Health and Safety for Beginners Press Release

Health and Safety for Beginners Press Release

Health and Safety Courses Giveaway

NO Catch – NO Fee – Enter Now

IT’S FREE!!

Health and Safety for Beginners (HSfB) is a free information website for assisting those entering or progressing a career in the health and safety field, by providing downloads, revision aids, toolbox talks, legislation updates, health and safety news, friendly online discussion forums and much more. Not only is the website free, but HSfB are giving away free health and safety courses in conjunction with The Rapid Results College (RRC); IonActive; Express Park HSEQ Director and HSfB discussion forum moderator - Gladiator; She Knows Health & Safety; Smart Training Solutions; and Safety Photo, in a free to enter prize draw within their website at www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk

The free to enter prize draw is a gift from the owner, John Johnston, to anyone in the UK wishing either to enter, or further their career in the field of health and safety. His motives are simply those of his passion to keep workers free from accident, injury or ill-health in all sectors.

The free draw, launched on 5 November 2006, will run until 31 December 2006 where all entrants will be placed “in the hat” and winners drawn by an impartial member of a renowned health and safety establishment.

The prizes on offer are:

• NEBOSH National General Certificate – e-learning.
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management - e-Learning.
• Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) Training Course (2-day residential).
• Guided Tour of a large multi-national organisation.
• NVQ Level 4 OR NVQ Level 5.
• IOSH Working Safely for up to ten people in Manchester.
• Books
  • The Handbook of Health and Safety Practice by Jeremy Stranks
  • The Principles of Health and Safety at Work by Allan St John Holt

Further information on the prizes on offer and the terms and conditions of entry can be found on the HSfB website here:

http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/Draw/Prize_Draw.htm

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, why not visit www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk and place your entry today.

16 November 2006 - Cancer Risk Inquiry Calls by Amicus

16 November 2006 - Cancer Risk Inquiry Calls by Amicus

In light of a study by Richard Clapp of Boston University into the cancer deaths of workers within the computer and semiconductor manufacturing industries, the Manufacturing Union Amicus is calling for an inquiry into cancer risks within the industry.

The study found that based on the national average, there had been "significantly greater” cancer deaths than expected in both men and women who worked within a large semiconductor company.

Amicus, taking into account other studies in Scotland and the West Midlands, have concluded that evidence is sufficient to suggest that past and present workers within the computer and semiconductor industries could have long-term risks to their health.

Amicus National Officer Peter Skyte said:

“This US study provides powerful evidence of the increased health risks faced by past and present workers in the computer, chip and semiconductor industry.

"Government health and safety agencies and employers must act urgently to reduce this risk to stop more people dying in years to come.”

Professor Andrew Watterson of Stirling University said of the similar results found in Scotland's National Semiconductor industry:

"The US study confirms some of the evidence we have seen at Nat Semi.

"The families of former Nat Semi workers have been calling for years for a Europe-wide or international study into the industry, and this is the next best thing."

Amicus is calling for actions such as the following:

• The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to initiate industry wide research into cancer risks in the industry, and in particular to institute the research proposed by the HSE/DTI feasibility study published in 2005.
• The UK computer components/semiconductor industry to identify the health hazards involved in their work and take urgent steps to remove toxic agents or control them to the lowest level possible.
• Action by the Health and Safety Executive to investigate cancer risks in the UK computer components/semiconductor industry.
• Action by the Health and Safety Commission to urgently review the control of toxic substances in the UK computer components/semiconductor industry.
• Action by union safety representatives to require employers to reduce health risks.

Further information on the study can be viewed, in pdf format, by clicking the following:

Mortality among US employees of a large computer manufacturing company: 1969-2001: Richard W Clapp

Article by Alexandra Johnston

15 November 2006 - Action Needed for Work Vehicle Accidents

15 November 2006 - Action Needed for Work Vehicle Accidents

Britain's General Union, GMB, highlighting the number of work vehicle accidents on our roads, are calling for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to take urgent action for the prevention of Britain's 150 work-related vehicle crashes per day.

GMB's call for action follows the annual road casualty statistics produced by the Department for Transport (DfT), which recorded for the first time purposes of journeys.

The recording of purposes for journeys, highlighted that work vehicles were involved in more than 54,000 crashes in 2005, which relates to 150 per day.

