Environment Agency appoints new Chief Executive

who's a lucky man or woman?

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/2149462

www.she.ltd.uk

Worker involvement

Health and safety at work is about protecting your employees and visitors from harm or illness. The best way to do this is to involve your employees. This website shows you how.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/index.htm

www.she.ltd.uk

Health and Safety Statistics

2007/2008

Statistics on work-related ill-health, injuries, dangerous occurrences, enforcement and gas safety.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm

www.she.ltd.uk

need IOSH training? look no further...

IOSH Managing Safely
We are running the IOSH Managing Health and Safety Course on the 26th - 29th November 2007 - conveniently located in Kettering. The syllabus is attachedA sample of competitors prices start from £527.00 to just under £1000.00 per person. Our price? - just £460.00 per person inclusive- a saving of between £76.00- £540.00!This price includes workbooks, pens, certification fees, examination fees, marking fees, lunch and tea / coffee etc. There are no hidden charges!!Why should you consider IOSH? IOSH is recognised as an industry standard. The benefits of undertaking this course are:
The course covers health & safety legislation
Evidence of passing this course can help to reduce insurance premiums
Quality training supports business brands
Support duty of care and due diligence towards customers and other employees
Improves employee commitment to learning
Value to employees that boosts morale and retention
IOSH qualifications can help you compete with bigger businesses.
Use the reassurance of accredited qualifications to help you win new contracts.
Provide your employees with training they value and remember in their everyday work.

Why should you consider us?
Health and Safety is explained in such an interesting and interactive manner that - yes, people do actually learn and enjoy doing it!
100 % Pass rate
Customers who have engaged us to deliver the IOSH Managing Safely include the Metropolitan Police and Morrisons Facilities Services PLC (London)
Hassle free course booking
No one gets to fall asleep in our training sessions (see Testimonials attached) - therefore you know your money is well spent!
A FREE Cd rom is included for each Delegate with examples of health and safety procedures, policies and risk assessments etc
The price is extremely cost effective
Convenient, easy to access training location in Kettering, Northants

Interested?
CONTACT US AT INFO@SHE.LTD.UK OR PHONE 08456 522049

Rail crash was 'tragic accident'

The Berkshire rail crash has been described as a "tragic accident" by the government after a report found no fault with rail equipment or staff. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said "we owe it to those who were involved" to find out what happened.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3998237.stm

source: BBC News

www.she.ltd.uk

Cameron blames health and safety culture for ‘broken society’

David Cameron claimed a “health and safety, Human Rights-Act culture” had emerged under Labour and was responsible for “treating people like children”. Read more: http://www.shponline.co.uk/article.asp?pagename=news&article_id=8051

SHE Article

www.she.ltd

National Stress Awareness Day 2008

HSE is supporting National Stress Awareness Day on 5th November 2008. 'Don’t Worry Take Action' This is the theme of this year's International Stress Management campaign. Successful organisations realise that the best action to take against stress at work is to use HSE’s Management Standards. In this simple approach, employers work together with employees and their representatives to bring about a reduction in levels of work-related stress.
HSE is launching a brand new stress website in February 2009, which will include all the latest information about the Management Standards plus an extra tool for Line Managers.

Read more at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/events/awareness051108.htm

source: HSE

www.she.ltd.uk

Myth Buster

Try out the asbestos myth buster at@ http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/myth-buster.htm

source: HSE
www.she.ltd.uk

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material since the 1950s. It is used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold), has good fire protection properties and protects against corrosion. Because asbestos is often mixed with another material, it's hard to know if you're working with it or not. But, if you work in a building built before the year 2000, it's likely that some parts of the building will contain asbestos. Read more at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/what-is-asbestos.htm

source: HSE

www.she.ltd.uk

HSE launches 'Asbestos: The Hidden Killer' campaign

Figures issued by the Health and Safety Executive today revealed that every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases, and this number is set to increase. Former tradesman and England and Arsenal footballing legend, Ian Wright, has given his support to help highlight the importance of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) "Asbestos:The Hidden Killer" campaign which is running throughout October and November and aims to reduce the rising death rate by educating today's tradesmen about the danger that asbestos presents to them. Read more: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2008/e08050.htm

