INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RISK AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Issue 08/2016 Visit our website at www.iirsm.org Business as usual
The UK’s decision to leave the European – many commentators and internationally sectors, to focus on the issues which mustt be Union has prompted the question of recognised institutions have estimated it addressed,” she says. “That is not necessarily whether current EU regulations could be could take ten years. the best approach for risk and safety revoked immediately. This is not the case. “As there is no time limit to invoke management.” Until the UK government invokes Article Article 50 to withdraw from the EU now Throughout the UK’s membership of 50 of The Lisbon Treaty, nothing changes. that the decision to leave has been made, the EU, the Health and Safety at Work Act Only when a qualifi ed majority of the the government does not need to rush,” says has been in place and effective and we European Council gives fi nal consent to the IIRSM Technical Director Peter Hall FIIRSM. should continue to apply our successful terms of withdrawal, and permission by the There are many facets to risk risk-based management systems. Many UK European Parliament is granted, can Article management and our profession. There will organisations will want to continue to work 50 be triggered. be lots of different views on what legislation and trade within the EU and it will be in their EU directives have had a signifi cant may need to be reviewed, changed or interest to continue maintaining compliance. infl uence on UK legislation – particularly revoked, but that is for future discussion. The UK has been a leader in infl uencing other health and safety, environmental and According to Ian Dalling SFIIRSM, the key EU nations and regulators in developing workers’ rights, which have been transposed message should be to carry on as usual. “Any strong foundations for future health, safety into the successful risk-based UK law in proposed changes to the HSE and legislation and environmental laws. place today. will take place to the current timescales and “Brexit should be considered as just Withdrawal from the EU will take a consultation processes,” he notes. IIRSM another risk category,” offers Deputy lot of planning and negotiation to ensure echoes Ian’s comments; the legal position is President Andy Hawkes. “Businesses should the right deal is reached. It will require the clear – businesses operating in the UK must have a risk management process in place to expertise of trade and legal professionals, continue to comply with EU and UK law. deal with the risk, whatever that risk may be.” including those with a wide knowledge of Dr Gayle Brewer SIIRSM, from the The Institute will continue to promote risk management. From the time Article 50 University of Central Lancashire, thinks it and support effective management of risk is triggered, it could take up to two years to would be helpful to highlight the difference and the health, safety and environmental negotiate the UK exit (the maximum time between compliance and best practice. standards that provide protection and allowed). But this may not be long enough “There can be a tendency for people, in all welfare standards of those they apply to.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Construction still Volunteering: Study on public Risk management 03 most dangerous 06 making the world 08 health impact of 10 techniques to tackle industry a safer place chemicals workplace bullying News Prosecutions News Prosecutions
RISK ASSESSMENT WORK EQUIPMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE ANNUAL STATISTICS Council to pay Construction Worker killed by stack of 400 1.2 350 £500k over tree 1.0 frozen fi sh boxes still most 300 0.8 cutting injury 250 uries to workers dangerous j 200 0.6 150 0.4
● in atal
High fi ne refl ects new sentencing f
f 100
guidelines industry Rate of fatal inury 50 0.2 (per 1000,000 workers) 1000,000 (per
umber o 0 0.0 4 A London borough council has been N 0 1 2 3 5 6 ● Decline in fatal injuries starts to plateau, HSE fi ned 500,000 after a road worker was 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 fi gures reveal seriously injured while cutting trees. Employee Self-employed Rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers Southwark Crown Court heard how The rate of fatalities has more than halved over the last 20 years an employee of the London Borough Provisional fi gures have revealed 43 of Havering was using a cut-off saw construction workers were killed at work fi tted with an “inappropriate blade” to in the UK during 2015–2016. Though the latest available fi gures on deaths from ● 76,000 other injuries to employees cut tree roots and branches in March number was the same as the average for asbestos-related cancer. Mesothelioma, reported under RIDDOR 2015. the previous fi ve years, the Health and one of the few work-related diseases where ● 611,000 injuries occurred at work The blade became jammed and on Safety Executive (HSE) said it was 23% deaths can be counted directly, contracted according to the Labour Force Survey pulling the blade free it ran across the up on the 35 construction fatalities in through past exposure to asbestos, killed ● 27.3 million working days lost due to top of his left knee. He suffered a deep 2014–15. 2,515 in Great Britain in 2014 compared to work-related illness and workplace cut above the knee which damaged More workers are killed in construction 2,556 in 2013. injury ligaments and cartiledge. compared to any other industry in the UK. The provisional annual data for work- ● £14.3 billion estimated cost of injuries HSE investigators found that the In agriculture there were 27 deaths last year related fatal accidents in Great Britain’s and ill health from current working E S
H “wrong equipment” was being used (compared to the fi ve-year average of 32); workplaces does not include three people conditions (2013–14). © for the task and a risk assessment had and in manufacturing there were also 27 who died in the collapse of Didcot Power not been undertaken regarding use of deaths (compared to fi ve-year average 22). Station in February, whose bodies are yet to “Behind every statistic lies a real story of He said the stacking of boxes up to the saw and blade. The long-term trend has seen the rate of be recovered. loss,” said Martin Temple, HSE chair. “One ● Judge compared stack of boxes to the ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ six metres high was haphazard – and A safe system of work should have fatalities more than halve over the last 20 Other statistics revealed: death at work or life needlessly shortened. compared at least one tilting tower in been in place to identify suitable and years. However, fi gures indicate that a total ● 1.2 million working people suffering “Britain has one of the best health and a photograph to the “Leaning Tower of compatible machinery for certain tasks. of 144 people were killed while at work in from a work-related illness safety systems in the world but we should A fi sh processing company has been fi ned Pisa”. London Borough of Havering 2015–2016 – up from 142 in 2014–5. ● 2,515 mesothelioma deaths due to past always be looking to improve and to £500,000 after a young worker was killed In passing sentence, Judge Lawrie added pleaded guilty to breaching The executive has also released the asbestos exposures (2014) prevent incidents that cost lives.” by the collapse of a tower of heavy boxes. that supervisors had failed to use common Regulations 4(2) and 4(3) of the On 18 October 2013, Interfi sh employee sense when they sent staff in to clear up Provision and Use of Work Equipment Tomas Suchy was helping to clear up a fallen the mess after one stack had collapsed at Regulations, and was fi ned £500,000 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT stack of frozen fi sh boxes when another the Cattedown plant. plus costs of £8,240. InBrief pile fell over and struck him. He sustained The Plymouth-based fi rm admitted It is thought to be the fi rst multiple severe injuries and later died. breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and conviction of a local authority since Female workers highlight PPE problems Wall collapse leaves fi ve dead The HSE investigation found that there Safety at Work Act. At Plymouth Crown the new sentencing guidelines, which Five people have died after a wall was no safe system of work or instruction Court on 24 June, it was fi ned £500,000 are based on an employer’s turnover, ● Poll reveals just 29% of women say manufacturing, construction, research collapsed at a Birmingham scrap to staff on how pallets should be stored. and ordered to pay costs of £24,800. came into force in February. The Judge their PPE is designed for females and development and the nuclear metal recycling plant. Interfi sh also failed to create a written “Safe stacking of stock is a cross- said “the appropriate fi gure” would industry, reported that their PPE West Midlands Police were called procedure for dealing with falls of stock industry necessity and can often be have been £750,000, but the local Women are still encountering sometimes or signifi cantly hampered to Hawkeswood Metal on Aston when the incident happened. overlooked when considering safe systems authority pled guilty at the earliest diffi culties with ill-fi tting personal their work, a similar result to that seen Church Road in the Nechells area Judge Ian Lawrie said that Interfi sh had of work,” said HSE inspector Emma opportunity, so it was reduced by a protective equipment (PPE) at work in a 2009 survey. A further 27% said of the city to reports that a large become complacent in the way it stacked O’Hara. ”Dutyholders need to ensure that third. causing discomfort and putting their that they were occasionally hampered. concrete structure had fallen at pallets of stock in a cold store room before they are stacking safely and that they have The London Borough of Havering is safety at risk, according to a survey by The survey identifi ed the energy 8.30am on 7 July. the death of the 22 year old, according the a plan for dealing with any unforeseen considering an appeal. workers’ union Prospect. sector, alongside emergency services, All of the men were pronounced the Plymouth Herald. circumstances such as a fall of stock.” Just 29% of the 3,086 women who as among the worst sectors for dead at the scene. A sixth man was took part reported that the PPE they providing protective equipment trapped but managed to pull himself wear at work was designed for females. designed with women in mind. free from the rubble, and was taken Editor Registered in England and Wales This publication is intended to be a general Kellie Mundell Charity No 1107666 guide and cannot be a substitute for Trousers, overalls, jackets and “Equipping workers properly should to Heartlands Hospital with serious [email protected] Company No 5310696 professional advice. Neither the authors nor gloves were identifi ed as the items not be seen as optional and it can be leg injuries. Designer the publisher accept any responsibility for loss Carrie Love PUBLISHED BY occasioned to any person acting or refraining least likely to provide a suitable fi t. done,” said Prospect Deputy General An investigation into the incident LexisNexis from acting as a result of material contained Excluding overalls, these items were Secretary Sue Ferns. – which resulted in the single largest Chief executive ADDRESS © Reed Elsevier (UK) Limited 2016 in this publication. cited most frequently as the worst PPE loss of life in a workplace accident in Phillip Pearson IIRSM, 77 Fulham Palace Road, Printed by Headley Brothers Ltd, Kent Reproduction, copying or extracting Director of membership London W6 8JA, UK by any means of the whole or part of this clothing in previous research. Download the report of the recent years – is now underway, West and communications Tel +44 (0)20 8741 9100 publication must not be undertaken without More than half the respondents, 2016 survey results from Midlands Police said. The HSE has Clare Fleming Fax +44 (0)20 8741 1349 the written permission of the publishers. Managing editor Website www.iirsm.org who work in sectors including the https://library.prospect.org.uk// been notifi ed and is assisting offi cers Louis Wustemann Email [email protected] ISSN 1746-1359 emergency services, transport download/2016/01299 at the scene.
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CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK DRUGS AND ALCOHOL InBrief Concern Safety consultant fi ned for Building fi rm fi ned £550,000 Scrapper hit by mooring rope incompetence after worker over builders contracted dermatitis for double corporate killing ● ‘Ad hoc’ plan to right a crane on a barge, A manufacturer of rubber sealants working under which had slewed out to sea, lead to death and gaskets has been fi ned £40,000 after a worker contracted allergic the infl uence contact dermatitis. Its health and Ship building and repair fi rm Diverse safety consultant was ordered to pay Ventures has been prosecuted following £1,000. One in three construction workers the death of a worker who was hit by a Hereford Magistrates’ Court heard have noticed their colleagues working mooring rope. how an employee of TRP Polymer under the infl uence of drugs or Hove Crown Court heard that 50-year- Solutions contracted the skin disease alcohol, according to a survey by the old Paul Hudghton died after being hit by a after being exposed to sensitising Considerate Constructors Scheme. rope being used to pull the jib of a small Tori ingredients in rubber compounds. In a bid to increase awareness of crane back into position at Tipner Wharf in The incident happened at Tipner Wharf in Portsmouth The HSE found that the company, the effects of alcohol and drugs on the Portsmouth. which has customers in the oil and industry workforce, the CSS launched He suffered signifi cant head injuries as a risks involved should have been obvious to gas, aeronautical, biotech and nuclear a new ‘Spotlight on…’ campaign result of the rope breaking under tension and anyone. Clearly no thought was properly industries, failed to assess risks from which included conducting a survey of striking him. He was not part of the work given to them.” the products it used, and then failed more than 1,300 people who work in activity, but was standing in the danger area Diverse Ventures pleaded guilty to to manage those risks. the industry. It found that 59% have of the operation. Night watchman Frederick breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and In addition, the investigation found e Street Maps concerns on the issues, 65% of workers l Butcher was also struck by the rope. He Safety at Work Act and was fi ned £45,000 that the company’s self-employed
have never been tested for drugs and Goog suffered minor injuries and has recovered. plus costs of £9,000. health and safety advisor, Paula © alcohol, 39% admitted the issue of The construction site was on the corner of Hampstead Road and Netley Street, near London’s Euston Station An investigation by the HSE into the “This case, which resulted in fatal injuries, Underwood, failed to understand the drugs or alcohol could be better tackled November 2012 incident found there was no highlights the very need to ensure work underlying issues to the level required. in their workplace and another 35% management of safety during the activity, or is adequately assessed and planned, and TRP Polymer Solutions pleaded have noticed their colleagues under the Oliver Glasgow QC, prosecuting, said any suitable and suffi cient risk assessment. carried out in a manner which is safe, taking guilty to breaching Section 2 of the ● ‘Weak’ hoarding gave way and two members infl uence of drugs and alcohol. of the public fell through uncovered lightwell Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) stress The decision to right the crane had been into consideration not only the safety of Health and Safety at Work Act, and A quarter of respondents agreed tests on the type of plywood hoarding made on an ad hoc basis. employees but the safety of others who may Regulations 6 and 11 of the Control drugs or alcohol affected them at work they used