Showing posts with label safe environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safe environment. Show all posts

Saturday, 20 March 2010

safe environment March 10 newsletter

In this issue

First Aid training

Fire training

Enforcement regulations

Tower cranes

Eco street

Chemical data sheets

Free online risk assessments

Environmental tip of the month

http://www.she.ltd.uk/newsletters/03.10-newsletter.htm

Friday, 18 December 2009

safe environment newsletter December 09

In this issue


Snow
Christmas safety
Twitter
Contact details

Welcome
Welcome to December’s safe environment newsletter. Will it be Joe from the X Factor or Rage Against the Machine for No.1 at Christmas? Are you with the family or on your own? Do you think Christmas is great or is it Bah Humbug? Here are some Christmas safety tips.

We at she hope you have a great and “safe” Christmas. We look forward to speaking to you in the New Year!

Snow and Winter
Here are some tips on how to prevent slips, trips and falls in the snow and winter weather. Always plan ahead; give yourself sufficient time and plan your route. Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support. Walk in salted walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous. Look ahead when you walk; a walkway completely covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction. When given no choice but to walk on ice, consider the following:

· Wear the proper foot wear.

· Take small steps to keep your centre of balance under you.

· Take short steps or shuffle for stability

· Walking slowly and never running on icy ground.

· Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets.

· Use handrails where provided.

· Keep your eyes on where you are going.

· Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them.

· Step - Don't jump from vehicles and equipment.

· Keep walkways clear of debris, water, ice and slippery materials.

· Be prepared to fall.

· Finally, when entering buildings, remove snow and water from footwear to prevent creating wet slippery conditions indoors.


Christmas safety General Christmas safety tips
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and if someone touches a branch they could get electrocuted. Before using lights outside, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or non-leaded metals. In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Make sure artificial trees are fire resistant and keep real trees away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Never overload electrical sockets and always switch off Christmas lights and unplug them before going to bed.



Celebrate safely: People Parties and Fire Safety
When you have people round for a party or some other occasion, think ahead. If you have guests staying the night, make sure they know how to escape safely. Let guests know of any features they may not be familiar with - for example, how to open the front door. Tell guests where the door keys are. Take particular care of elderly people, children and people with disabilities. If there are smokers put out enough ashtrays, so ash or butts don't get dropped in places like waste paper bins.

If there's a fire ...

Tell everyone in your home.

Get everyone out.

Call 999.

DON'T go back in.

Christmas Safety Tips from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust

For most of us Christmas is a time to relax and have fun, although it can also be frantically busy and more than a little stressful. Many of us will be out and about more than usual for that essential Christmas shopping and to festive parties and other social events and the last thing we need is to become a victim of crime. To help avoid this, consider some of the following advice:


Christmas Shopping
The nearer it gets to the 25th, the busier the shops become and the more fraught you are likely to be. Try to remember:

· Don’t get loaded down with too many bags. Try to keep one hand free.

· Try and avoid taking young children into busy shopping areas but if it is unavoidable make sure they know what to do if they lose you, e.g. Tell the nearest counter assistant that they are lost and NEVER leave a shop without you.

· Agree a meeting point with older children in case you get separated.

· Be careful where you park your car, especially if you will be returning to it after dark.

· If parking in a multi-storey car park, choose a well-lit space as close to the exit as possible and away from pillars. Reverse into position.

· Keep car doors locked whilst driving in built up areas, especially if you’ve got bags of presents in the car.

· Don’t leave lots of presents on show in a parked car as they could tempt thieves.

· Keep alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy shops and crowded streets where thieves and pickpockets may well be operating.

· If you think you spot a thief or pickpocket alert the police or security staff. Avoid a confrontation whenever possible

· Keep a close watch on your valuables and try not to keep them all in one place.



Christmas Parties

Most of us like a drink or two at a party but remember that alcohol will make you more relaxed and could affect your judgment – don’t let it endanger your personal safety.



· The most common date rape drug is alcohol, with victims being given drinks with a far higher alcohol content than they think.

· Watch your drinks and food to ensure that nothing is added to them.

· Be especially careful never to leave your drink unattended, even if you are going onto a dance floor or to the toilet.

· If your drink has been left unattended, do not drink any more of it.

