Seminar
Our interactive seminar this year is entitled 'The Practicalities of Sensible Risk Assessment’ on Wednesday 17 September at The Lowry Suite, The Willows, Willows Road, Salford, a precursor to Health and Safety Week.
Thanks to those who helped make the day successful, we hope to run a similar event next year, ideas for a theme welcomed.
Initial analysis of Feedback
Key Note Address - Dr David Sowerby, HSE
David gave a brief outline of the 2006/07 statistics for workplace injuries and ill health in the North West.
- Costs of incidents & ill health is 1.4 billion
- Most fatalities, injuries and ill health are preventable apart from long latency diseases.
David then talked the group through two recent fatalities from the complex to the simple both with the same outcome.
- Fatal injuries to workers in the NW 06/07 33 (second highest region in the country)
Types of fatal injuries in NW 06/07
- 10 other falls
- 9 workplace transport
- 2 falls from ladder
- 7 struck by falling objects
David went through the details of a number of these fatalities.
- Major injuries in NW 06/07 3445 (second highest region in the country)
- Rates of self reported ill health prevalence per 100,000 people who have ever worked 06/07 NW 4790
Estimated to be 6000 occupational cancer deaths a year. Peak is expected to be 2011-2015.
Does your building comply with the fire laws? – Paul Dryden, GM Fire and Rescue Service
Paul explained to the group how he was involved in the development of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) Act 2005 (came into force 2006)
RRA revoked all previous fire legislation.
Major changes;
- Fire certificates were abolished; existing fire certificates have no legal standing.
- Fire safety is not included in any licenses i.e. pubs, care homes
New legislation is easier to understand; employers now have to complete their own fire risk assessments
Fire service will still visit workplaces and determine whether the fire risk assessment is fit for purpose
Fire service is still the primary enforcing authority however they will be taking a preventative approach to ensure that risks are reduced.
Paul then talked the group through the model form fire inspectors complete to assess the risks in a workplace. Things they look for include;
- Evidence of fire risk assessments; these must be suitable and sufficient and the findings must be followed up and communicated to staff
- Records of maintenance and testing
- Evidence of management competency
- Historical evidence
- Evidence of staff training
Fire Officer would audit the fire risk assessment not the building. Any issues arising would be agreed in an action plan with the employer.
Stress and Coordination of risk assessments – Claire Nelson, Company Health
Claire explained that it was difficult to apply risk assessment principles to stress as it was subjective to each individual.
- 13.8 million days lost in the UK every year due to stress
Claire talked about the HSE’s stress management standards and how they can be applied to a workplace
Two types of stress risk assessment
1) Whole organisation – this gives an overall picture of stress within the organisation
2) Individual – this identifies subjective stresses for each individual
Claire then talked through how to carry out both types of risk assessments identifying potential stressors.
Inclusivity – Risk v Benefit – Jane Simpson, JS Access Ltd
Jane began by talking though employers’ responsibility with regards to Disability Discrimination Act 05, Special Education Needs & Disability 01, Human Rights Act 98, and Fire Regulatory Reform 05. She talked through the practical applications of the laws.
- 2% of the working population will become disabled every year.
Jane then went through the business process for carrying out inclusivity assessments taking into account risks, service provision, education and employment.
Jane talked through the specialist requirements for fire safety.
Workplace Transport – Jayn Johnson, HSE
Jayn began by explaining the workplace transport risk control indicators that Inspectors look for
- Safe Site including signage, transport risk assessments, delivery plans
- Safe Vehicle including cab steps, unloading vehicles
- Safe Driver including footwear
Jayn the explained that there is a Safe Site checklist on the HSE’s website (www.hse.gov.uk)
- Over 2000 falls from vehicles reported to the HSE every year
HSE have recently launched their falls from vehicle campaign, more information can be found on their website.
Violence at Work in the Retail Sector – Sue Thalange (Salford City Council) and Fiona James (GM Police)
Sue and Fiona explained how the Council & Police joined together to implement an initiative to reduce violence in the retail sector.
A ‘Violence at Work’ guidance pack was produced for local retailers along with assistance with carrying out risk assessments.
The initiative resulted in
- 73% reduction in victimisation between 06/07 and 07/08
- 49% reduction in commercial robberies between 06/07 and 07/08
The Initiative has now been launched as best practice across Greater Manchester
The afternoon was devoted to workshops that were more practical in nature in order to give the delegates some ideas on how to progress or revise their own risk assessments
The audience was divided into four groups that then circulated around the workshops for about 25 minutes each
Brian Titford, The Trafford Centre, provided practical evaluations of fire risks in a garage and office environment
Kerry Ross, Warburtons Ltd, showed how his company had managed workplace transport issues with use of reversing cameras, specially designed vehicles, driver competence checks and individual risk assessments of each delivery location
Claire Nelson, Company Health, took the audience through some practicalities of stress risk assessments
Robert Stocker and his colleague from Polyflor looked at different floor characteristics that could lead to slips and trips. Equipment to measure slipperiness of floor in both wet and dry conditions were demonstrated. Evidence provided to illustrate the need for designers to understand the usage conditions of any particular floor area and install suitable coverings to minimise the risks involved
The afternoon drew to a close with an excellent summary from David Sowerby and thanks were given to all involved in the organisation of the event by Group Chairman Derek Fabby
23% return
Seminar content VG 58%
G 42%
Presentations VG 37%
G 53%
S 5%
P 5%
Workshops VG 62%
G 38%
From comments made the committee will be endeavouring to undertake the following for future events
1) Improve the sound system (to include audience questions)
2) Improve type size and slide content by drawing up guidelines for the presenters
3) Continuing with the workshop idea
4) Providing better exhibition area
Seminar content VG 58%
G 42%
Presentations VG 37%
G 53%
S 5%
P 5%
Workshops VG 62%
G 38%
From comments made the committee will be endeavouring to undertake the following for future events
1) Improve the sound system (to include audience questions)
2) Improve type size and slide content by drawing up guidelines for the presenters
3) Continuing with the workshop idea
4) Providing better exhibition area
Notes from MOHSG Seminar 18 September 2008
Key Note Address - Dr David Sowerby, HSE
David gave a brief outline of the 2006/07 statistics for workplace injuries and ill health in the North West.