GMB would like changes to the workplace accident reporting regulations of RIDDOR to include all serious work-related road traffic accidents.

John McClean, GMB National Safety Officer said:

"At a time when the HSE claim that workplace deaths are at their lowest recorded level there is a concern among GMB members, many of whom drive as part of their daily work, that not enough is being done to ensure that they and others are safe on our roads.

"Long hours of working drivers, a lack of regular breaks and unnecessarily tight deadlines all lead to dangerous driving conditions in many occupations.

"There is a need for the HSE to investigate all work related deaths, including those on the road which are currently not part of the reporting regime."

Although the DfT takes the lead on matters relating to road safety, the HSE and the DfT have worked together to take forward recommendations from an Independent Work-Related Road Safety Task Group.

A joint guidance from the DfT and HSE is available, in pdf format, and can be accessed by clicking the following:

Driving at Work - Managing work related road safety

Further information can be accessed from the DfT Website by clicking the following:

Department for Transport

Article by Alexandra Johnston

15 November 2006 - Free Health and Safety Video and DVD Library

15 November 2006 - Free Health and Safety Video and DVD Library

A free library of health and safety videos and DVD's has been launched by Peterborough City Council, in a bid to assist local businesses comply with safe working legislation.

This excellent free lending library, provided by Peterborough Council, contains such as the following:

• Films with sub-titles in various languages.
• Hand-out materials such as notes and checklists.
• There are 25 films covering wide ranges of health and safety issues for specific businesses and risks.
• Also included are films for the charity and voluntary sectors.
• Films for health and safety of children on farms and office workers.

Many health and safety subjects are covered, including the following:

• Chemical risks.
• Dangers from working with asbestos.
• Manual handling.
• Work at height.
• Control of legionella bacteria in water systems.
• Roll cage use.
• Recovery from back pain.
• Risk assessments.
• Fork lift truck and warehouse safety.
• Examples of accidents and fire safety.

Gail Lewis, Peterborough City Council Health and Safety team leader, said:

“Business owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that their people operate safe working practices. However, the law can seem complex and difficult to explain, especially to people whose first language is not English.

“We have created this free lending library to help local firms manage their health and safety risks successfully.”

Any business wishing to take advantage of the library and who require further information should contact the following:

Telephone (01733) 453574 or email gail.lewis@peterborough.gov.uk

Article by Alexandra Johnston

13 November 2006 - HSE Halt Work During Safety Visits to Hull

13 November 2006 - HSE Halt Work During Safety Visits to Hull

Owing to poor safety standards on construction sites in Hull, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had to halt work on almost 50% of sites visited during their site inspections last week.

Of the fifty-six sites visited over a two day period, work was stopped at 24 sites where the HSE considered workers were at risk of potentially serious injuries.

Some of the concerns regarding safety within the Hull sites were as follows:

• Unsafe scaffolding and poor planning with regard to working at height.
• Incorrect handling of heavy materials.
• Upwards of a dozen prohibition notices were issued.
• Some of the companies visited may even face prosecution.

One of the HSE Inspectors involved in the visits, Dave Stewart, said:

"Although health and safety standards on some of the sites visited were good I am disappointed at the amount of work inspectors had to stop because there was a clear risk to people's safety.

"In light of the poor performance observed during these visits we are going to continue to target construction companies that cannot demonstrate satisfactory health and safety standards when inspecting in the area.

"If it comes to a notice or prosecution there are serious matters that need to be dealt with. We don't just serve them willy-nilly."

Paul Sewell, Managing Director of the Sewell Group, said:

"Inspections exposed contractors who did not invest in health and safety. We consider that every incident avoided or potential life saved worth every hour or pound spent."

However, Mr Sewell also warned that burgeoning rules could eventually prove to be counter-productive and added:

"We consider third party audits to be very important but equally so would be the close working between the HSE and contractors to develop leaner more manageable systems and procedures that can be practicably delivered on site.

"Our joint goals should always be creating a safer working environment rather than ever increasing regulation which may ultimately be counter productive."

Figures from the HSE show that in 2005 there were 59 deaths and more than 3,600 major injuries within the construction industry. The HSE also say many of these major injuries were "entirely preventable".

