HSfB Site News - Health and Safety for Beginners: May 2006

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

24 May 2006 - HSfB Site News

Site News

Two new downloads have been added to the Downloads page:
- The DDA - Are You Aware? by John Johnston
- NIOSH Chemical Pocket Guide by Amjad Ata
The Legislation News pages have been updated where you can read more on the following:
- The Ceramic Articles in Contact with Food (Scotland) Regulations 2006

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

23 May 2006 - HSfB Site News

Site News

A new download has been added to the Downloads page:
- Safety Signs by DannyBhoy
The Legislation News pages have been updated where you can read more on the following:
- Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000

23 May 2006 - ILO Adopts New National Framework Code for Coalmines

Following the International Labour Organisation's (ILO's) six day meeting in Geneva on May 8 -13 this year, attended by 24 Government experts, they have chosen to adopt a new Code of Practice on the safety and health for underground coalmines.

The ILO deemed a new Code of Practice to be necessary, due to changes in technology such as, coal liquification or gasification and clean coal technologies, resulting in future sustainable demands for coal becoming greater.

Underground coalmining has one of the highest safety and health risk factors Worldwide, which highlights the necessity for a new National Framework to improve the safety and health of those involved in the coalmining industry.

Some of the features of the new Code of Practice are as follows:

It takes into account changes in the underground coalmining industry within the past 20 years.
It will replace the existing code, adopted in 1986.
It will reflect the many changes in the industry and its workforce, as well as the development of new ILO instruments on occupational safety and health.
It sets out a National Framework, specifying the roles of competent authorities, employers, workers and their organisations.
It comprises a methodology for identifying hazards preventing and minimising risks, as well as specific provisions for safe underground coalmining operations.

These updated provisions within the new code, when used with the code's methodology for the identification of hazards, risk assessments and control processes, represent current best practice, without inhibiting the development of new technologies, or the adoption of even better measures, to ensure effective safety and health protection within the coalmining industry.

The code will provide practical guidance supporting the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176) and accompanying Recommendation, (No. 183) and will be submitted to the ILO's Governing Body in November 2006 for endorsement.

Further information on the ILO meeting and Draft of the New Code of Practice can be accessed from the ILO Website by clicking the following:

Meeting of Experts on Safety and Health in Coal Mines

Article by Alexandra Johnston

21 May 2006 - DDA Campaign Aims to Wise up Shropshire Businesses

An "Adjusting for Better Business" Campaign has been launched in Shropshire, aiming at helping local businesses understand their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Figures show that In the West Midlands, there are 993,458 people with a limiting long-term illness, which is 18.9% of the regional population. This compares with 18.2% for the whole of the UK.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, calling for local businesses to "follow the example of other successful businesses in the area" by "wising up" on accessibility said:

"Many businesses in Shropshire have already woken up to the economic and ethical arguments in making themselves accessible to disabled staff, customers, their families and friends. More businesses need to wise up to this.

"This campaign gives clear and practical guidance on the range of disabilities and how easy and low cost it can be to make simple adjustments to meet people's different needs. For example, a chair beside the checkout can be as much a relief for a tired shopper with children as it can be for someone with a mobility condition, arthritis or MS."

One example of just how beneficial a few simple changes can not only benefit people with physical or mental impairments, but can also reap financial benefits to businesses, can be seen by the action taken at the Dearnford Trout Fishery in Whitchurch.

Jane Bebbington from Dearnford Trout Fishery said:

"It was important to us to make the business accessible to everyone, because fishing is one of the few sports that is inclusive as it allows disabled people to compete on the same terms as non-disabled people. It is an activity that enables disabled and non-disabled people to really share happy times together and to do so on an equal basis.

"It has been wonderful to be able to offer a totally new experience to some of our disabled customers who haven't been able to get out on the water before and take part in a sport like fishing. And it gives all our customers fresh air, light exercise, competition and the chance to be out in nature."

The local media are highlighting the message to businesses, in order to remind them of their duties to employees, potential employees, or customers under the DDA.

Further information on the Disability Discrimination Act, plus lots more information for the disabled, can be accessed from the Disability Rights Commission Website by clicking the following:

The Disability Rights Commission

The Department for Work and Pensions Website also provides information on the DDA which can be accessed by clicking the following:

DWP - The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and you

Article by Alexandra Johnston

21 May 2006 - Employers - Don't Let The Bug be a Bug-Bear

In light of the World Health Organisation's warning of the possibility of an influenza pandemic, the Government's Cabinet Office has issued a checklist for businesses to assist them in the preparation of reducing the risk to the health and safety of employees, as far as is "reasonably practicable" and in maintaining operations.