found that even a young person Judge Christine Laing QC said: “The be affected by your work,” HSE Inspector of Substances Hazardous to Health through tiredness. A further 23% agreed A construction company has been applying dynamic force – running into or operation in itself may be simple but the Joanne Williams said after the hearing. (COSHH). it affected them through decreased convicted of corporate manslaughter striking it – would have caused it to fail. Health and safety adviser Paula attention during work, while 19% after two men fell through hoarding to Tests showed the hoarding would have Underwood admitted failing to LIFTING OPERATIONS agreed the affects made them less their deaths. failed with a weight of 21kg applying carry out her duty to have a level of productive at work. Gavin Brewer and Stuart Meads dynamic force. The couple’s combined competence expected by someone The Considerate Constructors were arguing with one another as they weight was 173kg. carrying out her role, thereby exposing Scheme’s new Spotlight on… drugs and walked along Netley Street in north west In sentencing, Judge Paul Worseley Bus company’s Mold Magistrates’ Court heard that, others to risks to their health and alcohol campaign has pulled together London in the early hours of 19 October rejected the defence’s argument that between 4 April 2014 and 28 August safety, as required by Section 3(2) of case studies from contractors that 2013. Monavon was right to decide not to put 2015, GHA Coaches failed to have its the Health and Safety at Work Act. have successfully addressed the issue CCTV footage played to the Old up mesh hoarding because it was worried resentencing lifting equipment thoroughly examined in their workplaces, including Ardmore Bailey showed the two men, both in it would have ‘blown away’, instead within the required timescales to ensure Balfour Beatty promotes safety Construction, Bowmer & Kirkland, their early thirties, grappling before stating it would have provided additional reduces fi ne that health and safety conditions were chief to wider role Interserve and John Sisk & Son. The case one pushed the other against the site protection. Mesh hoarding was erected maintained and that any deterioration Construction giant Balfour Beatty studies are available on the campaign hoarding which gave way, leading them 12 hours after the incident as well as A bus and coach operator has been fi ned could be detected and remedied in good has promoted its Health and Safety website at http://bit.ly/29uufct. to topple head fi rst into the basement of scaffolding to cover the hole. £90,000 after it repeatedly failed to time. Director Heather Bryant to wider Edward Hardy, Chief Executive the residential site near Euston Station. Glasgow said there was no risk comply with legal notices to examine its In 2015, an inspection revealed overdue responsibilities as its new Director of the Considerate Constructors Both men suffered fatal head and neck assessment for the hoarding work, even lifting equipment. lifting equipment examinations on at of Health, Safety, Environment and Scheme, said: “Maintaining a safe injuries and died at the scene. though it was identifi ed in the fi rm’s CDM But the penalty was the result of an least 14 items. An improvement notice Sustainability. working environment is of the utmost A joint investigation by the plans and no one had tested the strength unusual resentencing, after a previous was served, and extended twice, and still The move follows a shake up importance for any employer; this not Metropolitan Police and the HSE found of the hoarding after putting it up. hearing levied a fi ne of £250,000. resulted in a failure to comply. at the UK’s largest construction only applies to the workforce, but also that the hoardings had been fi xed so Monavon Construction pleaded guilty An investigation by the HSE contractor, with health and safety the surrounding public and anybody else that only a small amount of force would to two counts of corporate manslaughter found that a previous improvement being combined with sustainability, who may be affected.” have made them give way. Behind the and a charge of failing to discharge its notice was served in 2011. environment and energy in a new “It is clear that action must be taken hoarding was an uncovered lightwell duty to persons other than employees. Wrexham-based GHA Coaches ‘UK enabling function’. across the industry to ensure workforce leading to a four metre drop. The fi rm was fi ned £250,000 for each pleaded guilty to breaching Former Sustainability Director Paul safety, health and wellbeing on sites and The court head that Monavon of the deaths as well as £50,000 for the Regulation 9(3)(a)(ii) of the Lifting Toyne has now left the business, which in companies throughout the UK.” Construction had wanted to reinstate heath and safety breach. It was also Operations and Lifting Equipment turned over £8.2 billion in 2015. the pavement, which had been partly ordered to pay £23,653 in costs. Regulations (LOLER), and failing Bryant joined Balfour Beatty in blocked due to the work. To do this they to comply with an improvement September 2014, from her previous Almost two-thirds of builders 65% had been erecting hoarding by reusing notice. role as the HSE’s Chief Inspector of The two men fell four have never been tested barriers from elsewhere in the site in the 4m Construction. E GHA Coaches serves Wales and metres to their deaths S
fi ve days before the couple’s death. © H neighbouring counties
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VOLUNTEERING LONDON BRANCH MEETING Making the world a safer place One workforce, four generations
On 29 June the London Branch relaunched and tablet devices with enthusiasm and Jon workforce, Guy stressed that while there ● New equipment to help Moldovan workers manage risks of electrical hazards at digging with a great meeting at IIRSM’s head offi ce discussed the issues that need addressing were many ergonomic solutions on the in Hammersmith. The session focused on regarding the risks to young users’ bodies market, a well thought out offi ce space health in the workforce, a topic that has and how this affects the modern workplace. should offer fl exibility and adaptability to The internet is an incredible tool for recently gained momentum thanks to the Cardinus is working with paediatric allow people to use equipment in a way learning and sharing, but unfortunately Health in Construction initiative. physiotherapists to investigate this impact that is good for them. Staff should also be you don’t have to look too hard to fi nd With two presentations by expert and raise awareness of the issue. provided with information and training videos and photos of people precariously speakers, the meeting looked at the issues Jon pointed out that there is little to ensure they are using equipment in balancing at enormous heights, or of the changing workforce and considered regulation that applies to young people the right way. Guy made a number of knocking down walls they are standing what organisations need to address in order in schools for DSE compared to the recommendations to enable practitioners on. These health and safety ‘funnies’ are to accommodate different generations in workplace. Parents in the audience to improve the workplace, from video normally accompanied by comments the workplace. also confi rmed that while schools were communications to walking meetings. He labelling these people as idiots and fools The fi rst presentation was delivered by very safety conscious, adaptations of also recommended that people interested for their actions. Jon Abbott, Sales and Marketing Director desks and chairs to accommodate the in health and wellbeing in the workplace “That’s not the case and I fi nd it quite at Cardinus Risk Management, who looked increased use in technology is rarely should look into ISO Standard 27500:2016 disturbing,” says Ian Harper FIIRSM. “These at ergonomic risks in younger generations. seen. Cardinus has created a website that and look at the Business in the Community people are not idiots or suicidal. It’s just Schools and colleges have adopted