8 February Responding to a Spillage Spillages can happen in most production business (it is also a big issue for supermarkets where shoppers can be at risk), but some spillages are worse than others and can lead to bigger consequences. Depending on the situation, spillages may require different actions: stopping and cleaning it up; letting it evaporate (if the dangers are … Read More
7 April Face Fit Testing of RPE – Risk assessment and Prevention Face Fit Testing of RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) Respiratory Protective Equipment (or RPE) is used to protect wearers from exposure to a range of chemicals, solvents, dust, fibres, etc. It is often a protective measure that is identified in the risk assessment. The RPE must be able to provide adequate protection for individual wearers (otherwise … Read More
28 January COSHH for small business COSHH Risk Assessment can be daunting for smaller businesses. Most of the businesses in the UK are small or medium-sized enterprises. The same health and safety laws apply to small businesses as apply to big ones, with a few exemptions on written risk assessments and policy documentation for very small companies. Note: these size-based exemptions … Read More
5 January COSHH extrinsic allergic alveolitis leads to £800,000 fine Metalworking fluid – COSHH extrinsic allergic alveolitis – an Uxbridge manufacturer of ejector seats has been fined £800,000 after three workers developed debilitating lung conditions. Three skilled CNC machine operators developed extrinsic allergic alveolitis after many years of years of exposure to the mist of working metal fluid. The lung condition, also known as hypersensitivity … Read More
7 September Health and Safety Failings – Pharmaceutical firm fined after employee exposed to hazardous substances Pharmaceutical firm fined after employee exposed to hazardous substances Key Facts: An investigation was launched into a pharmaceutical firm after worker exposed to hazardous substances. The firm had failed to review and ensure the health and welfare of their employee. They were subsequently fined £27,000. Read More
17 June Spotlight on – IOSH’s No Time To Lose Campaign IOSH’s No Time To Lose Campaign The aim of the No Time to Lose Campaign is to bring about better understanding of the causes of occupational cancer, and to help businesses take action. The campaign is working to: Get carcinogenic exposure issues more widely understood Raise awareness of the issue Suggest some solutions to tackle … Read More
21 April Spotlight On – Changes to labels on chemical packaging (CLP Regulations) Changes to labels on chemical packaging (CLP Regulations) In this article, we’re looking at the recent changes to labels on chemical packaging. The CLP Regulation, which deals with classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, came into force in January 2009. CLP adopts the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System (GHS) on the classification and … Read More
16 March Spotlight On – Poison Prevention (#PoisonPreventionWeek) Poison Prevention Week On Friday, Barack Obama made a proclamation about poison prevention. Each year, the third week of March marks National Poison Prevention Week (PPW) in America – and over here in the UK we’re also taking the opportunity to take a look at the issue. The aim of PPW is to educate the … Read More
27 February Farm worker exposed to toxic gases Prosecution following farm worker’s exposure to toxic gases Key Facts: A farm owner and his two businesses have been fined following as a result of serious safety failings A worker, 29, died as a result of exposure to toxic hydrogen sulphide gas The HSE found a number of unsafe practices and failings The owner and … Read More
15 January Health Risk from exposure to metal working fluids Health Risk from exposure to metalworking fluids – Exposure of workers to metalworking fluids can cause both skin irritation and respiratory ill health. The (COSHH) risk assessment for the use of metalworking fluids should identify a range of simple control measures that can significantly reduce the risks of ill health developing. The main health effects arising … Read More