Some of the advice contained within the checklist is as follows:

Plan for the impact on your business.
Plan for the impact on your employees and customers.
Establish policies to be implemented during a pandemic.
Allocate resources during a pandemic for employees and customers protection.
Communicate and educate employees.
Co-ordinate between other businesses, organisations and your community.

The checklist can be accessed, in pdf format, by clicking the following:

Pandemic Influenza Checklist for Businesses

A stakeholder bulletin regarding the checklist, in small pdf format, has been released by Bruce Mann, Head of Civil Contingencies Secretariat and can be accessed by clicking the following:

Bruce Mann Letter regarding pandemic flu checklist

Article by Alexandra Johnston

21 May 2006 - European Week Safe Start Campaign for Young Workers

In the build up to this years' European Week for Safety & Health at Work in October, focus has been put on the health and safety of young workers and employers are being asked to take part in the Safe Start Campaign.

The two main focuses of the campaign are as follows:

For the young worker - To promote awareness in safety risks and raise awareness of Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) in young workers and what to do when starting work.
For the employers - To provide safe and suitable work, training and supervision and being aware of what to do when a young person starts work.

Owing to the need for “awareness raising” and education from an early stage, education authorities can also contribute greatly in such areas as the following:

Schools and colleges - promoting risk awareness and OSH as an integral part of education - preparing young people for their first day at work, and for their OSH responsibilities in their future careers.
Youth organisations - promoting risk awareness and risk prevention as an integral part of their activities - preparing young people for the wider world of work.
Vocational training centres - promoting risk awareness and OSH as an integral part of training - preparing young people for the world of work.
Education authorities - promoting mainstreaming of OSH into education and youth employment policies, agreements and actions.
Schools and colleges - promoting risk awareness and OSH as an integral part of education - preparing young people for their first day at work, and for their OSH responsibilities in their future careers.

Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work said:

“Young persons are less likely to recognise the risk of accidents and even when they do, they may be less able to take appropriate action. And sometimes they are simply assigned to tasks beyond their capabilities or are not provided adequate training or supervision.

"We must take steps to ensure young people have a safe and healthy start to their working lives, and to promote risk awareness and risk prevention in enterprises, schools and colleges”.

We all know it makes sense to teach health and safety at the earliest age possible, so if you would like further information on how you and your organisation can help with the Safe Start Campaign, then please visit The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work Website, accessible by clicking the following:

European Week 2006 - About the campaign

Campaign materials, in various languages, can also be accessed from the website, by clicking the following:

European Week 2006 - Campaign materials

Further helpful information for young workers, employers etc can also be found in the WorkSafe Website, which is accessible by clicking the following:

WorkSafeBC Safety at Work Young Worker Information

Article by Alexandra Johnston

Friday, May 19, 2006

19 May 2006 - HSE Leaflet - Ladders and Stepladders

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued new guidance to help employers: know when to use a ladder; decide how to go about selecting the right sort of ladder for the particular job; understand how to use it; know how to look after it and take sensible safety precautions.

The leaflet can be downloaded from the HSE's website here: Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders: An employers' guide

Further leaflets on falls from height can be found here: HSE - PUBLICATIONS: Free Leaflets - Falls from Height

19 May 2006 - United Kingdom Fire Statistics 2004

A new publication entitled - Fire Statistics, United Kingdom 2004 has been published which presents statistics on fires, casualties and false alarms attended by the Fire and Rescue Services in the UK in 2004. Detailed information is collected on all fires in buildings, vehicles and outdoor structures and any fires involving casualties or rescues.

The publication can be purchased or is free to download (details below) and provides information for key stakeholders and the public about the causes of fires and fire-related casualties in the United Kingdom. Time trends are shown, together with a breakdown of incidents by type of property and geographical location. The publication also contains additional analysis regarding smoke alarm ownership and function.

ISBN - 978 185 112 8433

Fire Statistics, United Kingdom 2004 is available from ODPM Publications, PO Box 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB. Tel: 0870 1226 236, Fax: 0870 1226 237, Textphone: 0870 1207 405, Email: odpm@twoten.press.net

Download the publication free here: Fire Statistics, United Kingdom 2004

Priced publications - £12 (free to download above)

18 May 2006 - HSE Report Shows Stress in the Workplace Still of Concern

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Workplace Health and Safety Survey (WHASS) has once again highlighted Britain's worker's concerns over stress in the workplace.

More than one fifth of Britain's workers regarded stress in the workplace as being a potential cause of work-related ill-health.

The HSE WHASS, conducted between August and December 2005, surveyed over 10,000 workers, focusing on the presence of risks in the workplace and what measures could be introduced to control such risks to health.

