Hearing Protection Noise is part and parcel of our day to day lives; however, too much noise can cause permanent damage to our hearing. Both Acute and Chronic Noise exposure can lead to impaired hearing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), psychological effects such as stress as well as cardiovascular effects such as hypertension. It was […]
Working alone is not against the law, however, there are increased and specific risks that may occur as a result of lone working. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states that every employer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees. […]
March’s Hazard: Discrimination We have announced that the Hazard of the Month for March is Discrimination, particularly in the workplace. This was influenced by the occurrence of International Women’s Day on 8th March, a day to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women. Additionally, with the current outbreak of coronavirus, […]
The eyes are very sensitive organs; however, vision is the most dominant sense; making about 80% of our impressions of the surrounding environment. Therefore, while working, it is important to protect the eyes from damage; while maintaining optimal vision to allow us to carry out tasks correctly. A multitude of hazards are common threats to […]
Types of Hazards: During many tasks the hands are at significant risk of injury, therefore, the operative may be required to wear gloves as a last line of defence, after all other hazard controls have been put in place. It is generally accepted that the majority of hand injuries come from cuts and abrasions, with […]
Unsuitable PPE/Equipment As you may have already seen on our social media, WA Management’s hazard of the month for February is ‘Unsuitable PPE/Equipment.’ We have chosen this hazard after noticing instances on sites visits where PPE such as respiratory masks were being used despite not being face-fitted or incorrect working at height equipment being employed that was unsuitable for the task at […]
Construction work can sometimes produce dusts that can put workers health at risk and cause a number of lung diseases including: Lung Cancers, Silicosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma. Construction dust is a general term that describes three main types found on a construction site, these are: Silica Dust – Created when working […]
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992), or MOHR, are regulations created that cover the safe ‘transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force.’ The load in question can be an object, person or animal. Who does MOHR apply too? The regualtions […]
Many tasks, such as cutting and handling volatile substances, require respiratory protection in the form of respirators. Respirators are a form of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) (the other being breathing apparatus) designed to protect operatives from such hazards in environments when sufficient oxygen is present. RPE should only be worn after you have taken all […]
For Employers Employers and managers must ensure they are competent, meaning they have the appropriate skills and training, and thorough in managing Health and Safety issues in the workplace, as detailed under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It can be useful for employers to have a benchmark in how they should be […]