Click here to go to Health & Safety Archive
Work
at Height Regulations Laid in Parliament
New
regulations on work at height will come into force on 6th April 2005,
the Health and Safety Commission
(HSC) has announced.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 consolidate previous legislation
on working at height and will implement European Council Directive 2001/45/EC
concerning minimum safety and health requirements for the use of equipment
for work at height (the Temporary Work at Height Directive or TWAHD).
The Regulations will apply to all work at height where there is a risk
of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers,
the self-employed, and any person that controls the work of others to
the extent of their control (for example facilities managers or building
owners who may contract others to work at height).
The Regulations will not apply to the provision of instruction or leadership
in caving or climbing by way of sport, recreation, team building or
similar activities.
The Regulations will require duty holders to ensure: all work at height
is properly planned and organised; those involved in work at height
are competent; the risks from work at height are assessed and appropriate
work equipment is selected and used; the risks from fragile surfaces
are properly controlled; and equipment for work at height is properly
inspected and maintained.
The Regulations include Schedules giving requirements for existing places
of work and means of access for work at height, collective fall prevention
(e.g guardrails and working platforms), collective fall arrest (e.g
nets, airbags etc), personal fall protection (e.g work restraints, fall
arrest and rope access) and ladders.
Elizabeth Gibby, Head of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Injuries
Reduction Programme, said: 'In 2003/4 falls from height accounted for
67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 4,000 major injuries. They remain
the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the biggest
causes of major injury.
'Preventing falls from height is a central part of HSE's Injuries Reduction
Programme and these Regulations will provide the cornerstone for this
programme to improve standards for work at height and thereby reduce
deaths and injuries.
'These Regulations set out a simple hierarchy for managing and selecting
equipment for work at height.
'Duty holders must: avoid work at height where they can; use work equipment
or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at
height; and where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work
equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences
of a fall should one occur.'
She added: 'The Regulations cover a wide range of industries and activities
but we have developed some simple messages which we want to communicate
to all industries.
'Our key messages are: those following good practice for work at height
now should already be doing enough to comply with these Regulations;
follow the risk assessments you have carried out for work at height
activities and make sure all work at height is planned, organised and
carried out by competent persons; follow the hierarchy for managing
risks from work at height - take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks;
and choose the right work equipment and select collective measures to
prevent falls (such as guardrails and working platforms) before other
measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a
fall (such as nets or airbags) or which may only provide personal protection
from a fall.'
HSE will publish a simple guide to the Regulations. It will also promote
the key messages with industry sectors and encourage them to review
and develop their own specific guidance and advice for work at height.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (S.I.2005 No 735 will be accessible
shortly via the HMSO website at: http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si20050735.htm
Printed copies are published by The Stationery Office (TSO).
For further details, please contact TSO, tel: 0870 6005522; fax: 0870
600 5533; e-mail mailto:customer.services@tso.co.uk
Copies of HSE's simple guide to the Regulations will be available shortly
and will be free to download at http://www.hse.gov.uk
or from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, tel: 01787
881165 or fax: 01787 313995.
Darby's
Initiative is an Award Winner
The
award for Best Safety Initiative at the Glass Charter Health & Safety
Awards 2004 was won by Darby Glass,
in recognition of the introduction of emergency flipcharts around its
factories that explain quickly what should be done in the case of most
emergencies.
Darby
Glass is one of the UK’s leading independent specialist glass processors,
operating from six sites across the country, from Glengarnock near Glasgow
to Portsmouth on the south coast.
The award was presented at the British Glass Annual Health & Safety
Conference in Birmingham, where Gayle King, Darby’s Group Human
Resources Manager, was a guest speaker. She gave a presentation on ‘Stress
in the Workplace’ and also launched a new Business Pack and Tool
Kit, which Darby says will help businesses of any size, and falls in
line with the Health & Safety Executive’s strategy on tackling
stress in the workplace. All new employees at Darby are given the health
and safety packs, while any current worker can ask for an updated copy,
or can find it on the notice boards around the sites.
John Stutchbury, Group Quality and Health & Safety Manager, says
the awards are very important as they are the only national ones in
the industry. ‘They demonstrate to all authorities and stakeholders
that Darby is striving for best practice and continuous improvement.’
The company decided to enter the awards as it had made huge inroads
into the management of health and safety, and this was a way in which
the effort by both site management and employees could be recognised.
Darby says the award will be used as a driver for culture change, to
promote internal recognition and to show that hard work with a constant
planned approach will pay off. It will also use it in its recruiting,
to show it is a responsible employer.
John says, ‘It has been a year to remember. The award is recognition
to all Darby employees for the effort they have put in, and it has laid
the foundations to strive for continuous improvement. Sales are strong,
and quality and on-time delivery have also improved tremendously, showing
there must be some direct correlation to the health and safety policies
we have installed. We are now working on the next phase and the feeling
is the best is still to come.’
Tel: 01724 280044
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk
European
Construction Safety Summit Signs Historic Declaration on Work Safety
Construction
is one of Europe's largest industries; unfortunately it has also the
most problematic occupational safety and health record. Although significant
progress has been made in improving standards in the industry, there
is still much that can and needs to be done.
A European Construction Safety Summit took place on 22nd November 2004
at Euskalduna Conference Centre in Bilbao, Spain, marking the closing
of this year's European Week on Safety and Health at Work, which has
focused on the need to improve prevention in the sector. This one-day
summit jointly organised by the Dutch Presidency of the European Union
and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work gathered together,
amongst others, Henk van Hoof, Dutch Secretary of State for Social Affairs
and Employment, Jesús Caldera, Spanish Minister for Employment
and Social Affairs, Bernhard Jansen, Director, European Commission and
leading figures from Europe's construction industry.