The "Worker's Perspective" on the management of health and safety within the UK mainly focused on the following:

The numbers exposed to different workplace hazards.
Workers' concerns.
Training levels.
A view of trends in risk.

Some of the key findings from the survey were as follows:

The most widespread hazard is stress, with around a fifth of the workforce expressing concern that stress could cause them harm.
Lifting or carrying heavy loads, slipping or tripping and dust or fume exposure, each representing around an estimated 9% of the working population.
Over half the workforce has no, or slight, health and safety concerns.
Respondents were asked whether various categories of health and safety risk had increased, reduced or stayed the same over the past year, and in most cases they believed the risks had stayed the same. Perceived reductions in risk were generally more common than increases and this was particularly marked for the risk of falling from height, where reduced risk responses outnumbered increased risk responses by around 20 percentage points.
A clear balance in favour of reduced risk was also seen for dust and fume exposure, skin contact with chemicals and slipping or tripping. The only risk category showing a clear balance in favour of increased risk was stress (by around four percentage points).

Geoffrey Podger, HSE Chief Executive said:

"Stress is a major problem in British workplaces and this survey underlines that.

"Stress can occur in any workplace and it is important that both employers and employees recognise the symptoms at an early stage.

"We have produced guidance for employers and the stress management standards can help employers tackle the issue."

The worker survey was undertaken by the British Market Research Bureau (BMRB) on behalf of the HSE.

Full details of the worker survey, questions administered and full technical report, in pdf format, can be accessed by clicking the following links:

WHASS Final Questionnaire

WHASS Technical Report

The HSE Employer Survey published in November 2005 can also be accessed, in pdf format, by clicking the following:

Employer Survey November 2005

An HSfB article on stress, kindly prepared by Mr. Frank Cooper MIOSH RSP, containing further information and helpful links, can be accessed from our Your Articles Page by clicking the following:

Stress in the Workplace

Article by Alexandra Johnston

17 May 2006 - HSE Advice on Gas Analysis of Diving Cylinders

Following an incident in which two people were injured when a gas cylinder valve ejected during analysis of a diving cylinder, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued precautionary advice to anyone involved in such tasks, in order to reduce the risk of further accidents.

A Draeger rebreather, four litre, steel cylinder, which had been charged with Nitrox analysis was being carried out in a dive shop, when the incident occurred.

Fitted to the cylinder, was a charging adaptor, supplied by the customer. The cylinder had no "boot", which would have allowed the cylinder to stand erect, thus the person about to carry out the analysis having to hold the cylinder upright in one hand.

To allow the necessary low flow of gas release for the analysis, the cylinder valve, as it was being opened, created an unexpected increase in gas flow, which in turn caused a violent rotation of the cylinder.

The unexpected rotation of the cylinder injured the hand of the person holding it, resulting in the release of the cylinder from his grasp and causing the cylinder to spin out of control into the shop.

One customer in the shop tried to stop the cylinder from hitting his son by stopping it with his foot and in the process of doing so was also injured.

The valve, still fitted with the charging adaptor, was then ejected from the cylinder, causing the cylinder to continue uncontrollably out of the shop travelling a further 20 meters before coming to rest outside the shop premises.

The valve, dislodged from the cylinder, travelled out of control for approximately 3 meters inside the shop.

Analysis by scientific and engineering specialists has failed to provide a conclusive result as to why there was an increase in gas flow, or what caused the ejection of the cylinder valve.

The HSE, in order to reduce the risk of similar accidents occurring, have issued precautionary advice to anyone involved in gas cylinder analysis as follows:

When a charging adaptor is fitted to the cylinder, there is a possibility that if struck it will affect the torque applied between the cylinder and cylinder valve. To reduce the probability of this happening charging adaptors should only be fitted immediately before charging and removed immediately afterwards.
Charging adaptors which are used with pure oxygen or oxygen enriched (oxygen greater than 21 per cent) gases should be suitable for use with oxygen. In order to maintain their 'fit for oxygen' status when not in use they should be stored to maintain that status - for example, placed in a clean transparent bag, which can be sealed closed and then placed in a second similar bag.
When carrying out any checks that require the cylinder valve to be opened the cylinder should be secured in a manner that allows both hands of the checker to be free. One hand to operate the valve and the other to hold any test equipment and does not allow the cylinder to fall over or be dropped.

The HSE have many leaflets and guidance sheets on diving cylinders etc available from their website, all of which can be accessed by clicking the following:

Information about health and safety at work

Article by Alexandra Johnston

17 May 2006 - Drought Prompts HSE Advice to Window Cleaners

Due to some areas within the UK experiencing water restrictions and hosepipe bans, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), concerned over the number of window cleaners who may have to revert to bucket and ladder cleaning, have issued advice and guidance on the need to be vigilant over risk assessments when working at height.

