The Bill is published in response to the Grenfell Tower fire, which in 2017 claimed 72 lives. The tragedy exposed serious failings in building and managing high-rise homes. The government accepted the recommendations of the Hackitt review and is also consulting on its Fire Safety Bill and fire safety. Click here to see a full copy Key Points National regulator for building safety/ Building Safety Regulator: a new national regulator for building safety will … Read More
RIDDOR – reporting coronavirus (COVID-19)
HSE has issued details of when and how you should report coronavirus incidents under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). You must only make a report under RIDDOR, relating to coronavirus, when: an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence a … Read More
HSE Regulating occupational health and safety during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
As Britain’s statutory regulator of occupational health and safety The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has taken action to ensure that their important role continues effectively as the COVID-19 situation unfolds. These actions are being guided by the specific needs and characteristics of the various sectors we regulate. This is in line with advice from the UK Government, Public Health … Read More
All drivers must have access to welfare facilities
All drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work. There have been reports that some drivers are not being allowed to use welfare facilities when they deliver. Preventing access to welfare facilities is against the law, equally it’s not the sensible thing to do. Drivers must have access to welfare facilities … Read More
Principal Designer, Designer & Principal Contractor Fined Over Fire Risk
Designers and contractor prosecuted for risk management failings Three companies have been prosecuted for failing to take adequate precautions against fire risk during construction of a timber frame extension to a sheltered accommodation residential home. Worcester Crown Court heard that in the months leading up to October 2017 the appointed designers and contractors were working on the project which involved … Read More
Engineering Company Exposed workers to the risk of dermatitis – Fined
An engineering company has been fined for failing to control the risk of its employees developing dermatitis following exposure to metalworking fluid. West Hampshire Magistrates’ Court heard that, between October 2017 and January 2019, employees were exposed to metalworking fluid. They were exposed while working on conventional machines such as lathes and milling machines. Metalworking fluid is used on the … Read More
Revised upper limb disorder leaflet is published
Leaflet on managing upper limb disorders has been updated. The leaflet is aimed at employers and offers practical advice on reducing the risks of upper limb disorders (ULDs) and includes information on: what upper limb disorders are their symptoms and causes how to manage the risks around them what employers can do to help their workers The leaflet ‘Managing upper … Read More
Revised form to record details of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV)
A revised form VTG 788 to record HGVs with DVSA has been published. You will need to use the latest version of the correct form depending on how you registered the vehicle with DVLA. It only needs to be done once for each relevant vehicle to allow you to book an annual test for it. VTG 788 for vehicles approved under … Read More
New and revised Workplace Exposure Limits
EH40/2005 has been updated, to its fourth edition version 2020, to include new and revised Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for carcinogenic substances. Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people’s health at risk. To prevent ill health, the law requires employers to control exposure to such substances.  Employers must protect both employees and others who may be exposed. They must comply with … Read More
Launching the Accident Button!
When the Worst Happens, We’ve Got Your Back! We are taking the hassle out of what you need do when an employee has had an accident in work! If you use SafetyMate™ it’s a simple visit to your dashboard to report an accident. SafetyMate™ will take care  and manage any Non-RIDDOR / RIDDOR incidents, Near Misses, Property Damage, Vehicle Damage … Read More
Therapy Thursday – Think, Talk & Tackle your issues
Therapy is a treatment intended to relieve or heal the effects, of an illness whether that be mental, physical or emotional. This can cover many topics, some of which are listed below; Abuse, trauma, or neglect Isolation or loneliness Discrimination and stigma Social disadvantage, poverty or debt Severe or long-term stress Homelessness or poor housing Drug and alcohol misuse PTSD … Read More
Double Celebration of Success!
Double celebration of success at Epica Health, Safety & Wellbeing! Elizabeth Sinclair Managing Director of Epica Health, Safety & Wellbeing started her career in the health and safety sector 20 years ago. It’s also a decade since the Epica team started to provide simple and competent health and safety advice and practical health and safety training in the UK. Founded … Read More
Wisdom Wednesday – Welcoming Knowledge
Wisdom within the workplace Wisdom – definition: the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement. We always refer to the wise old owl, why?! Wisdom doesn’t just refer to your colleagues who are nearing retirement and have spent many years learning the job. Whilst older, more experienced and having a vast range of knowledge because of time served, doesn’t … Read More
Tenacious Tuesday – Winners never quit; quitters never win!
“Tenacity is the ability to hang on when letting go appears most attractive – Anonymous†When we think of being tenacious, we seem to conjure up images of a career minded person striving for perfection in an aggressive manner. This isn’t always the case, being tenacious can and probably does form part of your day to day activities, particularly when … Read More
Meticulous Monday – Making sure it is right
Measure twice, cut once – How meticulous are you in your job? Have you ever been in such a hurry to complete a job? You rush through it, complete it and then it turns out wrong?! How frustrating! Stop and take a minute to compose yourself and think strategically about what you are about to do, making sure what you … Read More
Focused Friday – Keeping your eye on the target
Have you got that Friday feeling? When we are about to go into the weekend, it is easy to switch off and stop concentrating. You are looking forward to the weekend, having a lie in, relaxing and not having to work… Whilst we don’t blame you, it is important to make sure you stay alert whilst carrying out your job. … Read More
Thorough Thursday – Keeping it in check!
How thorough are you with your Health and Safety procedures, Checks and Inspections? Making sure you carry out the correct procedures and have the correct policies in place is imperative. Are you 100% confident that you have all aspects of Health and Safety covered within your workplace? There may be things you have missed, legislation you aren’t fully up to … Read More
Wealth Wednesday – What do you value?
Health is Wealth! Health is like money; we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it. Most people consider wealth to be how much money you have in the bank, how much your house costs or what expensive possessions you have. Simply having air in your lungs and being able to carry out simple tasks throughout … Read More
Tidy Tuesday – Take the time to tidy
A place for everything and everything in its place. Do you ever? Procrastinate when it comes to tidying and cleaning? Become stressed because you have piles of clutter? Keep on putting items in draws or cupboards until they become so cluttered you no longer know what is in them? Why not try our handy tips to organize your daily duties? … Read More
Mind Blowing Monday – Statistics 2018/2019
“Facts are to the mind what food is to the body†– Edmund Burke Only 2 in 5 Employees are working at peak performance Laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20 percent. Your skin works hard. Not only is it the largest organ in the body, but it defends against disease and infection, regulates … Read More