During the summit, industry representatives signed a common declaration
to take appropriate action in order to achieve the significant, and
permanent, improvements that are required to implement the EU strategy
on occupational safety and health 2002 - 2006, and notably:
• Integrating good standards of safety and health into public procurement,
including publicly funded construction projects.
• Ensuring the effective enforcement of all safety and health legislation
applicable to the construction sector.
• Developing specific guidelines to ensure effective implementation
of the legislation, describe good practice during the project preparation,
and ensure that any information is targeted and specific to the needs
of the industry.
• Designing out risk wherever reasonably possible and highlighting
any remaining residual risk in all projects in which the design community
is involved.
• Improving safety and health performance through social partner
commitment.
Saint-Gobain
Corporation Celebrates Workplace Health and Safety
On
October 28th, Saint-Gobain Corporation,
the holding company for the U.S.- and Canadian-based businesses of Compagnie
de Saint-Gobain of France, celebrated the first Saint-Gobain International
Day of Health and Safety. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain
has more than 25,000 employees who participated in the event. Worldwide,
more than 172,000 Saint-Gobain employees in 46 countries united in recognition
of the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
One of the top 100 industrial companies in the world, Saint-Gobain is
a producer of building materials, insulation, piping, abrasives, industrial
ceramics, high-performance plastics, reinforcements, glass containers
and flat glass. In the United States and Canada, some of the company's
leading brand names include Calmar, CertainTeed, Norton and Vetrotex.
‘Saint-Gobain is committed to building a world-class culture, including
an unwavering emphasis on health and safety for every employee,’
says Jean-François Phelizon, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Saint-Gobain Corporation. ‘The International Day of Health and
Safety has been created to further this awareness.’
The wide-scale celebration is part of the company's commitment to the
health, safety and protection of the environment. Each Saint-Gobain
location participated in a variety of health and safety activities such
as ergonomic training and education, on-site eye examinations, fire
extinguisher training, blood pressure readings, blood drives and more.
Approximately 180 Saint-Gobain facilities throughout the United States
and Canada took part in the event, as well as all Saint-Gobain plants
and employees throughout the world.
In addition to on-site health and safety activities, each Saint-Gobain
facility instituted a new company-issued charter for health, safety
and the environment to further instill a culture of employee wellness
and integrate the philosophy throughout the organisation.
The special awareness day also featured a safety video presentation
by Christian Streiff, Chief Operating Officer of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain
and a review of every location's environment, health and safety action
plan. In addition, in the United States and Canada, employees at all
locations viewed a safety video featuring Mr. Phelizon. Individual business
units and locations tailored their participation in the worldwide event
to the needs and specific health and safety concerns of their locations.
Glass
Industry Wins HSE Funding
The
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has awarded British
Glass £93,000 funding to lead a health and safety improvement
programme within SMEs in the glass sector.
The project follows on from the outstanding success of the ‘GLASS
Charter’ a health and safety support initiative for the glass industry,
which will continue to run in conjunction with the new programme for
SMEs.
The focus of the programme will be on providing ‘Worker Safety
Advisors’ to individual organisations. The advisors will work in
partnership with management and employee teams to drive forward health
and safety improvements.
HSE, having piloted a Worker Safety Advisor scheme, recognised the real
value that the deployment of skilled and knowledgeable safety advisors
has on the improvement of safety performance in smaller organisations.
In light of this success the HSE looked for partners who could deliver
similar benefits but on a much wider scale.
David Workman, Director General and Alison Bettac-Rodgers, Health, Safety
and Employment Manager of British Glass met with the Rt. Hon. Andrew
Smith Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to receive the funding
award.
The Secretary of State commented: ‘This project is an excellent
opportunity to draw together partnerships which move forward the health
and safety performance of SMEs within the UK.’
The British Glass project is being launched in August 2004 and will
include the following Free resources:
Six Days Consultancy
Dedicated training provision
Health & Safety Audit
Action Planning Support
Tools to help Sustain the Health & Safety Momentum
Access to Health and Safety advice
The project is open to SMEs from all sectors of the glass industry,
across the UK and will particularly target smaller businesses.
A free launch seminar was held at British Glass, in Sheffield on 10th
August 2004 at 10.30am.
The seminar provided details of this latest initiative, as well as lots
of useful information which enhanced delegates' understanding of health
and safety matters.
Tel: 0114 290 1809
Alcoa's
Lafayette Operations Receives Safety Excellence Recognition from National
Safety Council
Alcoa
announced on 21st June that its Lafayette, Indiana, facility was awarded
a 2003 Green Cross for Safety Excellence from the U.S. National Safety
Council. The annual award recognises employers that have injury and
illness rates involving days missed from work equal to or less than
50% of the rate compared to similar industries and have no fatalities
during a calendar year.
This is the second award Lafayette has received this year in recognition
of its safety accomplishments.
In April, the Metro Indianapolis Coalition for Construction Safety honored
Lafayette with a safety achievement award for efforts toward ensuring
the safety of contractor employees.
The Lafayette plant produces aerospace components and aluminum extrusions
and tubes for customers worldwide.
The National Safety Council is a private, non profit international organisation
with more than 60 chapters worldwide. Its mission is to promote policies
and practices that can help reduce unintentional injuries and deaths
in workplaces, on the highways, and in the home and community.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum,
fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major
aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging,
building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial
markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities
of Alcoa's businesses to customers.
In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets
consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps,
Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses
are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and
electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has
120,000 employees in 41 countries.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Safety
at Height - Executive Summary
A recent project has researched into the reasons why individuals take
risks when working at height. In particular it has evaluated whether
there is any difference between people who have been involved in a fall
from height at work and those who have not. A further distinction is
made between people who have had a single fall from height and those
who have had multiple falls. As accident involvement has been shown
to be an indication of risk taking behaviour, then those people who
have had multipie falls are considered to be recidivist risk takers
who work at height.