Compliance of the new WAHR, introduced on 6 April 2005, stating that work at height "where reasonably practicable" should be avoided, encouraged the window cleaning industry to use alternative safe measures, such as water-fed pole systems.

However, with some areas now experiencing Drought Orders, window cleaners may be forced to use the bucket and ladder cleaning method until restrictions are lifted.

Dr Elizabeth Gibby, Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Director of Injury Reduction Programme, considering the possible impact of Drought Orders said:

"Our approach to the application of the WAHR remains unchanged.

"Should water restrictions effectively ban the use of water-fed poles and it is not reasonably practicable to clean windows at height, HSE will expect window cleaners to apply the WAHR hierarchy in selecting appropriate equipment and managing risks arising from work at height.

"This may mean, that for the duration of any ban, some window cleaners will return to using moveable ladders. In these circumstances I would urge them to become re-acquainted with the risks, and take the necessary precautionary action.

"In applying WAHR to window cleaning during a drought we need to adopt a pragmatic and practical approach enabling the industry to use alternative equipment in pursuing their business. The nature of the WAHR provide the flexibility to do this.

"Workplace falls from height are the biggest cause of fatal injuries. There were 53 deaths in 2004/05 and nearly 3800 major injuries. Many of these injuries could have been prevented if sensible measures had been taken."

We urge you not to be complacent and take a moment to read the HSE guidance on the safe use of stepladders. The pdf format guidance, can be accessed by clicking the following:

Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders

Further information on Falls from Height is also available from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:

Falls from height

Article by Alexandra Johnston

15 May 2006 - HSE Consults on New Gas Safety Registration Body

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun a consultation exercise and is actively consulting key stakeholders following an application from The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) to set up a new gas safety registration body.

Until now, CORGI have been the sole successful applicant for the role of the gas safety registration body. This consultation looks at the effects of having two services existing for consumers and the domestic gas industry.

The HSE will be looking at matters such as whether the proposed approach by NAPIT would be able to meet the following aims:

to register efficiently any business which comes within the scope of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (The Regulations), and to promote the need for registration;
to ensure that businesses entering or remaining on the register are able to demonstrate their competence to undertake safe gas work;
to positively promote the use of registered businesses by the public, and thoroughly investigate all complaints alleging unsafe workmanship;
to establish, maintain or improve standards for gas work that contribute to gas safety; and for monitoring the continuing competence of registered businesses and individual operatives.

The consultation document was published on 10 May 2006. Comments should be mailed to napit.consultation@hse.gsi.gov.uk by the close of the eight-week consultation period on 5 July 2006.

The consultation document and NAPIT’s application can be found on the HSE website here: HSE - Gas: Live issues

Further information on NAPIT can be found on their website here: NAPIT - National Association of Professional Inspectors&Testers

Further information on CORGI can be found on their website here: CORGI Gas

Saturday, May 13, 2006

13 May 2006 - HSE Campaign - Are You Height Aware?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) work at height campaign will take place during May and June 2006 and is entitled - Are you height aware? The aim of the free events are to help people identify when they are working at height, where they may be at risk of falling, and also has aims to reduce the number of work-related fatal and major injuries caused by falls from height by 2008.

Nearly 3,800 people suffered major injuries such as broken bones and fractured skulls due to falls from height, alongside this, falls are the biggest cause of deaths in Britain’s workplaces in which 53 people died in 2004/5. Whilst 60% of those injuries were caused by comparatively low falls. The HSE has stated that ladder accidents alone cost the UK economy £60 million every year.

Lord Hunt, Minister of health and safety, thanked the member's of the Access Industry Forum (AIF) for their efforts to improve the safety of people working at height, and he commented:

"Reducing the number of falls from height remains a priority for HSE, 53 workers died during 2004/5 when they fell from a height. Last year, over 2000 workers suffered a major injury as a result of a fall form a 'low height', those below head level.

"The Work at Height Regulations are now a year old. The number of podium steps hired across the country has increased significantly, demonstrating that many people are using safer equipment. A great deal of effort has gone into educating employers and employees about the Regulations and much of this work has involved AIF members, you have risen to the health and safety challenge by producing safer access equipment and making better training available. I thank you for your contribution.

"As part of HSE's commitment to reduce the number of fall incidents, 'Height Aware', a campaign to raise awareness of the risks maintenance workers face when working at height, will be launched later this month.