Further information on construction safety can be accessed from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:

HSE Construction

Other HSC fatalities statistics and falls from height can be accessed from one of HSfB earlier news stories by clicking the following:

HSC Statistics for UK Fatal Injuries

Article by Alexandra Johnston

Health and Safety for Beginners Press Release

Health and Safety for Beginners Press Release

Health and Safety Courses Giveaway

NO Catch – NO Fee – Enter Now

IT’S FREE!!

Health and Safety for Beginners (HSfB) is a free information website for assisting those entering or progressing a career in the health and safety field, by providing downloads, revision aids, toolbox talks, legislation updates, health and safety news, friendly online discussion forums and much more. Not only is the website free, but HSfB are giving away free health and safety courses in conjunction with The Rapid Results College (RRC); IonActive; Express Park HSEQ Director and HSfB discussion forum moderator - Gladiator; She Knows Health & Safety; Smart Training Solutions; and Safety Photo, in a free to enter prize draw within their website at www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk

The free to enter prize draw is a gift from the owner, John Johnston, to anyone in the UK wishing either to enter, or further their career in the field of health and safety. His motives are simply those of his passion to keep workers free from accident, injury or ill-health in all sectors.

The free draw, launched on 5 November 2006, will run until 31 December 2006 where all entrants will be placed “in the hat” and winners drawn by an impartial member of a renowned health and safety establishment.

The prizes on offer are:

• NEBOSH National General Certificate – e-learning.
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management - e-Learning.
• Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) Training Course (2-day residential).
• Guided Tour of a large multi-national organisation.
• NVQ Level 4 OR NVQ Level 5.
• IOSH Working Safely for up to ten people in Manchester.
• Books
  • The Handbook of Health and Safety Practice by Jeremy Stranks
  • The Principles of Health and Safety at Work by Allan St John Holt

Further information on the prizes on offer and the terms and conditions of entry can be found on the HSfB website here:

http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/Draw/Prize_Draw.htm

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, why not visit www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk and place your entry today.

11 November 2006 - Carers Right to Request Flexible Working Announced

11 November 2006 - Carers Right to Request Flexible Working Announced

An announcement this week, by Employment Relations Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, lays out the definition for carers right to request flexible working, which will come into effect on the 6th April 2007.

Workers who care for someone can have a great deal of stress at home, which may then lead to added stress in the workplace, perhaps even leading to accidents, illness and days lost at work.

The right to request flexible working for carers' definition: an employee who is or expects to be caring for an adult, is laid out as follows:

• Someone who is married to, or the partner or civil partner of the employee; or
• Someone who is a near relative of the employee; or
• Anyone not falling into either category but lives at the same address as the employee.

The term "near relative" includes the following:

• Parents of the employee.
• Parent-in-laws of the employee.
• Adult child.
• Adopted adult child.
• Siblings (including those who are in-laws).
• Uncles, aunts or grandparents and step-relatives.

Employment Relations Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick said:

"The Government understands how difficult it can be for people to balance their work with caring for someone who is sick or disabled. We want to make sure that as many carers as possible have the right to request flexible working while at the same time not placing an unnecessary burden on business.

"We consulted with business, unions and carer's groups about the definition of which carers will be covered by the legislation. We have decided to go with the option that best balances the views of these groups and will cover around 80% of carers."

Further information on the right to flexible working for carers can be accessed from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Website by clicking the following:

Department of Trade & Industry Website

Article by Alexandra Johnston

11 November 2006 - National Ban Bullying at Work Day Highlights Link to Stress

11 November 2006 - National Ban Bullying at Work Day Highlights Link to Stress

The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) National Ban Bullying at Work Day, which took place on the 7 November 2006, highlighted the need for employers to review their procedures on how to tackle bullying in the workplace as it can contribute greatly to workplace stress, not only for the victim of bullying, but also to the onlooker.

Almost half a million people within the UK experience the stress of work-related illness through bullying, costing employers a massive 80 million in lost working days with lost revenue reaching £2bn every year.

Speaking of the National Bullying at Work Day, Chris Rowe, Head of HSE's Stress Priority Programme, said:

"National Ban Bullying at Work Day is an opportunity for employers to review whether they are doing enough to secure the well being of their employees and the effective performance of their business.

"HSE's Management Standards for Work-Related Stress represent a widely adopted, practical and usable approach to taking the necessary steps to manage stress and improve well-being in the workplace.

