- November 2, 2016
- Posted by: Laura
- Categories:
The ADIA’s main aim is to produce a safe environment for automatic door workers and users. This does not always necessarily mean by taking the BS EN16005. Although the BS EN16005 is part of the Machine Directive, which needs to be followed as a legal requirement, there are other important health and safety checks and training that need to be carried out. These may not always seem obvious, as you may feel that they don’t always concern you or your company’s work. However, there may always be the chance that this could change depending on the job at hand.
Below is some information sent via HSE which we thought would be beneficial for you to look over and consider when putting your staff through training. We have selected some items from the email that may be most relevant to you.
Please also remember, the ADIA receive discounts for Health and Safety training via Human Focus. If you require this, please log into the member’s area and see courses for more information.
SAFER SITES TARGETED INSPECTIONS
In a street near you
HSE construction inspectors are carrying out unannounced visits to sites where refurbishment projects or repair works are underway.
This year the Initiative began on 3 October 2016 and will end early November 2016.
Inspectors will be out and about ensuring high-risk activities, particularly those affecting the health of workers, are being properly managed.
These include
- risks to health from exposure to dust such as silica are being controlled
- workers are aware of where they may find asbestos, and what to do if they find it
- other health risks, such as exposure to noise and vibration, manual handling and hazardous substances are being properly managed
- jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions, such as proper support of structures, are in place
- equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
- sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls, walkways and stairs are free from obstructions and welfare facilities are adequate
Where serious breaches of legislation are found then immediate enforcement action will be taken, but Inspectors will also be taking steps to secure a positive change in behaviour to ensure on-going compliance.
Health and safety breaches with clients and designers will also be followed up to reinforce their duties under CDM 2015 and to ensure that all dutyholders with on site health and safety responsibilities understand and fulfil these.
Take a look at the SaferSites Facebook page to see examples of what inspectors find on site – better still, like and share it with your colleagues!
REDUCING EXPOSURES TO SILICA IN CONSTRUCTION
Research has shown that just cutting two valley roof tiles in-situ in each daily shift (about fifteen minutes of work in eight hours) resulted in the operator being exposed to levels above the occupational exposure limit for respiratory crystalline silica (RCS). Colleagues working close by were also placed at risk. The research findings led to a change in working practices in the construction sector.
Read the case study to find out what this means for you
To receive other updates like this, please subscribe to HSL’s eBulletin on Exposure Assessment and Control.
RECENT ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY
A round up of some recent HSE prosecutions and enforcement action in the construction sector and links to relevant advice.
FRAGILE ROOFS
Employer jailed for killing teen who fell from a ladder
The tragic consequences of cutting corners on cost when working at height – In this case a seventeen year old who fell to his death when working from a ladder. Read the full police press release
05/10/16: Worker suffers severe injuries in roof fall
Further information:
- Free leaflet – Fragile roofs
- Busy Builder leaflet –Fragile roofs: What you need to know as a busy builder, contractor or maintenance worker
- Busy Builder leaflet – Fragile roofs: What you need to know as a building owner, user or managing agent
WORKING AT HEIGHT
06/10/16: Building contractor prosecuted following worker’s fall
07/10/16: Council fined after employee was injured from fall
Further information:
- Busy Builder leaflet – Construction Phase Plan
- Construction Safety Topic – Assessing all work at height
- Construction Safety Topic – Working at height
- Construction Safety Topic – Using ladders safely
LIFTING OPERATIONS
05/10/16: Worker injured after being struck by concrete skip
13/10/16: Building contractor in court after worker killed by falling load
Further information:
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Construction Safety Topic – Lifting operations
ASBESTOS
03/10/16: Bolton night club owner fined over asbestos exposure
Further information
OVERHEAD POWER LINES
24/10/16: Farming and drilling contractors fined after mast strikes power line
Further information
- Construction Safety Topic – Overhead power lines
MEWPS
24/10/16: Worker seriously injured in mobile platform fall
Further information
- Construction Safety Topic – MEWPS
NEWS & PUBLICATIONS
HSE
Comment on our proposed changes to risk assessment guidance
Take our survey about our ‘Regulation and enforcement’ web pages – share your views
Industry
- APS Statement – CDM2015: One year on
HEALTH AND SAFETY EVENTS
WWT events
Improve the health and safety of your business by attending a health and safety event near you. Most of the Working Well Together (WWT) events we list are FREE and all provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people, see interesting new equipment and get confidential advice.
9 November 2016 – Guilty or Not Guilty – The verdict is your decision, Kidderminster
15 November 2016 – Work at height/Scaffolding SHAD, Cardiff
18 November 2016 – Service Strike Mock Trial – Guilty or Not Guilty? What’s your verdict? , Leeds
24 November 2016 – Construction Occupational Health Awareness Event, Nottingham
24 November 2016 – Back to Basics – Prevention and Innovation, Tamworth
Find your nearest WWT Group and get involved.