laptops includes free resources for schools and website at www.bitc.org.uk. in some parts of the world, they simply eLearning sessions for young people about The session concluded with a lively Q&A do not have the training, knowledge and Above and right: examples of work in Moldova’s capital, Chisneau ergonomics at www.ergonomics4kids.com. and networking lunch. IIRSM would like to equipment to do it any better. It’s not that UPCOMING BRANCH MEETINGS Guy Osmond, Managing Director at thank the Branch Chair Andrew Ammerlaan, they don’t have safety standards – safety we were offering. It was agreed we would to contractors Osmond Ergonomics, talked through issues Jon Abbot and Guy Osmond for organising a professionals are few and far between.” donate the equipment to contractors in working on infrastructure in the country that affect an ageing workforce and how great meeting. Presentations are available to One day after a conversation about Moldova working on the electrical and gas where they had nothing to very little Dates organisations can support their employees members on the IIRSM website. worldwide safety standards, Ian, a IIRSM networks and provide training.” before. They left documentation, throughout their working life. Factors Council Member, and his colleague Alex But Alex had another idea. Recently procedures and guidance in Russian, for your diary such as increased life expectancy and the To fi nd out more about the London decided to see if they could do something Kier had acquired May Gurney in East kindly written translated by volunteers raising of the State Pension Age mean Branch or your own local Branch activities to help. They had been working with Anglia and a rebranding exercise had taken in the UK. They issued PPE to prevent people will be working longer. please visit www.iirsm.org or email the Kier Group on underground service place – the result was lots of PPE with the road traffi c accidents, dispensed some Qatar With up to four generations within one [email protected] damage. As there is an ever present risk of wrong logos, destined for the skip. Washed knowledge on sites they visited and issued 19 July, Doha and 23 Aug, Doha injury and damage as well as service loss and laundered and with Kier’s blessing, sports kits and car seats. In total £60,000 Register: [email protected] when digging in the street, it was agreed the kit was loaded into the van, along of goods were donated, in addition to ANNUAL HOUSE OF LORDS LUNCHEON 2016 they would upgrade to a new type of with donated car seats rescued from cars the free consultancy, and the initiative cable avoidance tool (CAT) to try and fi nd being scrapped (these were independently created a link to provide more information East Scotland services before digging started. It got them assessed and cleared for reuse). “The fatal and support remotely. 7 September, Edinburgh thinking about what they could do with accident rate in the country is very high So what did they get out of it? “A Topic: Major event safety by Derry Bookings the old ones – could they reuse them? and with a lack of emergency services and number of things,” explains Ian. “When Morrice, health and safety manager for Keir and GAP Hire agreed, but instead a poor road network, anything that could we told a staff member on the ferry Scottish Rugby now open they generously donated new ones. “But help was welcome,” says Ian. what we were doing, she gave us a big Register: lawrence.green141@yahoo. they are not easy to use and the recipients Though the two men had a diffi cult discount and our tickets came back co.uk IIRSM’s Annual Luncheon is always a needed training,” explains Ian, “this meant journey thanks to operation stacks and marked as Humanitarian Aid. The drive popular event, attended by representatives Alex and I would have to deliver them in storms preventing ferries leaving the dock, was spectacular and the countries of Yorkshire from our membership as well as business person... but the question was, where?” breakfast in Baden Baden, lunch in Vienna Romania and Moldova are beautiful – and industry. It’s a great opportunity to 13 September, location TBC Fortunately a colleague knew of an and an evening meal in Budapest gave Castle Dracula was on my bucket list of listen to a popular keynote speaker and Register: [email protected] area with signifi cant service strikes, their adventure a cosmopolitan feel. places to go. network with your peers while enjoying a There is also the opportunity to make damage and injury that may need help: The team delivered three training “But more importantly, now we look fabulous three course lunch. more of the day by taking a tour of Moldova. Nestled on the eastern side of sessions on cable and service avoidance at those pictures on the internet and North West England The Luncheon is hosted by Lord the Houses of Parliament before the Romania and landlocked the other understand. Some of the ‘funnies’ of 15 September, Birchwood McKenzie of Luton within the surroundings Luncheon. side by Ukraine, Moldova’s biggest Below: the course being introduced by the local safety manager people putting their lives at risk is not Topic: Talk by Tim Marsh of the prestigious House of Lords, one of ● 22 September 2016 at Union Fenoza in Chisneau (Ian Harper is far right) export is wine. Of the three million because they are stupid. They have to Register: [email protected] the most historic locations in Britain. ● Luncheon and drinks: £168 + VAT Moldovans in the world, a third make a living with what they have. Alex The event commences with a per person of them live outside the country. and I have made a change for some of networking drinks reception before ● Tour: £20 per person “It has the lowest GDP in Europe them and we are determined to do more. North England guests take their seats in the beautiful ● Book: visit www.iirsm.org/events/ and while trying to do the best If we all do a little bit, the world would be 29 September, Newcastle Cholmondeley Room overlooking the house-lords-luncheon-22-sep-2016 it can, fi nancially the country is a much safer place.” Register: [email protected] River Thames. After a keynote speech, not able to achieve the safety guests will enjoy an excellent three course Bookings for individuals, groups and standards in the UK and Europe, More projects are planned for Register your attendance for Branch lunch along with a selection of wine. tables of ten are available. Please book though it aspires to,” explains Eastern Europe – if you’re interested meetings by emailing the Branch or The event ends with networking on the early as this event is always popular Ian. “The smaller contractors in volunteering, please get in touch by booking online at www.iirsm.org/events terrace overlooking the River Thames and and places are limited. certainly couldn’t afford the kit emailing [email protected] stunning London cityscape.
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GLOBAL BANGLADESH SINGAPORE GLOBAL face more pressure and stress than men when they work long hours, previous Study on public health ILO and Singapore Women’s overtime research shows. On top of that, work for Safety agreement ‘making women may be less satisfying because of impact of chemicals renew partnership linked to chronic the need to balance work demands with signifi cant difference’ family obligations, said Dr Allard Dembe, published The International Labour Organization illnesses lead author of the study published (ILO) and the Singapore Ministry in the Journal of Occupational and A study by the International Labour of Manpower have renewed their Women who put in long hours for the Environmental Medicine. Organization (ILO) estimates that 1.3 Partnership Agreement to promote bulk of their careers are more likely “They work [more than] 60 hours a million lives and 43 million disability- decent work in south east Asia. to develop life-threatening illnesses, week for many, many years,” Dembe adjusted life years were lost in 2012 due Under the agreement, the ILO and including heart disease and cancer, added. “This is the kind of person to exposures to selected chemicals. the Singapore Ministry of Manpower will according to new research. working excessively hard for many hours It notes that chemicals such as work together on activities related to Work weeks that averaged 60 hours in a long, stressful situation. It may be heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, occupational safety and health, tripartism or more over three decades appear those hours are now manifesting itself paints, detergents, kerosene and carbon and social dialogue. to triple the risk of diabetes, cancer, and it does not manifest itself until later monoxide lead to unintentional poisonings The activities proposed include heart trouble and arthritis for women. in life.” at home and in the workplace. However, preparation and development of statistics The risk begins to climb when women Men with tough work schedules