source: HSE

www.she.ltd.uk

EU 'holds firm' on climate goals

EU leaders will maintain their targets and timetable for tackling climate change, despite objections from some nations, the French president has said. At a summit in Brussels, Nicolas Sarkozy said "solutions" would be found for those that had expressed concerns.
Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7673684.stm

source BBC
www.she.ltd.uk

UK business has saved £1 billion in energy costs

The Carbon Trust has helped UK businesses save £1 billion in energy costs and cut carbon emissions by 17 million tonnes since its inception in 2001. Businesses working with the Carbon Trust cut their carbon footprint by approximately two million tonnes last year - an increase of around half a million tonnes compared to the previous year. An important part of this milestone has been the Carbon Trust’s support for smaller businesses. In 2007/08, the organisation provided £40 million of support to small and medium sized businesses. Since 2005, the Carbon Trust has helped these businesses to save almost one million tonnes of carbon and implement more than £100 million of direct cost savings. The Carbon Trust is also playing an important role in helping the UK hit its renewable energy targets. The organisation’s work in financing low carbon enterprises and developing low carbon technology is expected to deliver carbon savings of between 16.2 – 23.3 million tonnes of carbon over the next few decades. The Carbon Trust, an independent company set up by government to drive the low carbon economy in the UK, is also expanding its work internationally. The organisation has been approached by a wide range of countries keen to harness its expertise in the low carbon sector. It is currently working on partnerships in China and the US to share its experience in carbon footprinting and low carbon technology innovation.Dr Neil Bentley, Director of Business Environment at the CBI, said: ‘The Carbon Trust provides important practical advice to businesses of all sizes looking to lower their carbon emissions. The carbon and cost savings achieved by the companies the Trust has worked with demonstrate that environmental efficiency can also equate to financial efficiency in today's global marketplace. To succeed in creating a low-carbon Britain, we need to build on this work and the CBI will continue to work closely with the Carbon Trust over the coming year to help that happen’Tom Delay, Chief Executive, of the Carbon Trust said: ‘We fundamentally believe that a move to a low carbon world represents a vast commercial opportunity for businesses. In the short-term, with energy prices continuing to rise, the need for business to become ‘carbon literate’ is ever greater. ‘Going forward, the companies that prepare now for the move to a low carbon economy will be the ones best placed to realise the vast commercial opportunities that a low carbon world will bring. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and look forward to continuing to help businesses in the UK and further afield understand the business risks - and embrace the business opportunities - presented by climate change.’ For more information on the Carbon Trust call the Advice Line on 0800 085 2005 or see:
Carbon Trust

source Environment Agency

www.she.ltd.uk

Profit from a good environment

In September the EA released a revised version of Best Farming Practices, a free booklet giving farmers simple, practical ideas to help them profit from a good environment.
Working with advisors and key stakeholder organisations the EA revised the original 2001 version of the booklet.
Now farmers can choose from 250 ways to benefit their farm while protecting soils, water and wildlife. Fifteen real-life case studies demonstrate that what’s good for the environment makes good business sense for the farmer too.

Topics covered include effective management of soil, manures, crops and livestock to minimise adverse environmental impacts as well as using water wisely and reducing erosion. It also shows how farmers can adapt to climate change, protecting their own land and livelihoods, and reducing damage from floods and reliance on climate changing fossil fuels.

For your free copy call 08708 506 506 or download a copy at: Best Farming Practices

source Environment Agency

www.she.ltd.uk

Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 receives Royal Assent

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) welcomes the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 which received Royal Assent yesterday (16 October 2008).

Welcoming the announcement, HSE Chair Judith Hackitt said: "The new Act sends out an important message to those who flout the law. However, good employers and good managers have nothing to fear. In fact, they have much to gain. "I want to remind businesses that there are no changes to their existing legal duties and that important safeguards are in place to ensure these new powers will be used sensibly and proportionately."Our enforcement policy targets those who cut corners, gain commercial advantage over competitors by failing to comply with health and safety law and who put workers and the public at risk."