A series of in-depth interviews with 114 people who worked at height
(including 69 who had been involved in an accident and 45 who had not)
was undertaken. While based on a somewhat limited sample, the results
provide an insight into which factors might be involved in describing
an 'accident victim'. While this will not provide a 'prescription' for
an accident victim, it does indicate who may have risk taking tendencies.
Further
analysis of the data from the in-depth interviews enabled a number of
intervention strategies to be drawn up, directly addressing issues raised
by the research findings. Following consideration of these strategies,
a final single intervention was identified and reactions to it were
tested further. It was not possible to test the final intervention in
a real organisation within the scope of the project, but this would
be the next step towards assessing its acceptance. The intervention
proposed to screen people who work at heights to assess their attitude
to risk taking. Those identified as risk takers could subsequently be
supported with specific interventions to minimise their risk of falling.
The specific interventions to minimise their risk of falling might include
providing more supervision, specific training or in extreme circumstances,
preventing them from working at height. The interventions required might
relate specifically to the individual and would allow a targeted approach
to those people that require the most support.
To explore attitudes to the suggested safety intervention aimed at reducing
risk-taking behaviour while working at heights, a series of group discussions
were conducted using Nominal Group Technique (NGT), a qualitative methodology
for obtaining priority ranking on a list of ideas generated by group
participants. Five NGT groups were conducted, comprising individuals
who had worked at heights in a variety of settings, including 'workers'
(those who had worked at height but with no supervisory responsibility)
and 'supervisors' (those who had worked at height with Supervisory responsibility).
The research team were interested in comparing the perceived barriers
to the suggested intervention across these worker types to understand
the problems which might occur at different levels within an organisation.
The groups generated suggestions that were then ranked and analysed
for emerging themes; these were compared and contrasted between worker
types using the IDEAL system as conceptual framework for data analysis.
A number of recommendations were then suggested as the key priorities
that need be addressed when implementing a safety intervention of this
type.
Further research was recommended to:
1. validate the use of a suite of indicators of risk taking behaviour
for workers at height,
2. explore attitudes to safety prevention interventions at all levels
within the workplace, particularly at management and director levels,
3. develop, pilot and implement a suggested safety intervention utilising
the recommendations from the above research.
In conclusion, this research suggests that some people have a higher
sensation seeking tendency and hence risk taking propensity than others
but this can be identified through the administration of simple tests.
In this way, those people who appear to be higher risk takers can be
supported to reduce the risks they face when working at height. However,
a number of barriers to the implementation of this technique have been
identified, not least the image of health and safety and the perceived
lack of enforcement. If an intervention to modify people's behaviour
when working at height is to be successful, it must overcome these barriers.
Two
CertainTeed Production Facilities Honoured for Superior Safety Performance
Two
CertainTeed Corporation production
facilities have been honoured by parent company Saint-Gobain Corporation
in the annual North American Health and Safety Awards. The plants, which
manufacture exterior building products, received high marks for their
superior performance in safety.
CertainTeed's vinyl siding and composite lumber production facility
in Jackson, Michigan was awarded the Gold honour in the large plant
category. In the mid-size plant category, CertainTeed's roofing plant
in Oxford, North Carolina received the Bronze award.
‘Receiving top honours in the annual North American Health and
Safety Awards is a significant achievement for the plant,’ says
Rick Holt, Plant Manager of CertainTeed's Jackson, Michigan production
facility. ‘The accomplishment points to the dedicated effort of
each and every one of our employees who have worked hard to keep the
plant safe and productive.’
The two award-winning plants were chosen based on the prestigious recommendations
of the Saint-Gobain Corporation Safety Awards Subcommittee. Final selections
were based on a combination of statistical safety performance, elements
of effective safety programmes employed at each plant and multi-year
trends in safety performance.
‘Nothing is more important than safety, and I'm pleased with our
continued emphasis in this area,’ says Jean-Francois-Phelizon,
President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Corporation. ‘I congratulate
the winners of the North American Health and Safety Awards. Their achievements
are impressive and reflect our emphasis on continual process improvements
and respect for our employees.’
Web: http://www.certainteed.com
Safety Training Around The UK
Six different centres around the UK are now able to provide height safety, environmental and occupational safety courses as licensees of The Health & Safety Training Academy.
Imminent changes in legislation mean good training for everyone working at height, or directors and managers with staff operating above the ground, is more important than ever. The Health & Safety Training Academy (HSTA) operates training courses from its Runcorn, Cheshire, facilities, but it also offers the Academy’s know-how and experience as a package for others to run similar training schemes.
By
allowing the HSTA courses to be run at different centres around the UK,
it brings the training closer to the customers. The HSTA is backed by
Capital Safety Group Northern Europe (CSGNE), pioneers in height safety
and fall arrest equipment including the Sala and Protecta brands –
and it is in partnership with the British Safety Council as the BSC’s
appointed northern training base.CSGNE provides the material for the licensees to run the courses, and it will also be doing audits to ensure that the high level of competence is maintained. The new licensees are situated at Exeter, Dover, Sheffield, Durham, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
All the trainers are managing directors or senior personnel who have been working for at least five years in the fall protection industry. They have been trained to deliver height awareness courses level 1, 2 and 3, plus the competent person height awareness course.
With the European Directive on Temporary Working at Height (2001/45/EC) due later this year, any company that uses work equipment at height such as ladders and scaffolding, will have to conform. And working at 'height' will now be specified as being 25mm and above, rather than the 2 metres which was the previous stipulation – and this is an important point that must be taken into account in the risk assessment.
