Category: Health and Safety

“…a process by which information about the environment effects of a project is collected both by the developer and from other sources, and taken into account by the planning authority in forming their judgments on whether the development should go ahead.” A majority of large scale building and infrastructure projects require the completion of an […]

The HSE’s scientific report for 2024 has just been published and this gives an interesting insight into the role of new IT developments and forensic science being used to support the work of the HSE and there investigators. With a range of case studies showing the role of these in a number of prosecutions but […]

The HSE model within HSG48 Human factors in safety gives three factors which may impact on human behaviour. These could contribute to mistakes, violations and accidents or equally reduce the likelihood of human failure resulting in an injury or accident. Organisational factors such as the quality of the H&S leadership, having a proactive H&S approach […]

To ensure welds and other materials are free from internal and external damage, a range of non destructive tests can be carried out. Some highlighting external imperfections others using Xray’s and Gamma Rays to look deep into the material structure. The HSE has flagged a few cases recently where the testing which has been undertaken […]

Health surveillance Essentially, a health surveillance programme is a series of ongoing checks on employees to establish a baseline and ensure that their work is not adversely affecting them. Health surveillance aims to provide early identification of potential ill health. The data collated enables employers to implement better controls to prevent the development or exacerbation […]

What is a H&S audit? According to ISO 45001:2018, “an audit is a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled”. Simply put, the auditor will want to gain objective evidence that highlights whatever your organisation says it is […]

The dangerous material was banned from construction 25 years ago BUT Asbestos may still be present in buildings built before 2000. Buildings that people use in their daily lives, such as workplaces, schools and hospitals are the focus of a new campaign to keep people safe from asbestos. Asbestos: Your Duty was launched in January, […]

The route of entry into the body Chemical classification, categories of harm and risk phrases Ill health effects: acute/chronic/target organs/ local agents Chemical and physical properties Solubility Synergistic effects (see below) Amount used Does the substance have a workplace exposure limit (WEL)? The health effects caused by hazardous substances can be broadly divided into three […]

Substance use It is not just about the substance but the assessment needs to consider factors associated with its use. What is the substance being used for? How is the substance used or applied? How could exposure occur? How often is the substance used? How long is the substance used for? How many times is […]

Despite have specific legislation requiring the assessment of hazardous substances since 1988 employers small and large still often lack assessments of the risks their employees face when working with or being exposed to a chemical or biological agent. The relevant law develops the basic requirement within the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to […]