United Kingdom Parliament - Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 receives Royal Assent

source HSE

www.she.ltd.uk

Food and drink manufacture

HSE's information

Up to 150 000 jobs become available each year in food processing and manufacturing activities. The majority of these jobs are thought to be filled by workers from overseas. In recent years, and in particular since 2004, many of these jobs have been filled by citizens from the new EU Member States.

As a result, there has been a significant increase in workers from Eastern European and Baltic States including, in particular, Poland, the Ukraine, the Czech and Slovak republics, Latvia, Lithuania and more recently Bulgaria and Romania.

Overseas workers are now an essential part of the UK economy and of more localised rural economies and many businesses are reliant on them to survive.

There are significant numbers of overseas workers in most of the 30 food and drink manufacturing sectors in the industry which include meat and fish processing, dairies, bakeries, fruit and vegetable processing, confectionery manufacture, chilled and frozen products and drink manufacture.

The largest proportion of injuries (over 50%) to food manufacture workers result from manual handling of heavy or awkward loads, from slips on wet or food-contaminated floors or trips over items on the floor. Other severe injuries can be caused by falls from height, machinery or workplace transport such as lift trucks or lorries.

In addition, a significant number of food manufacture workers suffer occupational ill-health, in particular, musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive work (eg at conveyors), occupational dermatitis, occupational asthma (eg from flour dust) and noise-induced hearing loss.

Employing workers from overseas in food manufacture
Further information and guidance on health and safety in food and drink manufacture

www.she.ltd.uk

Asbestos - the hidden killer

The HSE's National campaign is starting October 2008 to target tradesmen at risk from asbestos exposure.

During October and November 2008 HSE in partnership with key stakeholders will be running a national campaign to target tradesmen (primarily plumbers, electricians, joiners as well as other tradesmen) who are still at risk from exposure to asbestos. The campaign will build on the success of the previous pilot campaign in the North West. The primary aim of the campaign is to raise awareness amongst tradesmen that they are more at risk than they think from asbestos. The campaign also aims to encourage tradesmen to find out more about asbestos and the precautions they should be taking.

The campaign comprises:
National radio adverts.
Adverts in national press
Distribution of campaign material to plumbers, electricians, joiners and other tradesmen
Case studies being developed nationally
PR activity, including the use of case studies.
Articles in trade press magazines.

The campaign launches 13 October when this webpage will be replaced by a campaign website. Visit the HSE's website again for regular news and updates.

Visit the HSE Asbestos website

www.she.ltd.uk

Green Chemistry

What is Green Chemistry?

Green chemistry is a set of 12 principles aimed at reducing and eliminating the use and generation of hazardous materials.

This can also encompass the reduction and elimination of resources, thereby including the concepts of resource efficiency and sustainability. At Envirowise, the focus of Green Chemistry is on industrial applications, so as well as designing out waste through more efficient processes, the principles incorporate the search for less hazardous alternatives.

This is also a theme of relevance to REACH and the Defra-led Working Group on Substitution who organised the recent conference 'Successful Substitution beyond REACH' . At the International level, ChemSec (a non-profit organisation created by environmental organisations) organised a conference in Brussels on similar themes and launched a substitution list, REACH SIN (SIN = "substitute it now").Find out more about Green Chemistry by attending one of our Envirowise events, shownat the bottom of this newsletter.

document by envirowise... for more information go to http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/GG679

www.she.ltd

Safe Environment October 08

Safe Environment
October 2008


In this issue
Banned due to safety
Save electricity
New safety legislation
Lone working
Win a first aid kit
Free download
About us

Banned due to Health and Safety?
The following are banned due to health and safety reasons (allegedly): The Mail reported an organ grinder and his toy monkey were 'banned' from busking for health and safety reasons due to no risk assessment. A Lifeboat is banned by health and safety... three hours after saving drowning schoolgirl (The Mail - again) due to fears about the safety of the hull. The Telegraph reported that graveside flowerpots are banned from churchyard for health and safety reasons (The Telegraph), apparently the terra cotta pots or glass jars could fragment and injure gardeners, leading to the parish being sued. If you want a sensible approach to health and safety contact us at www.she.ltd.uk.