the report states that people are exposed k and new data collection methods for put in more than 40 hours and takes appeared to fare much better, found the to many more chemicals every day. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), a decidedly bad turn above 50 hours, researchers, who analysed 12,686 men utterstoc Unintentional poisonings are estimated h a regional workshop on OSH and social researchers found. and women aged between 14 and 22 in to cause 193,000 deaths annually, with dialogue, and the organisation of the Women tend to take on the lion’s 1979 and were interviewed consistently ZUMA/REX/S the major part being from preventable © XXI World Congress on Safety, currently share of family responsibility and may over 32 years. chemical exposures, however only 47% of The 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse killed 1,134 workers and injured thousands more scheduled to be held in September 2017 countries have a poisons centre. in Singapore. It will also support the work CANADA The report, Public health impact of Three years after its creation, the Accord and retailers. Both the Rana Plaza of the ASEAN Economic Community chemicals: knowns and unknowns, says on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh and Tazreen factories (which burned (AEC). addressing lead exposure would prevent has inspected 1,651 factories and made down in 2012) had been subjected to Builders down tools in soaring heat 9.8% of intellectual disability, 4% of more than 50,000 safety renovations, it numerous voluntary inspections prior KOREA coronary heart disease (the leading cause has been revealed. to the deadly disasters. of deaths and disability worldwide) and The collapse of Rana Plaza on 24 The difference lies in the 4.6% of stroke in the population, yet many April 2013, killing 1,134 and injuring enforceability of the Accord, which to Government confi rms countries do not regulate lead paint. thousands more, ended the tolerance date has been signed by 217 brands. malignant lymphoma For examples of effective interventions of voluntary, non-transparent, non- Swedish retailer H&M was one of to prevent death and disease caused by enforceable factory inspections in the fi rst brands to sign, and H&M as occupational chemicals, and the economic benefi ts to Bangladesh. Senior Advisor KG Fagerlin said that be gained, visit http://bit.ly/29qRunc Three years on, the Accord’s collaboration has been a key factor disease current status and future challenges behind the changes the Accord has AUSTRALIA were discussed at a side event at brought to the workers in Bangladesh. In what has been described as an the International Labour Conference An inspected factory agrees a unprecedented ruling, the Korea in Geneva on 2 June. Despite some corrective action plan (CAP), together Workers’ Compensation and Welfare UKLtd Calls for tougher unacceptable delays in remediation with a time plan in which to make the Service (KCOMWEL) has cited malignant g action on ‘black lung’ progress, the Accord is making remedies. It is against the CAP that lymphoma as an occupational disease signifi cant headway, according to progress is measured. and granted compensation to Park Hyo- Standards in coal dust monitoring in representatives from both workers and There is a process in place for soon, a former Samsung employee who Australian mines should be urgently brands, unions said. when factories do not comply with died of the blood disorder four years ago. © istockphoto/IPGGutenber raised to prevent miners from developing Scott Nova, Executive Director the Accord. So far, 26 factories that Park, a chip-line operator for the Management gave the workers permission to remove their safety vests to help them keep cool chronic lung disease, say medical experts of US-based Workers Rights did not undertake required measures electrical giant, shared the same traits of who have slammed the recent resurgence Consortium, said that the challenges within the set time frame have about 200 Samsung workers as suffering Construction workers building a new days and management gave the workers of the potentially deadly disease as in Bangladesh’s garment industry were had business with Accord brands from a blood disorder. superhospital in Montreal, Quebec, permission to remove their safety vests as unacceptable. not new and not unknown for brands terminated. The 28-year-old was diagnosed walked off the job recently to protest a temporary measure. A clinical study, published in the latest with terminal-stage lymphoma in 2010, working conditions. Air quality tests a few weeks Medical Journal of Australia, has found about four years after she quit her job at More than 1,000 workers downed ago came back normal, but it was Australian coal dust exposure limits are Unionists and activists believe there are “It is unacceptable that any new cases Samsung citing a skin disorder. tools after the building reached 40 recommended that further tests be not meeting international standards and many more unconfi rmed cases. of CWP should be occurring in Australia in KCOMWEL’s decision is signifi cant degrees. According to local reports, three carried out in warmer weather. should be more stringent. This “concerning” and “disappointing” 2016, and our aim should be to eliminate because this is the fi rst time it has workers were treated for heatstroke. The workers’ union said it may Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) resurgence of black lung disease – which CWP in Australia altogether,” the paper’s declared malignant lymphoma as an After the walkout, management conduct its own test to measure air – known as black lung – is an untreatable was all but eradicated 30 years ago – could authors concluded. occupational disease. As a result of the and representatives from the Quebec quality during a heat wave. but preventable disease and is caused by point to a decline in exposure control in They are calling for national decision, the service has approved a total Federation of Labour, as well as the Highs of above 30 degrees are long-term exposure to fi ne airborne coal Australian coal mines or a failure of the standardised coal dust monitoring of 11 workers of Samsung Electronics workplace health and safety board expected in the coming days, with a dust in areas with poor ventilation. screening process, say the authors, who protocols to be implemented in all mines, and its LCD unit as victims of industrial (CNESST), met to discuss what could be humidex reading of 36. Six confi rmed cases of CWP in Australia include Professor Graeme Zosky from which supports previous calls for tighter diseases such as leukemia, aplastic done. Offi cials gave them assurances As in the UK, there is no maximum were reported by nominated medical the University of Tasmania and Professor health standards in the industry by mining anemia, breast cancer, brain tumors, that the hospital’s air conditioning temperature to which workers can be advisers in the Queensland coal industry Deborah Yates from Sydney’s St Vincents union CFMEU, which represents mining ovary cancer and, now, malignant system would be running within a few exposed. between May 2015 and February 2016. Hospital. and energy workers. lymphoma.
8 08/2016 | www.iirsm.org www.iirsm.org | 08/2016 9 Workplace bullying WorkplaceWorkplace bullbullyingyin
Whose responsibility is it anyway?