"Most falls are preventable and when workers fall so can profits. Employers of, and those working, as maintenance workers, electricians, painters and decorators, plumbers and carpenters should plan work properly. Always assess the risks, choose the right equipment and ensure all work at height is carried out by those competent to do so."

The HSE's campaign website has further details and can be found here: HSE - Work at height: Campaign

All events are free and the HSE has published a list of venues for the events which you can view here: HSE - Work at height: Campaign - Height aware events

13 May 2006 - HSC Meets New Local Government Panel

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has recently met the newly established Local Government Panel (LGP) made up of elected members from across England, Scotland and Wales.

The new forum will carries on from last year's review of the liaison and governance arrangements between HSC/E and LAs. It will promote a strategic dialogue on local, central and devolved government issues that impact on health and safety regulatory functions, and it will also review the effectiveness and performance of the existing partnership between the enforcing authorities, namely the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities (LAs).

Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission commeted:

"Local authorities have a vital role to play in reducing workplace injuries and ill health within their local communities. I've been impressed with the contribution and enthusiasm shown by many authorities in the last year in working with HSE on joint initiatives and new approaches to health and safety enforcement. I'm particularly pleased that HSC will now have the chance of wider and direct dialogue with local government to help capture the full potential of HSE and LAs working together."

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, Chairman of LACORS also commented:

"This is an important day as it gives local authorities a stronger voice in health and safety issues and will give them increased opportunities to influence national health and safety policy and strategy. By strengthening the partnership between HSE and local authorities, this forum will enable more effective use of joint resources, helping health and safety regulatory services achieve their full potential in improving health, safety and well-being of local communities."

LACORS is the local government central body that works to facilitate communication, sharing of good practice and co-ordination of enforcement issues between local authorities.

9 May 2006 - Call for Australian-Style Safety Rep PIN

Unions at USDAW's Annual Conference in Blackpool this year have called for Britain's union safety representatives to be given more power, by introducing a similar system to the Australian-style Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) system to the UK.

The Australian PIN gives safety representatives the power to issue legally-binding notices where illegal dangerous work is breaching health and safety laws.

Maureen Shanks from USDAW's Southern division said:

"Australian-style PINs are necessary because of concerns that the government could be undermining the health and safety system to reduce so-called burdens on business.

"Experience in Australia has shown that employers are more likely to involve safety reps at an early stage rather than risk a PIN being issued when changes are implemented.

"In my experience even senior managers in stores have very little knowledge of health and safety laws and yet the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) appear to be moving toward self-regulation. How can you self-regulate when you do not know the rules?"

There will, of course, be many viewpoints as to the introduction of a PIN system within the UK. However, these viewpoints and any other opinions and views regarding a safer workplace can be registered in the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) consultation document, "Improving worker involvement - Improving health and safety".

The consultation runs from 24 April 2006 until 8 September 2006 and can be accessed from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:

Improving worker involvement - Improving health and safety

Article by Alexandra Johnston

11 May 2006 - HSfB Site News

Site News

The Legislation News pages have been updated where you can read more on the following:

The Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006

Saturday, May 06, 2006

6 May 2006 - HSfB Site News

Site News

The ever growing HAVS levels database created by Mark Sutton has been updated again, download the updated version below:
- HAVS Levels Database by Mark Sutton (.xls) Spreadsheet - Updated 06/05/06
Two new downloads have been added to the downloads page.
- Mobile phone in car flowchart by Gary Stanley
- InspectionForm by Bernard Elgar

6 May 2006 - HSE to Prosecute British Nuclear Group Sellafield

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are to bring criminal proceedings against British Nuclear Group Sellafield Ltd (BNGSL) in connection with a leakage incident at the Sellafield reprocessing site. The HSE were notified of the leak of radioactive liquor inside a heavily shielded facility at the THermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (THORP) on 20 April 2005. The liquor leaked into a stainless steel-lined cell with 1.5m thick concrete walls and there is no current evidence of any harm to workers or the public. The HSE's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate carried out a detailed investigation.

The HSE has applied to the courts for summonses alleging that BNGSL breached three conditions attached to the Sellafield site licence granted under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (as amended).

Key points of The Nuclear Installations Act 1965 are as follows:

The Act provides for the licensing and inspection of sites used for operating nuclear reactors; manufacturing, storing and reprocessing nuclear fuel and related activities.
No site may be used for operating a nuclear installation without a licence granted by HSE.
The form of the site licence is the same for each installation and contains a standard set of 36 conditions, dealing with a variety of safety requirements.
Contravention of any condition constitutes an offence under the Act.

THORP reprocesses nuclear fuel from overseas and UK second-generation commercial reactors. The plant has been closed since April 2005.

An initial hearing is scheduled for 8 June 2006 at Whitehaven Magistrates Court, Cumbria.