- Costs of incidents & ill health is 1.4 billion
- Most fatalities, injuries and ill health are preventable apart from long latency diseases.
David then talked the group through two recent fatalities from the complex to the simple both with the same outcome.
- Fatal injuries to workers in the NW 06/07 33 (second highest region in the country)
Types of fatal injuries in NW 06/07
- 10 other falls
- 9 workplace transport
- 2 falls from ladder
- 7 struck by falling objects
David went through the details of a number of these fatalities.
- Major injuries in NW 06/07 3445 (second highest region in the country)
- Rates of self reported ill health prevalence per 100,000 people who have ever worked 06/07 NW 4790
Estimated to be 6000 occupational cancer deaths a year. Peak is expected to be 2011-2015.
Does your building comply with the fire laws? – Paul Dryden, GM Fire and Rescue Service
Paul explained to the group how he was involved in the development of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) Act 2005 (came into force 2006)
RRA revoked all previous fire legislation.
Major changes;
- Fire certificates were abolished; existing fire certificates have no legal standing.
- Fire safety is not included in any licenses i.e. pubs, care homes
New legislation is easier to understand; employers now have to complete their own fire risk assessments
Fire service will still visit workplaces and determine whether the fire risk assessment is fit for purpose
Fire service is still the primary enforcing authority however they will be taking a preventative approach to ensure that risks are reduced.
Paul then talked the group through the model form fire inspectors complete to assess the risks in a workplace. Things they look for include;
- Evidence of fire risk assessments; these must be suitable and sufficient and the findings must be followed up and communicated to staff
- Records of maintenance and testing
- Evidence of management competency
- Historical evidence
- Evidence of staff training
Fire Officer would audit the fire risk assessment not the building. Any issues arising would be agreed in an action plan with the employer.
Stress and Coordination of risk assessments – Claire Nelson, Company Health
Claire explained that it was difficult to apply risk assessment principles to stress as it was subjective to each individual.
- 13.8 million days lost in the UK every year due to stress
Claire talked about the HSE’s stress management standards and how they can be applied to a workplace
Two types of stress risk assessment
1) Whole organisation – this gives an overall picture of stress within the organisation
2) Individual – this identifies subjective stresses for each individual
Claire then talked through how to carry out both types of risk assessments identifying potential stressors.
Inclusivity – Risk v Benefit – Jane Simpson, JS Access Ltd
Jane began by talking though employers’ responsibility with regards to Disability Discrimination Act 05, Special Education Needs & Disability 01, Human Rights Act 98, and Fire Regulatory Reform 05. She talked through the practical applications of the laws.
- 2% of the working population will become disabled every year.
Jane then went through the business process for carrying out inclusivity assessments taking into account risks, service provision, education and employment.
Jane talked through the specialist requirements for fire safety.
Workplace Transport – Jayn Johnson, HSE
Jayn began by explaining the workplace transport risk control indicators that Inspectors look for
- Safe Site including signage, transport risk assessments, delivery plans
- Safe Vehicle including cab steps, unloading vehicles
- Safe Driver including footwear
Jayn the explained that there is a Safe Site checklist on the HSE’s website (www.hse.gov.uk)
- Over 2000 falls from vehicles reported to the HSE every year
HSE have recently launched their falls from vehicle campaign, more information can be found on their website.
Violence at Work in the Retail Sector – Sue Thalange (Salford City Council) and Fiona James (GM Police)
Sue and Fiona explained how the Council & Police joined together to implement an initiative to reduce violence in the retail sector.
A ‘Violence at Work’ guidance pack was produced for local retailers along with assistance with carrying out risk assessments.
The initiative resulted in
- 73% reduction in victimisation between 06/07 and 07/08
- 49% reduction in commercial robberies between 06/07 and 07/08
The Initiative has now been launched as best practice across Greater Manchester
The afternoon was devoted to workshops that were more practical in nature in order to give the delegates some ideas on how to progress or revise their own risk assessments
The audience was divided into four groups that then circulated around the workshops for about 25 minutes each
Brian Titford, The Trafford Centre, provided practical evaluations of fire risks in a garage and office environment
Kerry Ross, Warburtons Ltd, showed how his company had managed workplace transport issues with use of reversing cameras, specially designed vehicles, driver competence checks and individual risk assessments of each delivery location
Claire Nelson, Company Health, took the audience through some practicalities of stress risk assessments
Robert Stocker and his colleague from Polyflor looked at different floor characteristics that could lead to slips and trips. Equipment to measure slipperiness of floor in both wet and dry conditions were demonstrated. Evidence provided to illustrate the need for designers to understand the usage conditions of any particular floor area and install suitable coverings to minimise the risks involved
The afternoon drew to a close with an excellent summary from David Sowerby and thanks were given to all involved in the organisation of the event by Group Chairman Derek Fabby
View the photos of the day.