"It is important that we encourage dialogue between employers and employees and engage them in finding a way to manage this growing problem."

Commenting on his research at Lancaster University, Psychology Professor Cary Cooper said:

"A large scale national research found that bullying doesn't just affect the people who experience it first hand, but the people who witness it too.

"It lowers morale in the office and in some cases can lead to an increase in time taken in days off work for stress-related problems.

"Moreover it can also impact on other areas of life including relationships and family life. Employers have tools available to address bullying in the workplace.

"The HSE's Stress Management Standards can be implemented in the workplace to make a difference to Britain's 28 million strong workforce."

Further details on Management Standards for work related stress can be accessed from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:

HSE - Stress Management Standards

Our own HSfB has lots of information and guidance on bullying/stress in the workplace, which can be accessed from our main webpage by clicking the following:

Health and Safety For Beginners

Article by Alexandra Johnston

11 November 2006 - Third Generation Victims of Asbestos Cancer

11 November 2006 - Third Generation Victims of Asbestos Cancer

In a landmark case, it has been suggested that Mesothelioma, the deadly workplace asbestos cancer, has now reared it's ugly head to third generation Grandchildren of workers who's career entailed working with the deadly substance.

The case reveals that asbestos is capable of praying victim to the families of older relatives who worked with asbestos, transmitted via their work clothes.

One case was of a Grandfather, employed as a fitter's assistant, working on board a ship where asbestos insulation was being installed, who upon his return home visited his Granddaughter's home to enjoy some playtime fun. The Granddaughter recalled his dusty overalls and cap as he sat her on his knee.

In December 2005, the Granddaughter experienced symptoms of shortness of breath and consulted her Doctor. Following chest x-rays CT scan and biopsies, she was told in January 2006 that she had developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure.

The Granddaughter explains by saying:

“Since I was diagnosed with mesothelioma, I have been in complete shock and denial. At first, I couldn’t recall being exposed to asbestos. Only then did it dawn on me that I could have caught it from my granddad.

"His daily visits to our home started when I was baby and continued until I was 14 which is when he stopped working at the shipyards in 1975.

"I’m devastated, as is my husband Paul; we have a young family and now the future is very uncertain.”

Solicitor for the Granddaughter, Mr. Tony Hood, Thompsons Solicitors said of the case:

"Michelle’s case illustrates the tragedy of asbestos – and yet again the negligence of employers – that has now extended further and is causing the deaths of a third generation of innocent people.

"This legacy from the past shows no signs of abating; in contrast, it looks certain that more innocent young victims like Michelle will be affected in the future.”

Further information on Asbestos in the workplace can be accessed from the HSE website by clicking the following:

Asbestos health and safety in the workplace

Article by Alexandra Johnston

7 November 2006 - Warning Over Sprayer Safety Threat

7 November 2006 - Warning Over Sprayer Safety Threat

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) are warning of the threat to health and safety standards from the increasing number of sprayers entering the UK market which do not meet basic safety standards.

The threat comes as the European Union (EU) enlargement has given rise to central and eastern European equipment manufacturers an easier access to western markets.

It has been found that some suppliers are offering products, especially the smaller mounted machines, which do not conform to health and safety requirements in the UK.

In order to comply with British and European Safety Standards, sprayers should include such as the following:

• A dedicated, low-level filling device or induction hopper.
• As an alternative to the above, a filler cap that is no more than 1.5m (5ft) from the ground or operator platform and is a maximum of 300mm (1ft) horizontal reach.
• Sprayers must have a 15-litre handwash tank and protective clothing locker.

Alan Plom, Head of Safety at HSE Agriculture and Food Sector said:

"These requirements apply to all sprayers on the market and it is the duty of suppliers to offer products that meet these needs.

"It is not for the end user to decide if these particular items of safety equipment are required. There is no choice - they must be supplied with the machine."

Farmers should take note that by purchasing a unit not conforming to the required standards and should an accident occur, they are putting themselves at the risk of prosecution by the HSE.

In order to comply with relevant regulations, any application machinery purchased after 1 May 2004, should be CE marked.

Further information on all things agricultural can be accessed from the HSE webpage by clicking the following:

HSE website, agriculture health and safety, farming industry help and advice.

