Project Management File - Final

7/26/2019 Project Management File - Final

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Introduction

Definition

Garment is an article of clothing which covers human body.

Wearing garments has become a habit to all of us in today's world. There are different kinds of

material available to make a dress, attire, apparel or garments. We wear clothing primarily to protect

our body from natural elements. Social reasons and functional reasons are secondary.

History

Since the beginning of mankind humans have used some kind of garments for their body. The

archaeologists and anthropologists say that the earlier clothing was made of fur, leather, leaves or

grass, draped or tied to the body.

We in the modern times still drape, wrap or tie our cloths. The difference is that of different

materials or fabrics we use to make our garments. There are two categories of Fabrics we use

Natural

Artificial

Natural Fabric is made out of

• !otton

• Silk

• Wool

• Fur

• "eather

Artificial Fabrics for clothing are

#



• $ylon

• %olyester

• Terylene

• Terycot

• "ycra

The modern man uses different fabrics to make garments.

Types of Garments

&an, woman and child use different garments. sually men wear pants and shirts. Women wear

skirts, dresses, or pants and shirts as well. (n (ndia women mostly wear sarees or Salwar )urta.

(n the old days people used to stitch their cloths in the house, but now we can get readymade cloths.

There is a huge market for readymade garments. *ou get

• &en's wear

• "adies wear

• )ids wear

P a k i s t a n ’ s G a r m e n t s I n d u s t r yP a k i s t a n ’ s G a r m e n t s I n d u s t r y

(Key statistics

Population (!"#$% appro+imately #-,/#,0 people making it the si+th most populous

country.#

1



&mployment in 'arment industry (!"#% about # million people21 34 of the

manufacturing labor force works in the garment industry3 and about 104 work in the te+tile

industry 5in mills and such67

Garment ) of GDP% . 4 / -

Garment ) of e*port% /34 to /48 and it makes up for 74 of the e+port revenues#0

+alue 'arment e*port (!"#!% #70. million S9## 5###,03-,3/ :;6#1

Percenta'e of t,e -orld market for 'arment% %akistan<s te+tile sector makes up #.#4 of

the world te+tile market 510#06#3

.inimum -a'e (!"#$% #3000 %);#7 51 S92 /7 :;6 #

/i0in' -a'e calculation by Asia Floor 1a'e (!"#% none

(Turno0er 2 profit

(n 10#1 the value of %akistan<s garment e+ports was #70. million S9 5###,03-,3/ :;6.33 37

Garment e+ports constitute /343 of %akistan<s total e+ports and the garment e+ports makes up for

74 of the e+port revenues .3/ and %akistan has GS%= status and thus it en>oys duty?free access to

the :uropean market.38 GS%= is an even more beneficial trading scheme with the : than GS%.

GS%= means full removal of tariffs and it is only granted to countries that ratify and implement

international labour conventions and human rights standards. The scheme aims at sustainable

development and good governance since the countries it is granted to can lose this preferential

status when they do not ratify and implement human rights and labour law conventions anymore.

The body monitoring this is the :uropean !ommission. @bout 104 of %akistan<s global e+ports are

covered by GS%=.70

3i''est issues in Pakistan’s 'arment industry

9eprivation of the rights granted to the workers under the !onstitution, labour laws and international law

9angerous working conditions in the factories and 9iscrimination against female workers

3



General and &conomic Data of Garments Industry

Producing Factories

ProductionThere are around ,000 production units for garments.#/

Exports Te*tile

or Garments4

Total

&*ports&*ports to 56

) of total

e*ports to

56

&*ports to &5

) of tot

&*port

&5

10#3 Garments

#1.8 billion

S9#

5#0 billion

:;6 #8

1.8 billion

S910 51.7

billion :;6

1.84 1#

/.# billion

S9 11 57.8

billion :;6 13

-417

(70er0ie- of rele0ant /abor /a-s8 International la- and implementation

Area International /a-9atified4

Pakistani /a- Implementation

General Labor Organization

( ILO ) Conventions

that grant individual rights and obligations.

The treaties that will

be regarded are:

ICCPR (International

Covenant on Civil and

Political ights)!