· If something tastes or looks odd, do not eat/drink any more of it. Be aware though that some date rape drugs are colourless and tasteless.

· If someone you do not know or trust offers to buy you a drink, either decline politely or accompany them to the bar and watch that nothing is added to your drink.

· Know your own limit.

· If you meet someone new at a party DON’T go home with them. DON’T invite them back to your home or accept a lift from them. Arrange a second date in a public place to get to know the person better.

· Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, there may be a reason – don’t give them personal details about yourself and don’t arrange a second date.

· When it’s time to go home, carry your keys, travel card, mobile phone and some money in your pocket, so you can give up your handbag or wallet and escape quickly if necessary on the way home.

· If possible carry a personal alarm and know how to use it to shock and disorientate an assailant so that you can get away.



Christmas Transport

The party’s over and you need to get home. You are likely to be tired and slightly the worse for wear so you need to be careful.

· The ideal plan is to book your cab in advance or, if you have the number of a licensed cab company with you, call from the party and arrange for them to pick you up right outside the venue. Alternatively, ask your host or staff at the club/bar/restaurant to recommend one.

· Never accept a lift from a minicab touting for trade. You have no guarantee that the driver is a mini cab driver at all.

· If necessary walk to the nearest minicab office – keeping to well-lit streets and walking against the traffic and in sight of other people whenever possible.

· Always sit in the back of a cab and if you get chatting to the driver do not give away personal details. If you feel uneasy with the driver, ask him to stop at a busy familiar place and get out.

· If using public transport, have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so that your wallet is out of sight.

· Always wait for the bus or train in a well-lit place near other people if possible and try and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or station.

· Take note of where the emergency alarms are and try and sit near them – there are alarms on every bus, in every train carriage and on every platform.

· If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck as near as possible to the driver.

· On trains avoid empty compartments or compartments that have no access to corridors or other parts of the train. If you feel threatened on any public transport press the alarm and/or make as much noise as possible to attract attention of your fellow passengers or the driver or guard.

Click here to learn more.



Twitter

We are now tweeting on twitter. If you want to follow us click on http://twitter.com/sheltd.



Free online risk assessments

We have created a new online risk assessment blog. From this blog we will be able to put updates and ask for opinions on how the online risk assessment site is working. Follow the link to find out more http://online-risk-assessment.blogspot.com/. The online risk assessment site can be accessed via the following link: http://www.qservices.co.uk/she/

Tuesday, 1 December 2009

Cameron says health and safety rules 'over the top'

Conservative leader David Cameron has called for an end to the UK's "over-the-top" health and safety culture.

In a speech, he said this had created a "stultifying blanket of bureaucracy, suspicion and fear".

In recent years, he added, children had been told to wear goggles to play conkers and trainee hairdressers had been banned from using scissors.

Read more from the BBC report at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8388025.stm


safety health environment she ltd

www.she.ltd.uk

Friday, 26 June 2009

safe environment June 09

PAT TESTING/ FREE RISK ASSESSMENTS/ ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT HELP/ SAFETY ADVICE

In this issue
facelift
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
FREE DSE assessment
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) what you need to know
myth
climate change
environmental tip of the month


HSE facelift
The Health and Safety Executive have updated their website. A fresh face and a new look. Why not have a look, follow the link. Its mission statement on is "Our job is to prevent death, injury and ill-health to those at work and those affected by work activities."

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessments
DSE: display screen equipment means any alphanumeric or graphic display screen. Work Stations are any assembly including the screen, keyboard, other parts of the computer and its accessories, the desk, chair and the immediate work environment. The main risks that may arise in work with DSE are from Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain or upper limb disorders ; Visual fatigue; and Mental stress. The risks to individual users are low but can be significant if good practice is not followed.
.
The computer user is at risk. This is an individual who is defined as a display screen user or operator. Risk is dependent on the nature and extent of their use of the equipment. The likelihood of risk factors associated with DSE use is related to the frequency, duration, intensity and pace of spells of continuous use. DSE users are classified as those who: use DSE daily and who use DSE continuous, have to transfer information quickly , high levels of attention and concentration on the Display Screen Equipment, and there work is dependent on DSE use (individuals who have little choice about using it).

Problems will be avoided by ensuring good workplace design, so that individuals can work comfortably, and by ensuring good working practices (like taking frequent short breaks from the VDU).