Other facts on the agricultural industry can be accessed from the AEA website by clicking the following:

AEA: Agricultural Engineers Association

Article by Alexandra Johnston

4 November 2006 - HSC Publishes Health and Safety Statistics 2005-06

4 November 2006 - HSC Publishes Health and Safety Statistics 2005-06

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has published the latest statistics on work-related ill health, workplace injury and enforcement in Great Britain.

Health and Safety Statistics 2005/06 presents a range of top-level statistics, including reports on Revitalising Health and Safety targets.

So far, Great Britain is on target to meet the 10-year strategy for the incidence rate of work-related ill health; 'probably on track' to meet the 10-year target to reduce the number of working days lost per worker due to work-related injury and ill health; not on track to meet the 10-year target in respect of the desired reduction in the rate of fatal and major injury to employees.

Some of the key findings are:

• 212 fatal injuries to workers in 2005/06, down 5% from 223 in 2004/05
• 28,605 major injuries to employees reported in 2005/06, an injury rate of 110.1 per 100 000, down nearly 7% on the previous year
• 117,471 other injuries to employees causing absence of over 3 days. This is equivalent to a rate of 452.2, which is 4% lower than 2004/05
• working days lost in Great Britain due to work-related injury and ill health down from 40 million in 2000/02 to 30 million working days in 2005/06
• ill health accounted for around 24 million working days lost
• stress and musculoskeletal disorders the most common causes of absence
• reported non-fatal major injuries to workers down for the second year in a row to just under 30,000, a drop of 6% from 2004/05
• agriculture and construction remain the two most hazardous industries, with average rates of self-reported non-fatal injuries to workers over the past three years of 2020 and 1790 per 100,000 respectively.
• enforcement notices issued, and prosecutions taken by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority inspectors have decreased in the last two years.

Geoffrey Podger HSE Chief Executive commented:

“I understand the concerns regarding the fall in enforcement and we have recently undertaken an audit of our enforcement activity, which has shown areas for improvement. Initial data for 2006/07 leads us to believe that the fall in enforcement has been significantly reversed and we will continue to monitor this closely.”

The full report can be downloaded by clicking the following link:

Health and Safety Statistics 2005/06

4 November 2006 - Most Comprehensive Review of Climate Change Legislation Ever

4 November 2006 - Most Comprehensive Review of Climate Change Legislation Ever

The most comprehensive review of climate change legislation ever has been published.

The Review, which reports to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, was commissioned by the Chancellor in July last year and was carried out by Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the Government Economic Service and former World Bank Chief Economist.

The Review focuses on the impacts and risks arising from uncontrolled climate change, and on the costs and opportunities associated with action to tackle it. The Review also emphasises that economic models over timescales of centuries do not offer precise forecasts; however, they are an important way to illustrate the scale of effects we might see.

The Review also finds that all countries will be affected by climate change, but it is likely that the poorest countries will suffer earliest and most. Unabated climate change risks raising average temperatures by over 5°C. These changes could transform the physical geography of our planet, as well as how and where we live our lives.

The Stern Review sets out the economic case for action on climate change, and concludes that the cost of inaction will be far higher than tackling climate change now.

Sir Nicholas Stern commented:

“The conclusion of the Review is essentially optimistic. There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally. Governments, businesses and individuals all need to work together to respond to the challenge. Strong, deliberate policy choices by governments are essential to motivate change.

But the task is urgent. Delaying action, even by a decade or two, will take us into dangerous territory. We must not let this window of opportunity close.”

David Miliband, Environmental Secretary said that the climate change legislation will form a fundamental part of the UK's strategy to tackle climate change and address the issues raised by the Stern Review

Mr Miliband commented:

"This legislation will enable the UK to benefit economically by becoming a leading low carbon economy ahead of our competitors.

"The legislation will also demonstrate the UK's commitment to taking action at home and so strengthen our ability to be global leaders in developing a future global climate change framework."

The climate change legislation four key elements:

• It will put the Government's long-term goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 into statute.
• It will establish an independent body - the Carbon Committee - to work with Government to reduce emissions over time and across the economy.
• It will create enabling powers to put in place new emissions reduction measures needed to achieve our goals.
• It will improve monitoring and reporting arrangements, including how the Government reports to Parliament.

Mr Miliband further commented:

"Taken together these represent an ambitious - and coherent - package. We are determined to enhance Britain's competitive position and believe that business in particular will benefit from the long-term framework that is so important for effective investment decisions.

