Tim’s Top Tips on Health & Safety
Smoking Ban
As you may be aware, legislation comes into force on the 1 July 2007, which makes it illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces, and public and company vehicles.
The new smokefree law is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second hand smoke. We do not wish to create a culture where smokers are alienated and feel that they should hide around the corner to smoke; however, we need to fully consider the ill health effects that smoking has on non-smokers.
Company vehicles will need to display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. These will be issued in due course.
Those with privately owned vehicles used during the course of employment with us are strictly prohibited from smoking within the vehicle during the course of the working day.
It is the company’s responsibility to ensure full compliance with the smokefree legislation and as such, designated smoking areas will be introduced at the company offices and on each individual project where possible; these areas will be identified with the appropriate signage.
Working your way up!
The HSE are working on a new campaign which focuses on ladders in the workplace. This has been prompted by the fact that last year 13 people died from falls from ladders and over 1200 suffered major injuries, such as broken bones. The campaign aims to promote the safe use of ladders at work, not banning them.
When can you use a ladder?
The HSE are keen to point out that ladders are not banned. However, the law now states that you can only use one if the risk is low and the use of alternative equipment would not be justified. e.g. tower scaffolds, podiums, cherry pickers etc.
So what is Low-Risk? The HSE won’t give advice on what work is low-risk and therefore when you can use a ladder. The truth is that the HSE won’t say when it’s OK to use a ladder because it’s far more complicated than the can give guidance on. In fact, inspectors will have their own perception of what is acceptable use and what isn’t. So, in the end it all comes down to common sense. Carry out a risk assessment and if you have to use a ladder, then use it safely.
Best practice
Tip 1
Ensure that you have carried out a first use inspection. Start at the feet and work your way up (and back down again for step ladders). You should be looking for any faults and ensuring that all locking devices are fully functional.
Tip 2
Utilise ladder stability devices, or anti-slip measures (rubber feet) and secure the ladder at the top, where practicable.
Tip 3
Use tool belts and ropes for tools so you can climb up and down without carrying equipment.
Remember, don’t fall for unsafe working practices!
