Comply at Work Newsletter

One day first aid course

Bad backs are bad for business

Self employed H&S regulation exemptions

Get Your Clients to Build your Business

Tel 01204 772977 or 07792 400 503

Comply at Work

safety snippets&

business bytes

May 2013

P2 | Business Bytes Tel 01204 77 29 77 mobile 07792 400 503

One day emergency first aid course

Safety

Snippets

Business Bytes | P3 e-mail [email protected] www.complyatwork.co.uk

Comply at Work

One day emergency first aid course

Accredited to level 2

NOW Friday 6th September 2013

Call us now for details!

Tel 01204 772977 or 07792 400 503

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Competitive price just £85 +vat

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Safety

Snippets

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), back pain and musculoskeletal problems are the second and third biggest causes of long-term sickness absence in the UK. So the more you understand about the effects of work-related back injuries, the more you can do to keep your business in good shape. The charity BackCare estimates the healthcare costs of back pain total 1.6 billion. It’s also estimated that musculoskeletal problems, including back pain, cost between £590 and £624 million a year. Back problems can affect anyone and it’s estimated that four out of five people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Businesses are obliged to protect their employees from injury in the workplace, but because back injuries can arise from the most normal of activities, it’s important to know how best to avoid them.


Comply at Work

Bad Backs Are Bad For BusinessMost people associate back injuries in the workplace with manual jobs involving heavy lifting and physical activity, but they can, and do, affect every industry.

Causes for concernIt can be difficult to determine the cause of back pain, as it may be triggered by various factors, such as poor posture, sitting at a workstation for a long time, or lifting and carrying objects that are too heavy. Employees in sedentary roles, such as office workers and long distance drivers are at risk along with those occupied in manual professions; back pain can affect anyone in any sector. Even though it’s not always possible to predict what might trigger back pain in employees, with the right precautions and management, you could help keep the cost of sickness absence through back pain down.

Manage back pain before it strikesRegular exercise - Encourage short breaks away from the desk, regular stretching and ensure employees take a lunch break.

Assess needs . Look at employee work habits and individual needs on a regular basis; encourage employees to tell you about the issues and problems they face.

Workstation analysis - Assess individual workstations in order to identify and reduce any risks and comply with health and safety regulations; provide seating with adequate support and check VDU positions for desk-based employees.

Lifting correctly - Go back to basics – review your health and safety policy and train employees on how to lift items correctly - this could help reduce back-related injuries.

Report pain early - Should back pain occur, encourage employees toreport symptoms early, as it’s important to arrange proper treatment and rehabilitation.

Be prepared - A better understanding of the different types of back pain and treatments means you’ll be better equipped to help employees.

Back to fitnessEvidence shows that bed rest is not always suitable for the treatment of back pain. It has been shown that resuming normal activities can help speed up the recovery process, whereas inactivity can be detrimental and should be discouraged. Remaining active, possibly even still attending work but with modified tasks and managing the pain with normal painkillers is the advice given by the charity BackCare and the HSE.

If you would like any further advice on Occupational Health Support, return to work assessments Computer Workstation Assessments or Manual Handling Training please get in touch to discuss your requirements, with no obligation.

Your employee’s back may benefit from the exercise and could heal more quickly. The HSE advises that active behaviour might stop the problem from reoccurring, meaning less time off work for the employee. If the pain lasts longer than 48 hours and gets worse, your employee should talk to their GP.

Back to workThe longer a person is off work with back pain the less likely they are to return, especially if the absence lasts for longer than six months. A more positive way to encourage an employee to return to work would be to talk together with them and help them return gradually and safely. Demonstrating a good understanding of their individual work habits and problems, as well as reviewing their workstation set-up, be it a desk, vehicle or otherwise, could help to make the transition back to work more successful. When employees are away on sick leave, staying in regular contact with them is important to help determine their progress and reassure them you are concerned about their condition and want to help

Need back up? Arranging medical care and rehabilitation is often easier for larger companies as they have the resources to offer this. However, smaller businesses might find they can make arrangements through their employer’s liability insurance, or make partnerships with health professionals who can offer risk assessments.