"The legislation will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows. We are also determined to promote the widest possible debate across the country and in Parliament about the contents of the Bill."

The Stern Report can be accessed on the Treasury website by clicking the following link:

www.sternreview.org.uk

2 November 2006 - Fire Deaths Lowest Since 1959

2 November 2006 - Fire Deaths Lowest Since 1959

The latest national fire statistics published by the quarterly Fire Statistics Monitor, covering the 12-month period up to 31 December 2005, show that the total number of fire related deaths of 485 for the period continue to fall and it is the lowest since 1959.

The Fire Statistics Monitor is published quarterly by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and includes provisional figures on fires, fire deaths and injuries, and false alarm calls.

Key statistics include:

• The UK Fire and Rescue service attended 867,000 fires or false alarms (695,000 in England) - 3% less than in the previous year.
• The total number of fires attended in the UK fell by 3% to 428,000.
• The number of primary fires (fires involving property, vehicles and/or casualties) fell by 7% to 168,000 - the lowest since 1988.
• Secondary fires fell by less than 1% to 251,000.
• There were 57,400 fires in the home, a fall of 4% compared with the previous year.
• In England, there were 340,000 fires consisting of 139,000 primary fires (of which, 46,300 were in dwellings) and 195,000 secondary fires.
• Fire related deaths recorded in the UK fell to 485 - the lowest total since 1959. Of these deaths 287 were from accidental dwelling fires, compared with 327 a year earlier, a fall of 12%.
• Injuries resulting from fires fell by 4% to 14,000 (of these 9,700 were in accidental dwelling fires).
• In England, 379 fire deaths and 11,200 injuries were recorded.
• There were 212 deaths in accidental dwelling fires compared with 230 in the previous year, a fall of 8%.
• The number of false fire alarms attended in the UK fell by 2% to 438,000. Within this category the number of malicious false alarms fell by 21% to 39,100 whilst false alarms due to apparatus decreased slightly to 285,000.
• In England, a total of 355,000 false alarms were attended.

The Fire Statistics Monitor is available on the DCLG website here:

Fire statistics monitors - Department for Communities and Local Government

31 October 2006 - Fire and Rescue Service Operational Statistics 2004/2005

31 October 2006 - Fire and Rescue Service Operational Statistics 2004/2005

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has recently published the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) Operational Statistics Bulletin, which covers operational statistics for the period 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005.

The bulletin contains the latest statistics relating to operational issues affecting Fire and Rescue Services in England and Wales only, of which, this bulletin is the third in the series.

Operational Activities

• The Fire and Rescue service attended over 910,000 incidents.
• The total incidents attended were made up of the following:
  • fires: 40 per cent
  • fire false alarms: 41 per cent
  • non fire incidents: 18 per cent

Equality and Diversity

• A gradual increase in the representation of women and minority ethnic staff over the last three years.
• As at 31 March 2005, women formed 2.5 per cent of the operational workforce in comparison with 2.4 per cent in 2003/04.
• Minority ethnic staff formed 2.7 per cent of all staff (uniformed and non-uniformed combined) compared with 2.5 per cent in 2003/04.

Health and Safety

• Sickness levels for wholetime fire-fighters and fire control staff improved slightly since the previous year.
• The number of staff retiring on grounds of ill health decreased over the last three years.
• The total number of injuries sustained by fire-fighters (wholetime and retained duty system) in 2004/05 decreased by 1,114 to 5,793 which is a drop of 16 per cent on the previous year.
• Five fatalities were reported (compared with one in 2003/04) which occurred whilst fighting fires.

The Fire and Rescue Service Operational Statistics for England and Wales, 2004/05 Bulletin and other fire statistical publications can be downloaded from the DCLG website by clicking the following link:

Fire statistics - Department for Communities and Local Government

30 October 2006 - Amicus launch Guide For Control of Silica Dust

30 October 2006 - Amicus launch Guide For Control of Silica Dust

In a bid to protect workers from the illnesses associated with Silica dust, Amicus have launched their "Guide for the control of Silica dust."

The guide was launched as part of the European Safety Week. Safety representatives were issued with the guide and a call to all employers within industries using Silica was made by Amicus to start negotiations for implementation of the Social Dialogue agreement, in order to remove risks and hazards associated with working with Silica.