There are about 70 fatalities and 5,000 serious injuries caused by falling from height every year, and the UK government wants to achieve a 10% reduction in deaths by 2008.
Whether it is windows in high-rise offices and blocks of flats, or work on three-storey houses, the glazing industry will clearly have to deal with the new rules – and it will affect both installation and maintenance.
However, it would appear there are many companies that have not taken on board the full ramifications of the impending changes to the regulations. But no one should be complacent, and there is no guarantee that there will be a transitional period after they are introduced. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will be more than prepared to shut down work sites if its inspectors find practices are not up to scratch during spot checks.
To help make sure that everyone is prepared for the new regulations, the Academy’s programme of courses includes three levels of Height Awareness training. There is a two-and-a-half-hour introductory session covering basic principles; a half-day to provide personnel with the knowledge and guidance they need to carry out effective risk assessment, and to understand the regulation changes; and a full-day course that provides a comprehensive introduction to height safety, with practical training.
There is also a Competent Person Height Awareness course which lasts for one day, and has been created to ensure that all delegates on the Height Awareness course have gained a thorough understanding of height safety. Other courses include a half-day reassessment, and a one-day course for directors, managers, supervisors and foremen.
A consultative document for new Regulations – and supporting Guidance – has been published by the Health & Safety Commission (HSC) covering the risks from work at height in Great Britain.
The HSC is hoping that the Regulations will adopt an approach based on risk management and ensuring that the measures taken to comply with the law are proportionate to the risk involved. As far as possible, existing codes of practice or guidance currently in existence would be used.
If a risk assessment shows good practice, this will be accepted. Safe systems of work should be established, and there should be both proper planning and organisation in place. Importantly, this also includes that the correct equipment is chosen and used correctly.
The HSC also hopes to see the bringing together of all the current legal requirements for safe working at height, to make a cohesive, single set of goal-setting Regulations which would be flexible enough to apply to all industries and allow for technical innovation.
This ambitious project will attempt to cover almost all aspects of working at height in a structured way, from large construction projects to simple tasks such as climbing a ladder to replace a pane of glass.
It is more important than ever that managers and their employees working at height understand their responsibilities when it comes to safety. The Heath & Safety Training Academy’s main objective is to help with exactly this, and we have the expertise, experience and general know-how to make sure that working at height is made as safe as possible and complies with the new regulations.
If you would like further information, send an e-mail to mbaldwin@hsta.co.uk or visit the HSE website: www.hse.gov/uk; or the Personal Safety Manufacturers Association website: www.hasg.org.uk.
GGF
Fact Sheet - Some Help With Health and Safety
The
GGF’s GLASS Charter Scheme
supports its members and the industry to meet the Government’s
Revitalising Industry Programme. The GLASS Charter supports a company
so that:
• They can produce a risk assessment of their company’s health
and safety needs.
• Registers all accidents statistics quarterly.
• Produces and supplies guidance information and newsletters quarterly.
• Circulates health and safety legislation changes quarterly.
• Runs courses for specific industry needs when identified by specialist
groups and the Health and Safety Committee. E.g. Director’s Responsibility
and Working at Heights.
Health and Safety is an important subject that can lead you to heavy
fines and imprisonment if you get it wrong.
Why not join the GGF and get this support for free.
Tel:
0870 042 4255
Email: mailto:info@ggf.org.uk
Web:http:// www.ggf.org.uk
Window
Safety Week is April 18 - 24, 2004
Every
year in the last full week of April, the National
Safety Council celebrates National
Window Safety Week. But since window safety awareness continues 52 weeks
a year, Andersen Corporation invites you to use its information and
downloadable brochures all year long.
The National Safety Council and the window industry has compiled some
very useful information to help you learn about the potential risks
of window falls in your home. There are simple, common-sense actions
you can take to reduce these risks.
To help you with window safety, we've included the following: facts
about window falls, a window safety checklist, and a downloadable, complimentary
brochure.
Andersen offers a free download of the Childrens Window Safety Activity
and Coloring Book, (also available here
(.pdf file, 2.0 mB))
More
here: http://www.andersenwindows.com/lofk/mainlofk.html
.
Height Safety Not Necessarily a Tall Order
New
safety regulations covering working at height are going to make their
mark on a great many industry sectors. Construction is a key area, which
will directly have a major impact on the window and glazing worlds. Mike
Baldwin (pictured), training manager at the Health
& Safety Training Academy, looks at some of the issues
facing the window industry.With the European Directive on Temporary Working at Height (2001/45/EC) due later this year, any company that uses work equipment at height such as ladders and scaffolding, will have to conform. And working at 'height' will now be specified as being 25mm and above, rather than the 2 metres which was the previous stipulation – and this is an important point that must be taken into account in the risk assessment.
There are about 70 fatalities and 5,000 serious injuries caused by falling from height every year, and the UK government wants to achieve a 10% reduction in deaths by 2008.
Whether it is windows in high-rise offices and blocks of flats, or work on three-storey houses, the glazing industry will clearly have to deal with the new rules – and it will affect both installation and maintenance.
However, it would appear there are many companies that have not taken on board the full ramifications of the impending changes to the regulations. But no one should be complacent, and there is no guarantee that there will be a transitional period after they are introduced. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will be more than prepared to shut down work sites if its inspectors find practices are not up to scratch during spot checks.
The Health & Safety Training Academy (HSTA) has been set up as a dedicated training centre with a complete range of professional training courses on height, environmental and occupational safety for both management and staff run from its new, state of the art facilities at Runcorn, Cheshire. It is backed by Capital Safety Group Northern Europe (CSGNE) – manufacturers of the market leading Sala and Protecta ranges of fall arrest and height safety systems – and it is in partnership with the British Safety Council as the BSC’s appointed northern training base.