6 May 2006 - RNID Survey Highlights Hearing Discrimination

The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) recently carried out a survey to mark the start of Deaf Awareness Week, which ran from 1st - 7th May 2006. The survey showed that only 63% of deaf and hard of hearing people of working age are in employment, compared to 75% of the national work force. The RNID is urging employers to raise awareness of the different types of deafness and the different forms of communication used, such as sign language and lip reading. The RNID also urges employers to take steps towards creating more accessible workplaces.

Issues such as a basic lack of deaf awareness and attitudes of potential employers represents serious barriers for deaf and hard of hearing people seeking work. Over half (53%) of those surveyed said that the "attitude of employers" was one of the main barriers preventing them from finding employment. These barriers also restrict career prospects for those already in employment. Over half (51%) of those within work felt they had been held back from promotion or developing their careers as a result of their deafness and 34% felt their job didn’t make full use of their qualifications.

Cheryl Cullen, Director of the Employment Training and Skills Service (ETSS) at RNID, commented:

"Deaf and hard of hearing people represent a talented and skilled, but largely untapped, labour resource. Every deaf and hard of hearing person is capable of working with the right support. At a time of real skills shortages in key sectors of the economy, the country cannot afford to neglect the vast pool of talent represented by deaf and hard of hearing people."

Further results from the study showed that:

55% of respondents in work reported feeling isolated at work due to their deafness
24% respondents found it difficult to communicate with their work colleagues
75% respondents felt that the situation would be improved if their employer provided deaf awareness training to their staff
43% of employers did not provide any training

Employers have a legal duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace and provide support.

Examples of effective methods to increase deaf awareness in the workplace include the following:

Make sure the deaf or hard of hearing person is seated where they can see everyone, rather than facing a wall, as this could lead them to feel isolated from the office environment.
When approaching a deaf or hard of hearing person from behind, try to attract their attention by either tapping on their shoulders or waving next to them.
Include deaf and hard of hearing people in meetings by providing the right communication support for the individual, whether it be a sign language interpreter, speech to text operator, note taker or a lip speaker. Deaf and hard of hearing people can get funding from Access To Work for reasonable adjustments in the workplace, which can pay for communication support and equipment.
Be aware of deaf and hard of hearing people in the workplace, for example if you have to suddenly evacuate the building in the event of a fire, make sure they are made aware of the alarm. Employers should also install effective fire alarms - this can be alarms with flashing warning beacons or a vibrating pager. Employers should provide necessary equipment for deaf and hard of hearing employees as part of health and safety measures.
Install an induction loop system in meeting rooms to help hearing aid users, or provide portable induction loop systems – these are cheap and effective.
Make textphones available for deaf and hard of hearing staff, these allow them to communicate with hearing people by telephone.

Further information on Deaf Awareness Week can be found on the UK Council on Deafness website: Deaf Awareness Week

The RNID website can be found here: RNID.org.uk

2 May 2006 - Gordon Brown Launches New TUC Initiative, Unionlearn

Unionlearn is a new initiative partnership formed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Department for Education and Skills, which also has Government backing and a £4.5m initial startup funding boost. Unionlearn will also takeover the management of the Union Learning Fund, which is currently more than £14 million, from the Learning & Skills Council from April 2007.

Chancellor Gordon Brown launched the partnership and other speakers included the Education Secretary, Ruth Kelly, and TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, with TV personality June Sarpong hosting the event.

Unionlearn will provide support and advice on lifelong learning and workforce development across England. It will focus on literacy and numeracy skills and Level 2 qualifications amongst the seven million adults in England who lack basic skills, as well as Continuing Professional Development. The initiative also aims to encourage greater employer support for training and strengthen union membership.

Unionlearn will also provide support to workplace Union Learning Representatives (ULRs), whose main role is to raise awareness of learning opportunities and to help workers access suitable courses. There are currently 14,000 trained learning representatives in the UK, and By 2010, unionlearn aims to have recruited 22,000 learning representatives, and will help 250,000 workers into learning each year.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber commented:

"This is a great opportunity to showcase the crucial role of trade unions in boosting UK skills and productivity. Employers need to step up to the challenge of workplace learning, with more support for learning reps, time off to train and a decent wage for apprenticeships."

Unionlearn Director Liz Smith commented:

"Unionlearn will deliver a new skills partnership between unions and employers. For individual workers, it will bring opportunities to develop new skills and ambitions. For employers, it will demonstrate the benefits of a better-trained workforce and higher productivity. Unionlearn will place union's at the centre of skills development."