Bullying has long been seen as a human resources issue – but the same risk management techniques should be applied to workplace bullies that you FiFindndinngsg suguggeg stt thahat ththosose would to any inanimate hazard. We aaddopptitingg pasassis veve, auautot crcrataticic, auauththoorititarariai n,n, laia ssssezez-ffaiairere stytylel s consider the issues most pertinent to arare mom rere likikelely toto pererpepetrt ata e orr health and safety practitioners. acacceceptpt wororkpkplalacece bulullyyining.g ”
ealth and safety managers face many challenges. For some of these challenges, well established best Hpractice and interventions are available. But for issues such as bullying there is relatively little guidance out there, and health and safety practitioners must fi rst spend considerable time collating and evaluating the information available – which can often be disjointed or inconsistent. The term ‘workplace bullying’ refers to negative behaviours targeted at an employee. A wide range of behaviours may therefore constitute bullying – such as personal insults, withholding information, asking a person to complete low status work, allocating unfair workloads and social exclusion. There is no single defi nition of workplace bullying, but there is widespread agreement that behaviour must occur more than once in order to be classifi ed as bullying. Researchers often describe the frequency and duration of the negative behaviours experienced. Demonstrating the complexity (and often disjointed nature) of the area, despite agreement that the behaviour must occur repeatedly, researchers differ with regard to the timeframe adopted, with studies measuring the number of acts experienced weekly, monthly, or during the entire career. Furthermore, many researchers and practitioners do not use the term ‘workplace bullying’ and instead refer to mobbing, aggression, emotional abuse, harassment or inappropriate behaviour. The lack of consistency has undermined our understanding – for example impeded comparisons between prevalence rates across sectors. The behaviours which constitute workplace bullying are often subtle and confusing. For example, the perpetrator may roll their eyes or smirk when the victim speaks, fail to include them in discussions about an important project, or deny the
10 08/2016 | www.iirsm.org www.iirsm.org | 08/2016 11 Workplace bullying Workplace bullying
Culture change Managing confl ict The full picture A range of organisational factors may The adoption of a formal policy References contribute to the incidence of workplace represents one of the most common Baillien, E., Neyens, I., & De Witte, H. (2008) The highest Organisational, team-related and job-related bullying, including job insecurity, lack measures adopted to address workplace prevalence of risk factors for bullying, violence and sexual harassment in the workplace: a qualitative study workplace bullying of resource and restructuring. Those bullying. The absence of a workplace Women are In nearly three- International Journal of Organizational Behavior is among 40 to 59 More than one in considering substantial changes to the bullying policy may be interpreted more likely to be quarters of cases the year olds three people who organisation should consider the manner in as institutional acceptance of the Brewer, G. (2015) Workplace bullying in victims of bullying bullying is carried report being bullied which these may infl uence the likelihood behaviour. Policies should emphasise healthcare professions than men out by a manager International Journal of Occupational Health and people have been at work leave their of workplace bullying. Employees the organisational commitment to a Public Health Nursing bullied at work job because of it based in large organisations, masculine bullying free environment, defi nitions professions or harsh environments (such as of both appropriate and inappropriate Brewer, G., & Whiteside, E. (2012) Workplace bullying and stress within the prison service 34% extreme temperatures) are most likely to behaviours, the responsibilities and Journal of Aggression, Peace and Confl ict 34% experience workplace bullying and health roles of specifi c individuals, and a 72% De Cuyper, N., Baillien, E., & De Witte, H. (2009) Job and safety professionals should consider clear statement of consequences for insecurity and workplace bullying among targets 29% 36% the existence of workplace bullying those engaging in workplace bullying. and perpetrators: moderation by employability in their own sector – it’s particularly It is important to involve staff from Work and Stress prevalent in the healthcare sector. all levels and union representatives Glaso, L., & Matthiesen, S.B., Nielsen, M.B., & Employees are most commonly bullied when developing and implementing the Einarsen, S. (2007) Do targets of workplace bullying by supervisors and least frequently policy which should be communicated portray a general victim personality profi le? Scandinavian Journal of Psychology bullied by a subordinate; it is therefore to employees and regularly monitored. important to ensure that employees The most effective policies should also Kivimaki, M., Elovainio, M., & Vahtera, J. (2000) Workplace bullying and sickness absence in are able to raise concerns with those support supervisors wishing to identify hospital staff other than their immediate supervisor. and respond to workplace bullying. Occupational and Environmental Medicine Refl ecting the greater perpetration by Employees should be provided with Kivimaki, M., Virtanen, M., Vartia, M., Elovainio, supervisors, researchers have investigated training on how to recognise and cope M., Vahtera, J., & Keltikangas-Jarvinen, L. (2003) the relationship between workplace with bullying. Victims and witnesses Workplace bullying and the risk of cardiovascular Source: Trades Union Congress bullying and leadership styles. Findings should be encouraged to document disease and depression Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggest that those adopting passive, all incidences of workplace bullying autocratic, authoritarian, laissez-faire in order to establish the duration, Laschinger, H.K.S. (2012) Job and career satisfaction and turnover intentions of newly graduated nurses victim opportunities for professional Protecting the vulnerable job satisfaction, commitment to the styles are more likely to perpetrate frequency and intensity of the bullying. Journal of Nursing Management development. It can therefore be Those experiencing workplace bullying organisation, poor productivity, and or accept workplace bullying. Those Supervisors should be provided with diffi cult for both victims and other may suffer a range of physical and intentions to leave the organisation adopting an authentic leadership style, additional support related to effective Laschinger, H.K.S., Wong, C.A., & Grau, A.L. (2012) The infl uence of authentic leadership on newly employees to identify that bullying is psychological consequences. These include or sector. Consequently, workplace characterised by honesty, integrity leadership. Support should be provided graduated nurses’ experiences of workplace taking place. Indeed, when victimised anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, bullying is associated with absenteeism, and consistency, or a transformational to victims and witnesses. Organisations bullying, burnout and retention outcomes: a employees describe their experiences, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain and presenteeism and staff turnover. It is leadership style in which leaders become should also consider providing support cross-sectional study International Journal of Nursing Studies they are often perceived to be petty and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims therefore important for organisations role models to encourage and inspire, to perpetrators of workplace bullying in their complaints are dismissed. This is also often doubt their own competence, that do not recognise their moral or employees are less likely to engage in order to fully resolve the confl ict, ensure Lewis, D., & Gunn, R. (2007) Workplace bullying in the public sector: understanding the racial particularly likely to occur if the victim leading to low self-esteem and feelings of legal obligation to address workplace workplace bullying. So it is important to the pattern of behaviour is not repeated dimension describes a series of events (for example powerlessness. These feelings reduce the bullying to acknowledge the fi nancial support leaders and provide effective and identify whether perpetrators have Public Administration not receiving a promotion or being asked likelihood that the victim will challenge implications of this. Indeed, damage to leadership training. also been victim to workplace bullying. Nielsen, M.B. (2013) Bullying in work groups: the to complete low level work) which do the perpetrator, retaliate, or inform the the organisation (such as low productivity Researchers have sought to identify the It is really important for those impact of leadership not fully convey the duration, frequency, appropriate authority. and staff turnover) may be exacerbated by employees most at risk from workplace responsible for employee health Scandinavian Journal of Psychology or intensity of the bullying experience, Research studies investigating the reputational damage which compromises bullying. Women, ethnic minorities, and and safety to consider the impact of Normandale, S., & Davies, J. (2002) Bullying at work unless these are documented in a consequences of workplace bullying are the recruitment of new staff and costs those who are new to their profession workplace bullying. This behaviour Community Practitioner comprehensive and systematic manner. often cross-sectional, with employees associated with investigation, litigation, are typically more likely to experience has important consequences for the Reknes, I., Pallesen, S., Mageroy, N., Moen, B.E., It is also important for the employee reporting their experiences of workplace and compensation. bullying. With regards to professional role, health and wellbeing of victims and Bjorvatn, B., & Einarsen, S. (2014) Exposure to to demonstrate that the incident bullying and physical health at one time It is also important for health and safety employees experiencing low levels of those witnessing workplace bullying. bullying behaviors as a predictor of mental health differs from that of other employees, only. While informative, this research practitioners to recognise that the impact autonomy and stress are at greater risk of Organisations should implement a problems among Norwegian nurses: results from the prospective SUSSH-survey. International for example their experience does not cannot establish whether poor physical of workplace bullying is not restricted bullying. It is therefore important to ensure suitable workplace bullying policy which Journal of Nursing Studies, 51, 479-487. simply refl ect the fact that there are no and mental health precedes or follows to those directly victimised. Employees that all members of staff are aware of clearly describes the consequences development opportunities available. workplace bullying. Prospective studies witnessing workplace bullying also display behaviour which is and isn’t accepted and of this perpetration together with Salin, D. (2001). Prevalence and forms of bullying among business professionals: A comparison of Refl ecting the nature of workplace suggest that while workplace bullying stress, poor physical and psychological this should be incorporated into induction the behaviours which are or are not two different strategies for measuring bullying. bullying, which often begins with subtle does lead to fatigue and anxiety, those health, low productivity and intentions to training material. appropriate. But the introduction of a European Journal of Work and Organizational behaviours that the victim may believe suffering from anxiety and depression are leave. The experiences of those witnessing Programmes intended to improve workplace bullying policy is not suffi cient Psychology, 10, 425-441. are a consequence of their own poor more likely to be exposed to workplace workplace bullying (though not directly confi dence and assertiveness may lower – additional training or interventions Skogstad, A., Einarsen, S., Torsheim, T., Aasland, performance, many victimised employees bullying. These fi ndings highlight the targeted) may refl ect distress while vulnerability or promote resilience. In should also be adopted. M.S., & Hetland, H. (2007). The destructiveness of laissez-faire leadership behaviour. Journal of do not label themselves as a target of importance of protecting the most observing these interactions, fear that comparison, relatively few studies have Occupational Health Psychology, 12, 80-92. bullying. For example, in one study 24.1% vulnerable employees. they themselves may be victimised, or examined the individual factors associated With thanks to IIRSM Technical of employees were classifi ed as victims Understandably, workplace bullying dissatisfaction with the response of the with perpetration, though men and those Committee Member Dr Gayle Brewer Skogstad, A., Matthiesen, S.B., & Einarsen, S. (2007). Organizational changes: A precursor according to objective criteria, whereas impacts on the manner in which the organisation. Interventions should therefore in high stress positions or with low self- SIIRSM, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at of bullying at work? International Journal of only 8.8% identifi ed themselves as a victimised employees perform. These address the impact of workplace bullying esteem are more likely to engage in this the University of Central Lancashire, for Organization Theory and Behavior, 10, 58-94. victim. workers typically report low levels of beyond the initial victim. behaviour. providing this article.