You can find extra support and advice on the HSE website, who last year ran a national ‘Better Backs’ campaign. This campaign was so successful they’re running it again this year. You can also visit our website where you’ll find explanations on the different types of back pain, diagnosis and treatment information.

www.hse.gov.uk/betterbacks

www.hse.gov.uk/msd/backpain/index.htm

Source: BUPA


Safety

Snippets

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1 of 1 14/05/2013 21:32


Comply at Work

Some Self-employed to be exempt from health and safety laws…The Queen has announced in her latest speech that some self-employed people will be exempt from the UK’s health and safety regulations. Her Majesty revealed that sole traders in certain sectors will be free from the strain that some laws cause. “A Bill will be introduced to reduce the burden of excessive regulation on businesses,” the Queen stated. Please note that this only applies to workers whose jobs are deemed to be “low-risk” and are highly unlikely to pose harm to other people. It goes without saying that self-employed chemical producers, engineering and construction trades and people in other dangerous professions will still be forced to adhere to the UK’s strict workplace safety rules, but the Queen’s revelation will make life easier for office-based freelancers, for example. As things stand, the UK has one of the best workplace safety records in Europe, but it is clear that some regulations are unnecessarily restrictive.

“A Bill will be introduced to reduce the burden of excessive regulation on businesses,” the Queen stated.

The government is keen to cut as much red tape as possible in order to give small businesses every chance to flourish. Many entrepreneurs have bemoaned the number of health and safety laws they have to abide by, as compliance can cost a lot of money and some regulations are somewhat over-zealous. Numerous reports have shown that certain laws can be relaxed without health and safety standards falling and the authorities have been going through the nation’s legislation with a fine-toothed comb so they can pick out rules that are no longer fit for purpose. Before now, some self-employed Britons have been a little confused about their health and safety obligations.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a consultation in August 2012, in which it sought the public’s views on potential changes to the way self-employed people are governed. At the time, HSE policy advisor Sarah Wadham said the alterations came on the back of recommendations made in the Lofstedt review, which suggested people who work for themselves should not have to follow health and safety laws if they pose no risk to themselves or others.


Business

Bytes

If you want to build your business, you must always think of the long-term consequences of your actions.

So when we hear about poor service, we always wonder if businesses have given any thought to the long-term impact of not putting their clients first


If you want to keep your clients happy

• Listen to them. Make sure you really understand what it is they want. Get it wrong and they will blame you down the line

• If you can’t give them what they want, then say so, but always try to recommend an alternative. It will be appreciated

• Accept you can’t please everybody all of the time. Sometimes you just have to accept that you’ve got an unhappy client. It’s how you handle it that will make the difference

• If you get it wrong, apologise and mean it. No-one gets it right all the time. Be genuine, be sincere, it’s the best you can do in the circumstances.

• SMILE. Your demeanour, tone of voice and body language can make all the difference

Always remember these points, whether you’re dealing with a new client or revisiting a relationship with a long-standing one.

Every time you speak to a client, always ask yourself what the long-term impact of the encounter will be on your business. Keep them happy and you will keep them spending money with you rather than your competitors. Disappoint them and before you know it, you’re reputation has been compromised. Not only have you lost one client, but possibly a whole host of future business partners.

If you look after your clients, they’ll look after you. Follow the above and you won’t go far wrong. Your business will thank you.

Source: Athena Business

Get Your Clients to Build your Business

Did you know we are entering the Bolton and Bury Business Awards 2013?

We hope to win the converted Customer Excellence Award as we feel this category resonates with us the most as a company.

If you are not already a client and are interested in benefitting from our services, we would love to meet with you to discuss how we can help and provide you with a competitive quote.

All new client consultations are provided free of charge and without obligation.

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