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills also commented:

"I am delighted to wish unionlearn the very best of luck for the future. You have an unprecedented opportunity to build on your previous successes and contribute to our drive to promote adult learning, putting learning at the very heart of the union movement. And in turn I am confident that you will put trade unions at the very heart of the Skills Strategy - where it is right that they should be."

The project will be delivered through the six English TUC regions, with Scotland launching its own similar initiative. It will complement union specific projects and support a network of learning centres based in colleges, at workplaces and union offices across England.

A copy of the unionlearn prospectus is available on request, alongside learning at work case studies. For further information or interview requests contact Andrew Pakes on 07980 55122, email: apakes@tuc.org.uk or Mike Power mpower@tuc.org.uk on 07900 914322.

The Unionlearn website can be accessed by clicking the following: Unionlearn

30 April 2006 - Noise and Vibration Road Shows 2006

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the EEF - the manufacturers' organisation, are running four more roadshows on Noise and Vibration that will give advice for employers on the recent changes in EU regulations. The new regulations for the control of risks from vibration at work came into force in Great Britain last July (2005) and more recently for the control of noise (6 April 2006).

The interactive theatre company, Dramanon, will be used to bring the issues alive in a similar fashion to the events held last year.

The roadshows will be aimed at managing directors, production managers, health and safety advisors and safety representatives. Those in attendance will learn what the new regulations mean in practice and will learn about practical risk management, including solutions and what they need to do to arrange effective health surveillance for exposed employees.

Robert Vaughan, HSE's Noise and Vibration Programme Manager said:

"Noise and vibration are major and serious health risks for millions of people at work. The new Regulations provide a sound framework for tackling these problems effectively. The roadshows will show that the regulations are not complex or difficult to comply with and are, in fact, quite straightforward and workable. They will give us the chance to explain the new regulations in more depth, to demonstrate some practical solutions and to answer questions employers and others may have. I am very pleased that HSE and EEF are working together to deliver these."

Steve Walter, EEF's Health, Safety and Environmental Policy Adviser said:

"The issues on noise and vibration are very topical at the moment and we have made the roadshows informative and engaging. We will encourage a lively debate and informed discussion on all the issues surrounding the new Noise and Vibration Regulations. As key HSE stakeholder partners, we believe it is important that employers talk with experts in HSE to learn more about the implications of the new regulations. We want a real dialogue and exchange between the audience and the experts to take place."

The dates and contact details for the roadshows in 2006 are as follows:

London 16 June - apatel@eef-fed.org.uk
Bridgend 20 June - enquiries@eeftraining.org.uk
Sheffield 22 June - ljackson@eef-sheffield.org.uk
Warrington 27 June - clennon@eefnorthwest.org.uk

The Control of vibration at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 6 July 2005

The control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 5 April 2006

Further information can be found on the HSE and EEF websites:

Health and Safety Executive

http://www.eef.org.uk/UK/

30 April 2006 - HSE Update on Outbreak of Lung Disease at Powertrain

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently given an update of its investigation into the outbreak of occupational lung disease at the Powertrain Limited plant in Longbridge, Birmingham. The HSE's investigation began in March 2004 at the request of the Birmingham Chest Clinic (BCC).

The main diseases diagnosed are occupational asthma (87 cases) and extrinsic allergic alveolitis (24 cases). Occupational asthma can cause attacks of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, whilst extrinsic allergic alveolitis can cause coughing, breathlessness, chills, sweats and joint pain, which may feel like a bout of flu. There may also be weight loss and breathing difficulty which can be long term.

HSE served three Improvement Notices on Powertrain Ltd in 2004 as soon as the scale of the outbreak became apparent. Powertrain workers diagnosed with lung disease recalled the onset of their breathlessness from 2002 onwards, whereas some recalled breathlessness in previous years. The onset of breathlessness peaked in March 2003, and the last date of onset was in June 2004.

The notices were complied with which required Powertrain to take action in line with the increased risk. Powertrain went into administration in 2005 with assets sold to Nanjing Automobile (Group) Corporation and removed to China.

The guidance which has been developed with the help of experts both within and outside HSE and in conjunction with other stakeholders, makes it clear that:

risk assessments must deal with the risks of occupational asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis;
direct means of monitoring bacterial contamination in metalworking and wash fluids, such as dip slides, must be used;
exposure to mist needs to be prevented or better controlled;
health surveillance must be carried out where there is exposure to mist.

Sandra Caldwell, Director of HSE's Field Operations said:

"The outbreak at Powertrain is thought to be both the world's largest linked to metal working fluids, and the largest single outbreak of occupational asthma. It has changed the perception of the risk arising from the exposure to mist from metalworking in the UK. HSE is making available the lessons learned from the outbreak and has taken action to prevent a recurrence. HSE is determined that workers elsewhere in this sector should get better protection against contracting these diseases, which have the potential to seriously impair the breathing and health of those affected by them.