12 08/2016 | www.iirsm.org www.iirsm.org | 08/2016 13 Members’ Pages Members’ Pages
If you are looking for advice, call while using cutters to open boxes. Do the health and safety information safe models of cutters exist where the helpline with your questions on blades cannot come in contact with body Join the conversation Q&As +44 (0)1296 678 465 or email part while in use? The opinion corner is designed to gauge exactly what our members are [email protected] thinking on current issues in the industry. If you have a question you would like for information on any health and The HSE’s document on how to reduce us to ask members, please email: [email protected] ELECTRICAL SAFETY TESTS IN SINGAPORE ● mean that the information captured is safety related topic. Here are just a hand knife injuries outlines that where usable and can meet its objectives in few of your recent queries. possible you should aim to eliminate This month we’re asking: Are electrical safety tests on portable practice the use of knives, such as by selecting a appliances and plant and equipment a ● reduce reputational risks by staying different tool. This may not be reasonably requirement in Singapore? within the law and avoiding With regards to your fi rst question, a practicable, and so the next step is to Do you think Brexit will regulatory action and penalties client must ensure that an adequate select of the right type of knife. There are impact on UK health and Under ‘Section 14: Electrical Insulations ● reassure those whose information is construction phase plan is drawn up by a number of groups available that have safety legislation? and Equipment’ of Singapore’s Workplace being captured the contractor, so the client can check different levels of safety: Safety and Health (General Provisions) ● help inspire wider public trust and the construction phase plan to ensure ● Group 1: bladeless cutters, such as Regulations, equipment should be: confi dence in the use of CCTV they are happy with it. Alternatively if reel snails and disposable concealed Have your say: visit www.linkedin. (a) of good construction, sound material ● help organisations in England and you have a domestic client then they blade knives that will ensure that the com and search Groups for IIRSM and and free from defects; and Wales to follow guidance in the POFA can hand over the client duties to the blade edge is concealed where blade request to join. (b) used and maintained in such manner code. principal designer, then it would be the replacement cannot occur so that it is safe to use. principal designer’s duty to check over ● Group 2: concealed blades where This reference document is available at the construction phase plan. For single- cutters designed to conceal the blade With regards to using these as an measures you will implement to ensure it This would suggest that electrical http://bit.ly/29abaOQ. contractor projects, the contractor must edge however these are cutters alternative to trigger spraying, it will does not occur again. equipment should be regularly checked Additional information regarding the ensure the plan is prepared. For projects contain changeable blades signifi cantly reduce the creation of any The document (at www.hse.gov.uk/ and maintained to ensure the equipment installation of CCTV in the workplace involving more than one contractor, it is ● Group 3: fully automatic blade mists, which will dramatically decrease the pubns/hsg245.pdf) has a lot of useful is ‘safe to use’. See http://bit.ly/294QzbW is also available at www.gov.uk/data- the principal contractor’s duty. retraction knives that are designed to exposure experienced by any operatives literature that you will be able to use as a for the full legislative document. protection-your-business/using-cctv. An F10 has to be issued when a project not rely on the operator to retract the using said cleaners. However, unfortunately reference to document an investigation, Advice for the public is at https://ico. becomes notifi able. A construction blade, also known as intelligent cutters. we cannot state whether they are advisable covering all the steps that have been SURVEILLANCE AND CCTV org.uk/for-the-public/cctv and the HSE’s project is deemed notifi able if the work is ● Group 4: spring-loaded blade retraction for the type of work that you employees explained in the previous sections. information page on surveillance and expected to: knives that benefi t from a spring-loaded may be carrying out – this is purely down to There is also an online article written We have had occasions of theft CCTV is at www.hse.gov.uk/violence/ ● last longer than 30 working days and blade, but it is a relatively weak spring a lack of knowledge of the work practice. by NEBOSH that will supply supplementary from the premises and believe it to toolkit/cctv.htm. have more than 20 workers working ● Group 5: manually-operated blade We would recommend undertaking a risk information to the HSE document, which be happening on the night shift. To at the same time at any point on the retraction knives that have to be assessment, which may well determine that you can access at http://bit.ly/295JvMw prevent this and potentially capture CDM 2015 project or manually retracted as well as manually a way of reducing worker’s exposures to In relation to further training literature the perpetrator(s) we wish to install ● exceed 500 person days. extended. these chemicals would be to incorporate the are some useful materials provided by internal CCTV. We already have I understand that under the Construction these plunger cans. the NHS that may be of use – see http://bit. surveillance on the exterior of the (Design and Management) Regulations If your work is notifi able then it is the Once you have selected a suitable ly/29fjhfh. In addition, more information building. Is this legal? If so, what do we 2015, the Principal Designer is a very client’s duty to notify and complete the knife you must ensure spare knives and ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS on investigation resources is at http://bit. need to do to ensure legal compliance? different role to that of CDM Coordinator F10 notifi cation form, However the client blades are available while providing safe ly/29fjqz6 (under the 2007 version). Who assesses can ask someone to notify on its behalf. storage for them. You must also equip I am being asked to carry out a root You are legally permitted to use CCTV to the construction phase health and safety More information can be found at your employees with adequate personal cause analysis on a wound that occurred REPUBLIC OF IRELAND’S LEGISLATIVE protect your property but must ensure plan, written by the Principal Contractor? www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l153.pdf protective equipment (PPE), and provide to a bed bound patient. I’ve also been FRAMEWORK that in doing so you follow the Data Formerly this was done by the CDM relevant training to further reduce issues. requested to create some training. It’s Protection Act. This requires you to: Coordinator. Surely someone has to vet HAND KNIFE INJURIES Following these changes, reassessment and been some time since I last touched root Does the Republic of Ireland have similar ● put up a sign to let people know CCTV it? Secondly, under which circumstances monitoring should be followed to identify cause analysis, could you help? health and safety laws to the UK as is being used and why does an F10 have to be issued to the We have had several incidents where if these changes have been effective. For regulation comes from the European ● be able to provide images within 40 Health and Safety Executive? employees have cut their fi ngers/hands more information visit www.hse.gov.uk/ The HSE’s guide that covers investigating Union? days to anyone you’ve recorded (you pubns/ppis12.pdf accidents and incidents will help you can charge up