The Academy’s programme of courses includes three levels of Height Awareness training. There is a two-and-a-half-hour introductory session covering basic principles; a half-day to provide personnel with the knowledge and guidance they need to carry out effective risk assessment, and to understand the regulation changes; and a full-day course that provides a comprehensive introduction to height safety, with practical training.
There is also a Competent Person Height Awareness course which lasts for one day, and has been created to ensure that all delegates on the Height Awareness course have gained a thorough understanding of height safety. Other courses include a half-day reassessment, and a one-day course for directors, managers, supervisors and foremen.
A consultative document for new Regulations – and supporting Guidance – has been published by the Health & Safety Commission (HSC) covering the risks from work at height in Great Britain. Designated the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR), HSC has an open mind and welcomes contributions from interested parties up until 2 April, 2004.
The HSC is hoping that the Regulations will adopt an approach based on risk management and ensuring that the measures taken to comply with the law are proportionate to the risk involved. As far as possible, existing codes of practice or guidance currently in existence would be used.
If a risk assessment shows good practice, this will be accepted. Safe systems of work should be established, and there should be both proper planning and organisation in place. Importantly, this also includes that the correct equipment is chosen and used correctly.
The HSC also hopes to see the bringing together of all the current legal requirements for safe working at height, to make a cohesive, single set of goal-setting Regulations which would be flexible enough to apply to all industries and allow for technical innovation.
This ambitious project will attempt to cover almost all aspects of working at height in a structured way, from large construction projects to simple tasks such as climbing a ladder to replace a pane of glass.
It is more important than ever that managers and their employees working at height understand their responsibilities when it comes to safety. The Heath & Safety Training Academy’s main objective is to help with exactly this, and we have the expertise, experience and general know-how to make sure that working at height is made as safe as possible and complies with the new regulations.
If you would like further information, please e-mail me direct at mbaldwin@hsta.co.uk or visit the HSE website: www.hse.gov/uk; or the Personal Safety Manufacturers Association website: www.hasg.org.uk.
Alcoa's
Home Exteriors Plant in Gaffney Honoured for Outstanding Safety Performance
Alcoa's
Home Exteriors facility in Gaffney, S.C. is receiving two safety honours
this month for excelling in workplace safety and health during 2003.
On March 3rd, the plant was recognised for its outstanding safety performance
in 2003 by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance in Columbia. On
March 18th in Columbia, the facility will receive the 2003 'South Carolina
Safety Certificate' from the South Carolina Occupational Safety Council.
Both awards honour the Gaffney plant for having a Total Recordable Incidence
Rate that is at least 50% below the state average incidence rate for
companies in the same Standard Industrial Classification.
'Full credit for these honours goes to our employees,' said Plant Manager
Chris Ruff. 'They are truly dedicated to working safely, and watching
out for each other on the job.'
Alcoa Home Exteriors makes vinyl building products for homes such as
shutters, door accents and vents. The plant has been a part of the Gaffney
community since 1969 and employs 240 people.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Health
& Safety Top Priority for GGF Regional Chairmen
Glass
and Glazing Federation
(GGF) Regional Chairmen gathered together recently at the GGF’s
Head Office in London to discuss the Government’s Revitalising
Programme and the GGF and British Glass’s Health and Safety initiative
GLASS Charter. In particular they were interested in finding out more
about Directors’ responsibilities when it came to Health and Safety
and how they could take the GLASS Charter message out to the GGF Membership
throughout the country.
This was felt to be all the more pertinent as the Heath and Safety Executive
(HSE) were now turning their attention to how Health and Safety issues
were managed within companies and addressing areas such as best practice
and management processes and systems.
Ian Chisholm, GGF Deputy Chief Executive commented, ’The Federation
is totally committed to the GLASS Charter and this has been demonstrated
at this meeting. In addition to the Guidelines, Quarterly legislation
updates and Safety Newsletters currently provided, we are now training
our Regional representatives to go out and speak directly to our Members
– providing back up and support when required. This all helps us
to work towards the goal of reducing the number of working days lost
through accidents and ill health in the glass industry by 30% by 2010.’
Tel: Tel: 0870 042 4255
Web: http://www.ggf.org.uk
Combilift’s
Cage Enhances Health and Safety
Plus
Plan,
a division of Aluplast UK Ltd., says that the company is benefiting
from increased operational efficiency and enhanced health and safety
practices following the purchase of 3 LPG-powered Combilift multi-directional
forklift trucks.
Plus Plan became part of the German based Aluplast Group last summer.
The company’s extensive premises in Leicestershire house manufacturing
facilities for 12 extrusion lines, a laminating plant, as well as warehousing
and order picking facilities. Previous annual volumes of around 7,000
tonnes of extruded product are expected to increase, which gave rise
to the need for an improved and more flexible materials handling system.
Operations Director Axel Dutson-Steinfeld explains the key issues: ‘We
need trucks capable of working round the clock, on surfaces that are
less than perfect. These two criteria alone excluded any further use
of our old 4-way electric trucks, due to the time and labour associated
with battery charging, and their need for super flat floors. Space is
tight in the picking and consignment area, so multi-directional capability
was a must. We also needed a forklift we could send to any part of the
premises with the minimum of fuss, regardless of the weather. On top
of all this we wanted to fit a very specific attachment to the forks
to enhance health and safety for our order picking personnel –
quite a tall order in fact.’
Aluplast’s materials handling provider DAC Handling Solutions,
realised that all these demands could be fulfilled by just one forklift,
the Irish built Combilift. Three 4-tonne capacity trucks, plus two detachable
personnel cages were duly delivered.
