half experience difficulty concentrating (51%), muscle aches (49%) and shortness of breath (48%).

As a proportion of the UK population, the prevalence of self-reported long Covid is greatest among people aged 35 to 69 years, females, those living in more deprived areas, social care workers, those aged 16 years and over who are not working and not looking for work and those with another activity-limiting health condition or disability.

Good work can aid long Covid recovery

Those with long covid can benefit if supported to work well Dr Michell says that, for many of these individuals, their ability to work will be negatively impacted.

She explains:

“For these people, life with long Covid continues to be highly challenging. They’ll have good days and bad days but for much of the time they’ll find it difficult to work, even though good work can help their recovery.

“They need support and, faced with a considerable shortage of workers, our economy, in turn, is going to need support from them.”

Crucially, the majority of individuals who are affected by long Covid are from the economically active age group, meaning it is vital that employers find a way to support them and accommodate their needs in the workplace. This will positively impact the workers’ long-term health and wellbeing while also boosting the sustainability of businesses.

Adaptations for long Covid workers

Dr Michell suggests several measures that employers can implement to support workers living with long Covid, including:

Rethinking the notion that a worker has to be 100% fit to work – instead of focusing on what they can’t do, look at what they can do
Gain an understanding from the worker of how their symptoms affect them and what practical support they need to work
Provide workers with flexibility to manage their symptoms, particularly when it comes to working long hours and the option to work from home, for example
Enable workers to work at a pace where they feel comfortable
Adapt the layout of your workplace to ensure that facilities and amenities are easier to access
Adapt jobs so that they are less physically demanding and adjust working conditions where required

A new tool can help employers work out how to support workers with disabilities or chronic health conditions Dr Michell also highlighted a new interactive tool developed in the US to help workers, employers and OSH professionals to identify and develop suitable support strategies to help workers with a disability or chronic health condition to “work comfortably, safely and productively.”

The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT) was introduced by the Institute for Work and Health to help identify personalised support that will lead to the retention of workers.

The award-winning tool helps people to consider the demands of a job and how they relate to health conditions in four key areas:

Physical demands – the physical tasks required to do the job
Cognitive demands – the mental or “thinking” tasks required to do the job
Social demands – the tasks related to working with others
Environmental and organisational demands – the tasks related to working conditions

Dr Michell adds:

“Long Covid is a new disease and we are still learning about its effects on long term health. The majority of those affected have recovered and are back at work. Yet for those who have not fully recovered from long Covid, the opportunity to work in a supportive environment will help their recovery. This will be good for them and it will benefit the employer.”

Improved support and more flexible practices for workers

IOSH called for flexible practices to help disabled workers Her words echo recent calls from IOSH for better support and more flexible practices to ensure that workers with disabilities are not lost from the UK workforce.

IOSH formed part of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) working group that addressed guidance for employers’ duties in protecting disabled people at work.

They believe that occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals can help employers to see a real return on their investment in disabled workers.

OSH professionals can help to enhance workplaces and support employers’ efforts to employ, retain and accommodate more people with disabilities. They can also recommend workplace assessments and adjustments to help workers remain safe at work and ensure they can return to work effectively.

IOSH’s Head of Policy, Ruth Wilkinson, explained:

“Good work is good for people’s health and wellbeing; that’s work that’s safe, supportive and accommodates people’s needs. There isn’t only one way to achieve this, but IOSH advocates creating human-centred, worker-friendly work environments.

“By supporting and enabling people with long-term health conditions and disabilities to work from home, employers can help them fulfil their potential, which has major benefits for the bottom-line, bringing higher productivity and profitability.”

Inclusion in the workplace

Employers should protect the health, safety and welfare of their workers with suitable interventions, this includes long covid sufferers 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 Equality and Diversity, Disability Equality Awareness, Health and Safety and Managing and Supervising Risk.

A trainer from FRT explains:

“Employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workers. This doesn’t just extend to their physical health and safety while at work, but also their mental health and wellbeing. A cloud based health and safety software empowers organizations to maintain a safe workplace environment for their employees.

“If adopting better support, flexible policies and improved practices can help ensure all their employees experience improved wellbeing, these are important steps to take and will help employers fulfil their statutory duty as well as improve staff retention rates and productivity.”

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.