Save electricity with Spike Milligan
This video clip originated in the 70's however it is still true today... Follow the link to the YouTube clip.

New legislation
Changes from the HSE from the 1st October 2008The 2nd Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP) to the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD). The 2nd ATP adjusts the ‘rules’ for classifying and labelling preparations (mixtures) of chemicals based on the classification of the constituent substances and their concentrations in the preparation. It was due to enter into legal effect in EU Member States on 1 March 2007. For technical reasons we were unable to meet this deadline. HSE have recently completed a public consultation on proposals to implement the Directive through amendments to the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002. It is expected that the new regulations will come into force on 1 October 2008. For more information go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/sectiona.htm. If you need help interpreting safety or environmental legislation contact us.

Win a personal first aid kit
We have three one person first aid kits to win! These kits are ideal for the car, camping, lone workers or even sole traders! To have a chance of entering our competition please click here on freedraw.

Lone workers
There is no law which says that people cannot work on their own, however the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a duty on the employer to ensure that all work activities are carried out safely. I am a lone worker. What should I expect from my employer? A risk assessment is required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999, which will look closely at how the job is done and identify the work hazards, assess the risks involved and ensure that adequate measures are put in place to avoid the person carrying out the work being harmed. Once risks have been addressed, a safe working procedure should be developed. This should contain as much relevant information as possible, both for the worker and their supervisors.What would a safe working procedure include? Checks should be carried out, for example, by regular visits of a supervisor, another employee or other designated person; or a system by which workers are required to check in at regular intervals. Where personal checks are used the duration between checks should be based on the estimated hazard of the job. Periodic telephone contact may be adequate for low risk working alone situations.Where can I find out more? "Working Alone Safely, Controlling the risks of solitary work" INDG 73(rev) 03/98 is other information can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk or if you need help with lone worker safety contact us.

Free download
Download a free copy of a lone worker assessment just sign up to our free pages

About us
Check out who she are; just follow the link to our profile page.

For further information and advice contact us at info@she.ltd.uk /phone 0845 6522049 or visit our website at www.she.ltd.uk

Ladder Association New Publication "LadderBook"

The Ladder Association has published the "LadderBook" a 12 page best practice guide to the safe use of ladders and stepladders. Containing a foreword by Eddie Bailey, Health & Safety Executive programme manager for Falls from height, and an interview with Geoffrey Podger, chief executive of the HSE, it contains a wealth of information about an invaluable piece of workplace equipment.To download your free copy please click here LadderBook - June 08.pdf alternatively to obtain your free hard copy please email freecopy@ladderassociation.org.uk giving your name, company details and address.

go to the website for more details

http://ladderassociation.org.uk/public/home.jsp

www.she.ltd.uk

CIEH Level 2 Award in Manual Handling - Principles and Practice

Split into two sections learners will not only understand the risks associated with manual handling but also will be taught how to apply these principles to a range of practical everyday manual handling tasks. Learn more here.

www.she.ltd.uk

Managing violence in licensed and retail premises

The HSE have updated there website to highlight managing violence in licensed and retail premises

http://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/toolkit/index.htm

www.she.ltd.uk

REACH

£250 +VAT for pre registration of substances under REACH

http://www.hse.gov.uk/reach/index.htm

contact us for more details

safety health and environmental services - she ltd
Tel. 08456 522049
www.she.ltd.uk

New legislation from the HSE

Changes due to commence on 1 October 2008
The 2nd Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP) to the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD).
The 2nd ATP adjusts the ‘rules’ for classifying and labelling preparations (mixtures) of chemicals based on the classification of the constituent substances and their concentrations in the preparation. It was due to enter into legal effect in EU Member States on 1 March 2007. For technical reasons we were unable to meet this deadline. HSE have recently completed a public consultation on proposals to implement the Directive through amendments to the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002. It is expected that the new regulations will come into force on 1 October 2008.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/sectiona.htm

www.she.ltd.uk