The picking cage attachment was developed to address the company’s
increased emphasis on workforce protection, and Axel believes they are
one of the first to identify the risks associated with high level manual
picking and devise a tailor-made solution.
Collaboration
with the Combilift engineers resulted in a secure cage which is quickly
and easily attached to the truck’s forks when needed. Fitted with
its own forks to hold a stillage, it spans the width of the warehouse
aisles and has protective door catches and overhead bars. This enables
operators to safely pick consignments more quickly, without scraping
or marking the extrusions. Connecting pipes to the truck’s electric
and hydraulic systems enable lifting and lowering functions to be activated
from within the cage.
Warehouse Manager Neil Waterfield outlines the operational improvements
the Combilifts have made: ‘Inside, they are invaluable for manoeuvring
6m long stillages around the stanchions situated at inconvenient intervals
in the warehouse. Their versatility means that we can use them outside
to offload steel from delivery trucks, saving considerable time on the
old system of double handling.’
The Combilift’s capacity enables two 1.5 tonne stillages to be
carried at once, and it can easily pick the heavier steel reinforcements
from a stored height of 4.8 metres. There is far less risk of product
damage due to the compact dimensions of the forklift, which has plenty
of operating space in the 2.5 metre aisles.
A range of Combilift models, either LPG or diesel powered, are available,
with capacities ranging from 2.5 – 10 tonnes. The company also
offers a warehouse design and layout service to enable customers to
make the most of available storage space. As the experiences of Aluplast
illustrate, Combilift engineers will design customised attachments according
to individual requirements.
Combilift Customer UK Tel: 07968 490051
Email: mailto:info@combilift.com
Web: http://www.combilift.com
Alcoa
Corporate Safety Director Invited to Join New NASA Aerospace Safety
Advisory Panel
Alcoa
announced on 20th November that Rick Williams, Alcoa's worldwide director
of safety, has joined the newly convened NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory
Panel to assist NASA in its ongoing review and improvement of safety
systems, operations and culture.
NASA's safety panel was originally chartered by the U.S Congress in
1967 to act as an independent body to advise the NASA Administrator
on safety issues regarding operations, missions and other agency initiatives.
A new charter, drafted following the loss of space shuttle Columbia,
calls for the panel to be composed of recognised safety, management
and engineering experts from industry, academia and other government
agencies.
In announcing formation of the panel under the new charter Director
of Safety NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe said that the panel will have
a 'deep capacity to conduct comprehensive, independent, external oversight
of NASA safety systems, operations and culture'.
The new panel is also expected to play an important role in the ongoing
safety assessment and review of the Space Shuttle program after its
return to flight.
'We welcome the members' active participation in our efforts to emerge
from the Columbia tragedy a smarter, stronger and safer agency dedicated
to exploration,' said Administrator O'Keefe.
Rick Williams brings to the panel over 25 years of experience in manufacturing
including roles in operations, human resources, safety, and community
and government affairs. He has served in plant, business unit and corporate
assignments. Prior to his current assignment, Williams was the director
of Human Resources for Alcoa Primary Metals located in Knoxville in
the United States.
Williams described his appointment as both an honour and an opportunity
for Alcoa. 'Having NASA recognise the effectiveness of Alcoa's approach
to safety and invite our direct participation on the panel is extremely
pleasing. NASA, Alcoa, and the other panel members all share a common
objective in pursuit of safety, we confront many common issues in our
respective workplaces, so bringing our different perspectives to bear
also offers rich opportunity for learning from each other,' Williams
said.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Bosses
Face Fines and Prison as New Laws Come into Effect
Revolutionary
new health and safety laws that could see bosses face tough fines and
even prison terms come on stream, which means that for the first time
unions can directly enforce health and safety laws against employers
backed up with the force of legal penalties if they fail to comply.
The move turns health and safety law on its head with greater powers
of preventive action rather than simply power to punish after accidents
have happened.
It paves the way for unions to take legal action to force employers
to make risk assessments up to now a power only available to the Health
and Safety Executive.
Unions will be able to seek injunctions to stop work from starting until
risk assessments are carried out. They will also have the power to seek
injunctions to halt work until risk assessments have been carried out.
Failure to comply with such court injunctions can result in unlimited
fines and prison. Where accidents have already happened failure to have
carried out risk assessments will automatically bring a finding of negligence
where injured workers are seeking compensation.
Bill Speirs, General Secretary of the Scottish TUC said: 'For the first
time unions will now be able to take action before the event rather
than being involved in picking up the pieces after an accident has happened.
This is a very significant development and its impact will be tremendous
and felt in every workplace.
'We will work in partnership with employers who take health and safety
seriously. But others have to be aware that unions can now be much more
pro-active on health and safety issues.'
FBU General Secretary Andy Gilchrist added: 'Now that we have these
powers we will use them. We will target these rogue employers and these
dangerous practices and bring them to an end once and for all.
'This opens up employers to a range of civil and criminal action that
we have not seen in this country before. If they ignore what has happened
they are in for a very rude awakening.'
Alcoa
Publishes Global Safety Performance in Real Time
Alcoa
has begun publishing real-time tracking of its global Lost Work Day
rate on http://www.alcoa.com.
Lost Work Day Rate measures the number of injuries, which result in
lost workdays per 200,000 hours worked.
'This is part of the dashboard that we watch every day. It's a measurement
of how we are progressing towards our goal of zero work-related injuries
and illnesses. Publishing it externally so that others can see it at
the same time that we do is consistent with our commitment to openness
and transparency,' said Chairman and CEO Alain Belda.
'Internally, we have had real-time access to our safety performance
data for about ten years. This has helped us identify priorities in
health and safety and respond quickly and effectively in the face of
emerging trends. It's one of the tools that continues to support our
leadership in industrial safety performance.'