to £10 for this) to adopt a systematic approach to The health and safety of the Republic ● share images with the authorities, eg PLUNGER CANS determining why an accident or incident of Ireland would be relatively similar the police, if they ask for them Testimonial has occurred and the steps you need to to that of the UK. Its governing body ● keep images only as long as your Is there an alternative to using spray take to make sure it does not happen for health and safety is the Health and business needs them. “To the point and reliable” bottles of cleaning chemicals? Someone again. It gives you an insight into the Safety Authority (HSA) which monitors I work as safety and health coordinator for a group of companies, whose activities rank mentioned plunge units but I’ve never language of investigation of these events compliance with legislation in the Further information is available via the from poultry rearing/processing, manufacturing, hotels and fast food in Mauritius. I have heard of them. The chemicals are IPA and that will enable you to effectively term workplace and can take enforcement Information Commissioner’s Offi ce (ICO) been a member of IIRSM for a long time and I regularly contact the helpdesk as health UV wash. specifi c incidents, and will help identify action (up to and including prosecutions). guide on Data Protection, how to use and safety information is not readily available here. the causes of these adverse effects and It is the national centre for information CCTV cameras and storing images. This I usually receive an answer within one day and I must say that the information is to Plunger cans essentially operate around how to combat them. and advice to employers, employees and will help you to be able to: the point and very reliable. The advisors do their best to fi nd the appropriate technical a container of your product (IPA for It lists an easy to follow step by step self-employed on all aspects of workplace ● ensure that those capturing information to answer the query. I then share it to other colleagues in the group for example). This is then drawn up through guide to health and safety investigation health and safety, much like the HSE individuals’ information comply with implementation and follow up. the central pipe into a smaller dispenser taking you from the initial gathering of is for the UK. It ensures compliance the DPA and other relevant statutory As the information is readily available, I would strongly recommend other members on top of the plunger can. This allows information all the way through to the risk under the EU REACH directive as well obligations use this free service to get quick and reliable answers to their queries. you to extract small amounts of product control action plan, listing the key questions as representing Ireland’s competent ● contribute to the effi cient that are needed to clean specifi c parts. that need to asked when conducting authority at EU, ECHA, OECD and UN deployment and operation of a Jacques Rohan AIIRSM IFor an example, see www.youtube.com/ your investigation that will allow you to committees. See www.hsa.ie/eng for camera system watch?v=zHXLIV9DlsY. identify why the incident occurred and the more information on the HSA.
14 08/2016 | www.iirsm.org www.iirsm.org | 08/2016 15 Interview
Matthew Cox FIIRSM RSP
Matt enjoyed 14 years in retail from being awarded the IIRSM President’s management in the UK before embarking Commendation in 2014 to being involved on a career in health and safety in the in the body recovery and investigation Middle East. Various roles followed, following a workplace fatality. and for the last two years he has been the corporate HSE manager of a major What’s the biggest challenge european civil engineering contractor. Here he gives us an insight into the facing the health and safety highlights of his career. profession? I think the image of the profession has How did your career start? become quite negative, possibly due to perceived over-regulation in recent years. I Having been put through the grammar think the next big task is to overcome this school system, I’d had examinations in four perception and challenge industry leaders consecutive years starting from my fourth to better understand and embrace the year. So by the time I sat my A levels, I’d benefi ts of workplace health and safety. had enough of the associated pressures of studying and exams. At that point, I Would you like to see any made the decision to not pursue university What’s the most challenging entry and instead embarked on a career legislative changes? within retail management, having been I have always tried to apply a common problem you’ve had to offered a junior management role at a local sense approach to my work and believe overcome? supermarket for which I had worked that there is scope to simplify both the Typically, projects in the Gulf are serviced part-time for two years. language and make-up of our current by large migrant workforces sourced from legislative frameworks, reducing either the Indian subcontinent or the How did you become involved duplications and assist organisations to Far East with differing educational and achieve and maintain compliance. cultural backgrounds in respect of risk in health and safety? perception or acceptance. Driving cultural After 14 years and having reached regional ❝ change to reduce risk exposure on a daily manager level, my outlook for progression I get a sense of pride basis has been the most challenging, yet became a little stifl ed. I considered moving and satisfaction from rewarding journey I’ve taken. to the Gulf after I was asked to manage a empowering people to keep newly built mall in Dubai. But at the 11th themselves and others safe What’s the best piece of advice hour the role didn’t materialise. Having already quit my job and decided to move in the workplace.” you’ve ever been given? overseas, I took up the offer of a start in You can’t change the past but you can health and safety from my brother, who How do you feel Brexit will change the future. was already working as a health and safety affect health and safety manager in the region. regulation in the UK? What do you most like about Looking back, this change in career direction reignited my passion for learning In truth, I believe that our decision to leave the Institute? and development that my earlier education the EU will have negligible impact on the All its members are treated equally and streams and retail career had started to profession as a whole. Not only are we given a voice, regardless of perceived extinguish. unlikely to revoke any laws derived from EU ‘standing’. directives, the UK system is widely regarded What do you get out of as a benchmark for the rest of the world. What inspires you? In my region of operations, the systems your job? being rolled out steer more towards the Having the ability to effect positive Despite fl uctuating levels of frustration, I UK legislative framework than any other change in other people’s lives. get a sense of pride and satisfaction from model. empowering people to keep themselves Where do you see yourself in and others safe in the workplace. What issues can you see fi ve years’ time? coming up in your sector? What’s the most memorable In respect of the Institute, I would like Within my current region, the ongoing fuel the opportunity to sit on the Council. experience you’ve had in your price concerns have had a direct impact Professionally, I’d like to progress to career? on the sector. The challenge with tighter a director/board level role within a My career in health and safety has budgets is to ensure that the ability to progressive multinational organisation. had many rewarding and memorable provide safe working environments is not experiences, both positive and negative, compromised. Matt is Chair of IIRSM’s Middle East Branch.
16 08/2016 | www.iirsm.org