"The HSE investigation has been long and thorough, and we now know that the cause of the disease was mist from metalworking machines, which was widespread throughout the factory. While we do not know the precise agent within the mist that triggered the outbreak, we did find links to bacteria, and used metalworking fluid. Other possible causes, such as metals leaching into the mist from the machining and washing of components, have been closely investigated and are thought unlikely to have caused the outbreak."

The HSE are also checking the standards of small and large organisations where conditions have been variable. Improvement notices have been issued where necessary. A series of roadshows aimed at smaller organisations will be organised over the next two years in conjunction with the United Kingdom Lubricants Association Metalworking Fluids Product Stewardship Group (UKLAMWPSG). The HSE will also carry out follow up visits to those organisations who do not attend the roadshows in order to ensure that the messages are getting through.

A questionnaire to help firms check that they are properly assessing risks is available by clicking the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/metalworking/questionnaire.pdf

The HSE report can be found by clicking the following link: Outbreak of Respiratory Disease at Powertrain Ltd, Longbridge, Birmingham - Emerging Lessons

The HSE's metalworking website can be found by clicking the following link: Metalworking Fluids

30 April 2006 - HSE Update on Outbreak of Lung Disease at Powertrain

The guidance which has been developed with the help of experts both within and outside HSE and in conjunction with other stakeholders, makes it clear that:

risk assessments must deal with the risks of occupational asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis;
direct means of monitoring bacterial contamination in metalworking and wash fluids, such as dip slides, must be used;
exposure to mist needs to be prevented or better controlled;
health surveillance must be carried out where there is exposure to mist.

Sandra Caldwell, Director of HSE's Field Operations said:

"The outbreak at Powertrain is thought to be both the world's largest linked to metal working fluids, and the largest single outbreak of occupational asthma. It has changed the perception of the risk arising from the exposure to mist from metalworking in the UK. HSE is making available the lessons learned from the outbreak and has taken action to prevent a recurrence. HSE is determined that workers elsewhere in this sector should get better protection against contracting these diseases, which have the potential to seriously impair the breathing and health of those affected by them.

"The HSE investigation has been long and thorough, and we now know that the cause of the disease was mist from metalworking machines, which was widespread throughout the factory. While we do not know the precise agent within the mist that triggered the outbreak, we did find links to bacteria, and used metalworking fluid. Other possible causes, such as metals leaching into the mist from the machining and washing of components, have been closely investigated and are thought unlikely to have caused the outbreak."

A questionnaire to help firms check that they are properly assessing risks is available by clicking the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/metalworking/questionnaire.pdf

The HSE report can be found by clicking the following link: Outbreak of Respiratory Disease at Powertrain Ltd, Longbridge, Birmingham - Emerging Lessons

The HSE's metalworking website can be found by clicking the following link: Metalworking Fluids

30 April 2006 - HSE Update on Outbreak of Lung Disease at Powertrain

The guidance which has been developed with the help of experts both within and outside HSE and in conjunction with other stakeholders, makes it clear that:

risk assessments must deal with the risks of occupational asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis;
direct means of monitoring bacterial contamination in metalworking and wash fluids, such as dip slides, must be used;
exposure to mist needs to be prevented or better controlled;
health surveillance must be carried out where there is exposure to mist.

Sandra Caldwell, Director of HSE's Field Operations said:

"The outbreak at Powertrain is thought to be both the world's largest linked to metal working fluids, and the largest single outbreak of occupational asthma. It has changed the perception of the risk arising from the exposure to mist from metalworking in the UK. HSE is making available the lessons learned from the outbreak and has taken action to prevent a recurrence. HSE is determined that workers elsewhere in this sector should get better protection against contracting these diseases, which have the potential to seriously impair the breathing and health of those affected by them.

"The HSE investigation has been long and thorough, and we now know that the cause of the disease was mist from metalworking machines, which was widespread throughout the factory. While we do not know the precise agent within the mist that triggered the outbreak, we did find links to bacteria, and used metalworking fluid. Other possible causes, such as metals leaching into the mist from the machining and washing of components, have been closely investigated and are thought unlikely to have caused the outbreak."

A questionnaire to help firms check that they are properly assessing risks is available by clicking the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/metalworking/questionnaire.pdf

The HSE report can be found by clicking the following link: Outbreak of Respiratory Disease at Powertrain Ltd, Longbridge, Birmingham - Emerging Lessons

The HSE's metalworking website can be found by clicking the following link: Metalworking Fluids