Looked at from outside Alcoa, this data provides timely insight for
external stakeholders into performance on this critical measure. This
real time data is published alongside the previously available monthly
data which shows the percentage of Alcoa work force, which has achieved
zero lost workdays and the percentage of Alcoa locations that have achieved
zero lost workdays and zero recordable injuries for the past twelve
months.
'As of today (22nd September), 372 of our 486 operating locations worldwide
have had no lost workdays for the past year. These are the locations
and the people who prove to us that zero injuries is not just a worthy
goal. It is attainable and they are achieving it,' Mr. Belda said.
Alcoa's Lost Work Day rate has shown an 85% improvement since 1992 and
today stands at 0.121 compared with a U.S industry rate for 2001 (the
latest industry data available) of 1.8. Year to date for Alcoa that
represents nearly 600 fewer lost workday injuries this year than in
1992 despite the fact that the company has 345 additional locations
and 83,628 additional employees this year than was the case in 1992.
HSE
Looking at Safe Work at Height
The
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 8th September launched a new safety
campaign focusing on working safely at height. As an example of good
practice, inspectors visited the British Airways London Eye to look
at the safe working methods used by its technical team.
Speaking at the London Eye, Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and
Safety Commission (HSC) said: ‘Falling from height is the single
biggest killer of workers in Great Britain. Last year 49 workers died
and many thousands were seriously injured as a result of falling from
height. In most of these cases, these deaths could have been prevented.
We are working with industry to reduce the number of deaths and injuries
and this campaign is one way we hope to reduce the risk of falls from
height and improve safety at work.’
Charles Horsefield, Head of HSE London field inspectors said: ‘Over
the next two weeks, HSE inspectors will be visiting workplaces across
London and construction sites across Great Britain to look at how work
at height is being carried out. When working at height is unavoidable
the risks must be properly assessed and safe-working methods adopted.
Inspectors will advise and work with those who are trying to improve
their management of fall from height risks and will enforce against
those who are not.’
To open the Falls From Height campaign in London, HSE Inspectors went
up into the hub and spindle of the wheel 65 metres above the River Thames.
There they looked at and learned about the safe work practices employed
by the London Eye technical team.
David Sharpe, the General Manager of the London Eye said: ‘Safety
is our number one priority. We have a comprehensive policy detailing
clear objectives for the health, safety and welfare of our customers,
staff, contractors and general public. The technical team carry out
daily and annual maintenance of the London Eye. Not only do they keep
the London Eye operating safely for passengers and staff, but they also
employ safe working practices to ensure their own safety.’
Over the next two weeks Inspectors will visit workplaces including industrial
estates, airports, hospitals factories, schools and construction sites
across London. They will concentrate on making sure that where work
at height is taking place or planned, it is done safely. For instance,
inspectors will be looking to see that:
- All work at height has been identified
- Work at height has been eliminated where possible
- Where elimination is not possible, fall prevention measures are in
place such as guard-rails, scaffolding and safe working platforms,
- Where fixed measures are not possible, fall arrest systems are in
place such as safety harnesses as well as other Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE),
- The appropriate equipment has been selected and provided, and that
it is well maintained, regularly inspected and properly used,
- Workers have been properly trained and their activities supervised,
and
- Companies know how to choose suitable contractors and monitor their
work while they are on site.
The London Don't Fall For It campaign coincides with a national construction
falls from height blitz focusing on construction sites across Great
Britain.
A
Kömmerling fabricator has
become the first company nationally to be given permission to utilise
the contractors' safety accreditation, CHAS.
Gaining
official recognition from the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment
Scheme, shows that Radway Door and Windows Ltd's sound management of
health and safety complies with the highest standards, and demonstrates
its ability to work safely, with consideration for others.
John Park-Davies, Sales and Marketing Director, says: 'Working safely
is a core value at Radway, and we place the utmost importance on it.
We care about our installers, about our fellow contractors, and about
residents and clients. Safety must never be compromised. We always seek
to ensure that every risk is assessed, and everyone who works on Radway
projects are fully aware of the measures needed to minimise risk and
eliminate accidents at work.
'Therefore we're delighted to be the first company nationally to be
given permission to use the CHAS logo.'
And Radway has further demonstrated its commitment to maintaining a
safe working environment by attaining a second health and safety accreditation.
The company has successfully completed the EC Harris SHEqual health
safety audit, which assessed safety procedures in all areas of performance:
on site, in manufacturing facilities, and its offices.
Radway a UK commercial fenestration contractor, manufacturing Kömmerling
windows solely for its own contract work, in the social housing, local
education, health trust, and the Ministry of Defence Sectors. At any
one time the company manages between 30 and 40 large-scale contracts,
each in the six or seven figure bracket.
Web: http://www.kommerling.com
Second
Quarter Death Toll Alarms UCATT Leader
UCATT
has expressed its horror at the news that there have been 26 deaths
in construction during the three months from 1st April to 30th June.
Fatalities for 2002 stood at 70 compared with 85 in 2001 and 120 in
2000.
'If things go on this way, we will have a record number of deaths this
year,' said UCATT general secretary George Brumwell. 'Provisional figures
for 2002/03 will be out soon and they are going to come as a nasty shock.'
However, Brumwell said the number of fatalities came as no surprise.
'All over the country, members tell us of construction companies cutting
corners to boost profits at the expense of workers' safety,' he said.
'I am sick of hearing employers' representatives complaining about bureaucracy
and health and safety rules being biased towards unions.'
Brumwell is calling for a meeting with new construction minister Nigel
Griffiths to discuss UCATT's concerns.
Of the 26 fatalities: 12 were falls from height; four were people struck
by moving vehicles; four were trapped by something collapsing or overturning
on them; and six were other causes.