An estimation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of approximately 90,000 employees within such industries as brick-making, quarries, mining and foundries are at risk from the hazards of Silica dust.

Bud Hudspith, Amicus Health and Safety Officer said:

"'Amicus wants employers to start negotiations with us to eliminate silica dust as a health hazard.

"Silicosis is a terrible condition and we will do all we can to minimise the risks to our members."

The new Guide, plus other information on Silica dust, can be accessed from the Amicus Webpage, specific to Silica, by clicking the following:

Amicus Webpage on Silica

Article by Alexandra Johnston

26 October 2006 - Waste Industry SHAD at Barnsley

26 October 2006 - Waste Industry SHAD at Barnsley

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are inviting people to take part in a special Safety and Health Awareness Day (SHAD), which is aimed at owners and senior/supervisory staff of small and medium sized businesses and the operational managers of larger companies.

The event will be held on Tuesday the 21st of November 2006 at The Elsecar Heritage Centre (Building 21) Wath Road Elsecar, Barnsley and will consist of a morning session and then repeated again in the afternoon.

Further information on what to expect from the event and a booking form can be found on the HSE website by clicking the following link: Safety and health awareness in the waste industry

The deadline for requests to attend is November 15th.

25 October 2006 - Survey Shows Poor Leisure Sector Health and Safety

25 October 2006 - Survey Shows Poor Leisure Sector Health and Safety

A new survey, conducted by AXA Insurance, claims employees in the leisure and hospitality sectors have poor levels of health and safety in their workplaces.

Figures for the survey were taken from 130 employees injured over the past five years, whilst working in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

The study findings were as follows:

• 57% of accidents occurred in the kitchen.
• 81% suffered cuts or burns.
• Shockingly, only half claimed to have received health and safety training.
• Although accidents in the kitchen were found to be the most common cause of an accident, 23% had slip or trip accidents.
• 7% had been injured by lifting heavy items.
• 9 employees developed repetitive strain injury from their working environment.

The survey also claimed that 66% of leisure sector employees were less likely to have time off to recover from injuries, whereas across all industries, the average time off was 52%.

Doug Barnett, risk strategy manager for AXA, said:

“Employees in the leisure industry need to be particularly aware of the hazards they face in the workplace and should be fully briefed on health and safety procedures.

"Good health and safety procedures are vital to the running of a successful business. Not only is there a legal requirement to meet minimum standards but these injuries can mean employees have to take time off work to recover and lead to compensation pay outs.

"In light of this, we are advising all employers, to assess the potential risks and dangers that the working environment may pose to their staff and take necessary action”.

Further information and guidance for the leisure industry can be accessed from the HSE website by clicking the following:

Health and safety in the entertainment and leisure industries

Article by Alexandra Johnston

25 October 2006 - TUC Report Dispelling Health and Safety Myths

25 October 2006 - TUC Report Dispelling Health and Safety Myths

A report has been published by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), in a bid to dispel the myths that health and safety has "gone mad".

The report has been published to coincide with the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2006, which runs from the 23rd to 27th October.

Recent media news items have highlighted the "health and safety gone mad" syndrome with such stories as the "bonkers conkers" and the "trapeze artists being forced to wear hard hats".

However, within the TUC's report, it is claimed there are fourteen false and exaggerated myths, such as the above.

Furthermore, the TUC highlight the importance of health and safety Regulations and claim these "myths" are undermining the safety role they play in the protection of people's wellbeing.

Within their report, the TUC provide examples of some of these "myths", claiming that safety Regulations are not bad, but that the "myths" be either untrue or misinterpretations of safety law. The report also claims, that some employers use health and safety as an excuse, in order to avoid extra costs, or avoid doing what they do not wish to do anyway.

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said:

"Some employers, and others, are using health and safety as an excuse for making stupid decisions, but health and safety regulation in the UK is not out of control.

"The UK today has sensible and practical health and safety laws and we have half as many as we did 35 years ago. But because too many employers are ignoring them and not taking proper care of their staff, two million people in the UK are suffering from ill-health as a result of their work."

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

TUC Report - Health and Safety Myths

Further information on this years' European Week for Safety and Health at Work can be accessed from the HSE Website by clicking the following:

HSE - Campaigns: Euroweek 2006

Article by Alexandra Johnston