The employer is responsible to assess work station requirements, assess the work being done, assess the special needs of individuals, ensure workstations meet minimum requirements, plan work, provide information and arrange eye tests for those defined as users.

Short frequent breaks from DSE use (changes in activity) are required to be planned into the work. These short breaks are non-DSE tasks, tasks away from the computer. These tasks need to be planned into the daily routine. Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from the screen, e.g. to do filing or photocopying. Make use of them. Frequent short breaks are better than fewer long ones. It's all about good posture. Don’t sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation).

Why not try our NEW risk assessment web page and as it is in its test stage the Display Screen Equipment assessment is FREE

PAT Portable Appliance Testing
The law states that electrical equipment is required to be properly maintained so as to prevent danger. Inspections and tests are necessary. Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. A system for the inspection and testing of portable appliances has to be established. It is not as simple as getting in someone in once a year to stick a green and white label on a piece of equipment. Did you know that most electrical equipment in offices does not need testing for 24 months at a time*. *Class II IT equipment. In some cases a formal visual inspection is enough. A word of caution when choosing a PAT tester ensure the individual is competent.

WE CAN PROVIDE PAT TESTING. We are currently offering portable appliance testing with our health and safety packages to those smaller firms who cannot afford to bring in a dedicated PAT tester.

HSE's myth of the month
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight a health and safety myth every month. Apparently you can't wear flip flops...During the summer, many of us think about wearing sandals or flip-flops to work to help us stay cool. Despite recent reports to the contrary, health and safety law doesn’t ban them. However... To download the poster follow the link.


Climate change
The UK Climate Projections have been created to help the UK to plan for a changing climate. The Projections contain information on observed and future climate change, based on the latest scientific understanding.

This website will tell you more about the UK Climate Projections, including:

* what they tell us about the future climate of the UK, including maps;
* how they can be used;
* why they are important for the UK; and
how they fit into the wider climate change picture.

For more information follow the link.

Environmental tip of the month
If you spend a lot on paper try a thinner paper, or try printing on both sides, or use scrap paper as a note pad.

For further guaranteed friendly and professional advice on safety health and environmental issues contact us at info@she.ltd,uk or phone 08456 522049 or visit our website at www.she.ltd.uk.

Thursday, 26 March 2009

safe environment

In this issue
stress - tips on how to reduce it
poor advice and warning to business
exhibition
natural england
environmental tip of the month

Stress
If only reducing stress was as simple as popping bubble wrap, or spotting it as easy as studying someone's doodles or handwriting. However, there are effective ways to spot and reduce stress in the workplace.The HSE's website helps employees, HR staff and Board Directors discover effective, lasting answers to workplace stress - a problem that costs organisations with 500 employees around 250 working days a year. How many days are lost in your company? For more information follow the link to the HSE's website.

Poor Advice
A quarry owner and its safety consultant have been fined for failing to carry out a suitable risk assessment to protect employees working with hazardous substances. Read the full SHP article here link.

Warning!!
This is a warning to all Companies. Ensure your Environmental/ Quality/ Health and Safety Standards are accredited by UKAS. If they are not they may be of poor quality. The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators. Check out UKAS by following the link.

Exhibition
We are exhibiting again... Come and meet us at the Showcase Market & Sell "Combat the recession and find new markets….." on Monday the 30th March 2009 at the Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering Northants, NN15 6PB. Exhibition registration for this event begins at 9:00am. We look forward to seeing you there ;-).

Environmental - Natural England
Natural England is an independent public body whose purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings. There broad aim is to create a better natural environment that covers all of urban, country and coastal landscapes, along with all of the animals, plants and other organisms that live with us. Natural England provide a wide range of information for owners and occupiers of Sites of Special Scientific Interest to assist in the conservation and enhancement of these nationally important sites. For more information follow the link.

Environmental tip of the month
Make a point of switching off your computer screen each time you leave your desk, especially for longer periods such as your lunchbreak. A computer in "screensaver" mode uses almost as much energy as it does when it's being used. Even the most profound/ or profane scrolling message doesn't add much to office life!

For further guaranteed friendly and professional advice on safety health and environmental issues contact us at info@she.ltd.uk or phone 0845 522049 or visit our website at www.she.ltd.uk.