Industry
Deaths Fall to Near-Record Low
Seventy-one construction workers and five members of the public were
killed in the construction industry during 2002/03 - the second lowest
annual figure ever recorded.The statistics for the year to 31st March
2002 show a fall from 85 and 113 deaths in 2001/02 and 2000/01 respectively.
Commenting on the figures, the Health & Safety Executive's (HSE)
chief inspector for construction Kevin Myers said: 'The figures give
us ground for cautious optimism, but there is no room for complacency.'
The rate of fatal injuries to workers also fell, from 4.4 per 100,000
workers in the previous year, to 4.0 in 2002/03, also the second lowest
on record.
Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of death: 34 people
lost their lives by falling from roofs, ladders, scaffolds and raised
platforms, the lowest figure for seven years, but still accounting for
nearly half of all deaths.
Being struck by an object, other than a vehicle, was the cause of 16%
of fatalities, followed by electricity (9%), collapse (9%), transport
(8%) and others (13%). The five members of the public killed are included
in these totals.
Myers added: 'Although the figure is lower than the average in the 1980s
and the second lowest on record, it is always difficult to talk in terms
of success when you are dealing with human lives that have been destroyed.
'There is nevertheless something to celebrate, while acknowledging that
it will ring fairly hollow to the families of those that died.
'This reduction demonstrates that, despite the hazardous nature of much
construction work, it is possible to manage the risks and to reduce
the number of fatal injuries to construction workers.'
Mike Cosman, deputy to the chief inspector of construction, revealed
that the age of workers could be a significant factor.
'Nine of the workers who died were over 60 and a further 21 were aged
50 and over. By contrast only two of those who died last year were under
21,' he said.
'Whether this reflects the change in the age profile of the industry
and the difficulties of recruiting and retaining the younger workers,
or the fact that as we get older we become less agile and less resilient,
is something that we need to better understand.'
Myers dismissed the Chartered Institute of Building's suggestion for
a 'construction version of traffic police and wardens with pads of fixed
penalty notices'.
BWF
Announces Latest Series of Regional Health and Safety Workshops
The British Woodworking Federation has planned a series of
informative health and safety workshops as part of its programme of
open Regional Meetings to be held later this year across the country.
The combined Health & Safety workshop and Regional Meeting will
be held on 17th July at the offices of BWF Member Premdor, Castle Hedingham,
Essex, and is open to all those involved in the joinery industry, as
well as prospective members of the Federation.
The BWF plans to hold similar events at locations around the country,
including Lewes (19th September), Bristol (16th October), Preston (6th
November) and Atherstone (4th December), with exact venues to be confirmed
nearer the date.
Each event will comprise two separate half-day sessions with a buffet
lunch for all attendees. The morning sessions are aimed at those involved
in the management and supervision of staff emplovees and covers health
and safety matters. Topics to be covered include legal responsibilities
for the health and safety of employees, as well as suitability and maintenance
of woodworking equipment. There is a small charge of £40 per person
to attend the morning health and safety sessions.
After lunch the BWF will be holding its Regional Meetings. These are
intended to update local BWF Members on technical or business-related
matters and report on the BWF's other activities and initiatives to
support and promote their Members' businesses, although anyone with
an interest in the joinery industry is welcome to attend. The presentations
are usually followed by an open forum, which develops into a lively
and topica[ debate. There is no charge for the afternoon session.
Contact: Michael Lee
Tel: 020 7608 5053
Email: mailto:bwf@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
Speed
Frame Windows Clinches Top Safety Award
South
Yorkshire based window manufacturer Speed Frame
has recently won a prestigious award from the British Safety Council.
This comes in recognition of the hard work by the Safety team and all
employees of the company to get accident rates of a level far below
the national average.
Tim
Hedland, the Company's Health and Safety Manager attended the British
Safety Council and 1,000 other guests for the National Awards ceremony
held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Friday 16th May.
Award winners came from both the public and private sector, but all
organisations had faced a gruelling test to satisfy the Awards Panel.
Winners must have lower than average accident rates, sound safety policies
and plans and a board level commitment to health and safety. Speed Frame
had to detail its health and safety officers' qualifications and provide
details of significant health and safety advances for the year.
David Ballard, Director General of the British Safety Council says:
'The National Safety Awards highlight organisations that reach the top
levels of health and safety. They are a mark of a proven and significant
achievement in safety standards'.
To add to Speed Frame's celebrations, Tim Hedland says: 'we believe
that we are the only PVCu Window and Door manufacturer in the UK to
have achieved this award, which goes a long way to show our staff how
much we value and work towards making our factories as safe as we can'.
Tel: 01709 888005
Email: mailto:postroom@speedframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.speedframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.britishsafetycouncil.org
Elderly
in Swindon Made Safer Thanks to Caldwell
Swindon
Borough Council, were grateful to specialist window hardware firm, Caldwell,
for solving the problem of window security at one of its elderly care
residences, Elizabeth Home. Staff were anxious that ground floor windows
that were left open for ventilation could be used by intruders.
After visiting the site Caldwell recommended to the Council's estimator
that its Truth releasable restrictor 99.20.00.001 should be fitted.
This mechanism limits the opening gap of the window and can be operated
by an everyday object - a key, a coin etc. It is a simple yet robust
design manufactured from best quality plated or stainless steel to give
years of service.
Available in a variety of track and arm lengths, the Truth releasable
restrictor offers window security with the freedom to adjust as required
for cleaning or emergency egress.
Caldwell specialises in window and door architectural hardware especially
sash window balances which are suitable for PVC, steel, aluminium and
timber. Caldwell UK is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year.
Tel: 02476 437900
Email: mailto:sales@caldwell.co.uk
Web: http://www.caldwell.co.uk