Safety Matters June 2023
The H&S Dept
Outdoor events – don’t forget about safety this summer
Summer is finally here and temperatures are soaring across the UK. While many of us will be relaxing in the sun, there’s no rest for the HSE inspectors. They’ll be spending the summer carrying out over 100 inspections of fairground rides, following a string of recent incidents in which riders have been injured.
The inspections will focus on five rides commonly found in travelling fairs and theme parks. Inspectors will check that these are safe for passengers and workers, and make sure that they are being properly maintained.
Fairground rides aren’t the only outdoor activity that can prove dangerous. In another recent incident, a nine-year-old boy was hospitalised after a Zorb ball was caught by a gust of wind. The boy was carried to a great height before landing on a patch of grass, sustaining serious injuries as he fell.
While your workplace gatherings are unlikely to involve fairground rides or Zorb balls, these incidents are a reminder of the importance of health and safety in outdoor settings. If you’re holding a summer event, such as a fair or carnival, remember to carry out a full risk assessment beforehand. If you’re unsure about anything, give us a call.
Sun safety for outdoor workers
Wimbledon starts on 3rd July and, if forecasts are correct, it’s going to be a hot one. Regular viewers will be used to the sight of players being shaded between sets, and drinking plenty of liquid during the game. These are vital precautions for elite athletes, but they’re just as important for everyone else.
If you employ outdoor workers, it’s important to limit their exposure to the sun. As well as the long term danger of skin cancer, there are also more immediate risks such as dehydration and heat stroke.
In order to keep your employees safe, make sure that they apply sunscreen regularly, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Workers should wear a shirt at all times and, if possible, a hat with a brim. You could also consider reviewing your schedules so that outdoor activities don’t coincide with the hottest parts of the day.
A quick guide to portable appliance testing
Portable appliance testing (PAT) may be one of those phrases that strikes fear into the hearts of employers. The rules are often confusing, and this isn’t helped by several persistent myths. Luckily, we can help. Here’s our guide to the law, and what you can do to make PAT as stress-free as possible.
What is PAT?
PAT is the regular examination of electrical devices to ensure safety. While most defects are visible to the naked eye, some are less obvious. That’s why it’s essential to test electrical devices as well as inspecting them visually.
Is PAT compulsory?
PAT is not a legal requirement, but it can help you to fulfil other obligations. The law requires employers to maintain all electrical equipment in a state that is safe to use. Regular PAT is the easiest way to do this as it allows you to spot defects before they become dangerous.
How often do I have to carry out PAT?
You may have been told that you have to carry out PAT at least once a year. This is not true, but an annual check-up is a good rule of thumb for most equipment.
Some devices may require more frequent testing. This is especially true for equipment that is used frequently or moved around the workplace. Floor cleaners and kettles are good examples.
What records do I need to keep?
There is no legal requirement to keep PAT records of any kind. However, making notes or labelling equipment after testing can help you to keep track of the process, and to avoid unnecessary repeat inspections.
Can I perform PAT myself?
Anyone can perform PAT as long as they are competent to do so. In most cases, you and your employees will be more than capable. However, if you are inspecting or testing a more complex piece of equipment, it might be better to ask someone with the relevant expertise.
Should I test new equipment?
While it’s always a good idea to make sure new equipment isn’t broken, there’s no need to perform rigorous testing. Electrical equipment has to meet strict standards in the UK, so new devices will have already been tested by the manufacturer.
Is there anything else I need to know?
PAT has tripped up many an employer, so there’s no shame in asking for help. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Are you powering down your machinery safely?
There are few areas in which safety is more important than the operation of heavy machinery. A single mistake can result in a serious or fatal injury, so regulations in this area are understandably strict.
Knowing the correct way to operate a machine is vital, but so is knowing how to turn it off. Powering down a piece of machinery can be just as dangerous as running it, as a recent incident showed.
A bedding manufacturer was fined £80,000 after an employee suffered life-changing injuries to his left hand. The employee had powered down the machine in order to fix a fault, but was unaware that parts of it were still moving. These parts came into contact with his hand, causing him to lose three of his fingers.
The HSE investigation found that the company had failed to prevent access to the machine’s moving parts, and did not have a proper powering down procedure in place. They had also failed to provide sufficient training, monitoring and supervision of employees using the machine.
If you work with heavy machinery, it’s crucial to have proper powering down procedures in place. Make sure that your employees are trained in the safest way to turn off each machine, and put up signage to remind them of the process. You should also monitor machinery closely to make sure that these guidelines are being followed. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Accreditation of the month – SMAS
Along with CHAS and SafeContractor, SMAS is one of the “big three” accreditations under the SSIP (Safety Systems in Procurement) scheme. It allows contractors to streamline the tender process by demonstrating their health and safety credentials in advance. It’s a popular choice, with a database of over 22,000 members across industries as diverse as construction, education and social care.
An SMAS accreditation can be extremely valuable. Accredited contractors are seen as more trustworthy, making it much easier for them to find work. They are also allowed to bid on prestigious jobs that would otherwise be unavailable.
With so much at stake, it’s not surprising that the application process can be tough. You’ll need to provide a range of documents, including risk assessments, insurance information and maintenance records. This can be time consuming, and a single mistake can lead to your application being rejected. Don’t worry though, we can help.
We have years of experience in applying for SSIP accreditations like SMAS. We’ll take care of everything, from filling in the application to finding and sending the necessary documents. It will leave you in a great position to win new, valuable work. Give us a call to find out more.