ICESCR

(International

Covenant on

"cono#ic$ %ocial and

Cultural ights)!

These

instru#ents

oblige Pa&istan to

co#'l onl i it

has ratiied

the#.

ights and obligations

also derive ro#

national legislation.

The rights grant

and the realit

not alwas t sa#e! eventual

the

situation de'en

on t

i#'le#entation.

7



CEDAW (Convention

on the "li#ination o

*iscri#ination against

+o#en)!

CRC (Convention on

the ights o the

Child).

Forced Labour ("A !onventions

18 5#8306

#0 5#8-6

;atified

5#8- and #8/06

@rt ## of the

constitution prohibits

forced labour. Bonded

labour is prohibited by

the B"S@ @ct.

Bonded labour is

issue in %akista

especially in t

te+tile sector./

(!!%;, @rts -,

5#8//6

;atified 51006

,on-

*iscri#ination

("A !onventions

#00 5#8#6

### 5#86

(!!%;, @rts 1, 1/

5#8//6

(!:S!;, @rt 1516

5#8//6

!;!, @rt 1 5#886

!:9@W, @rt # 5#8-86

;atified

5100# and #8/#6

;atified 510#06

;atified 51006

;atified 5#8806

;atified 5#88/6

9iscrimination is

prohibited by @rt 1

and @rt 3 of the

!onstitution.

9iscrimination

women

commonplace.-

+o#en !:9@W ;atified

9iscrimination on

basis of se+ is

prohibited by

@rt 1 516 of the

!onstitution.

Women often g

lower wages th

men for the sam

>obs and matern

leave is often n

granted. @lso, ma

unions are only l by men witho

female

representation.



Child Labour ("A !onventions #3

#1 5#8886;atified 5100#6

:mployment below #7

years of age is

prohibited by

@rt ## 536 of the

!onstitution.

The #th @mendment

of the !onstitution

puts the obligation on

the provinces to care

for child welfare. (n

relation to the te+tile

industry, only carpet

weaving is declared

prohibited for

children.8

!hild labour e+i

in %akista

especially related

the te+tile indust

when it comes

cotton picking a

working in mi

and power looms

Bonded ch

labour e+ists i.a.

carpet weaving./#

Freedom of

@ssociationC

!ollective

Bargaining

("A !onventions

- 5#876

8 5#8786

(!!%;, @rt 11

(!:S!;, @rt

;atified

5#8# and #816

;atified

;atified

@rt #- of the

constitution grants the

right to form and >oin

trade unions.

Aften there a

restrictions

>oining unions, t

unions are wea

and there is a la

of a leading cadre

"iving Wage

("A !onventions

1/

#3#

The minimum

wage is set at

#0,000 ;s. per

month for

unskilled

workers./1

Sometimes, factories

vary the wages

depending on the siDe

of the order. This can

lead to lower

payments./3

Reasonable

Working Hours

ILO Convention

(//) atiied (/0)

%rescribed by the

Factories @ct of #837,

no more than 8 hours

per day and 7 hours

per week are allowed.

For workers under #

the ma+imum is 71

hours per week./7

(t occurs th

workers have

work #0 or mo

hours a day./

Safe Working

Conditions

ILO Convention

!!

"#e state #as to

pro$ote %ust

and #u$ane

7ften8 factories are

c,eaply built or not

-ell maintained: T,e

/



&onditions of

'ork (Art )*+,

dan'er of fires is

,i',:

G a r m e n t ; i t i e sG a r m e n t ; i t i e s

(70er0ie- of Garments ;ities

(n view of recent elimination of te+tile Euotas and subseEuent opening up of (nternational markets,

many supplier countries are investing in physical infrastructure to facilitate increased e+ports

Similar Garment !ities are successfully operating in !hina, Singapore, ietnam and Bangladesh

(ndia is setting up large industrial parks for the same purpose. nder the Trade policy of 1003, it

was envisaged that three Garment !ities would be established at "ahore, )arachi and Faisalabad to

develop state of the art facilities for garment manufacturers.

(1,y Garments ;ities

Garment cities are clusters of sewing and stitching units grouped together to produce specialiDed

garments for e+port and provide an opportunity to small and medium entrepreneurs to develop

value?added clothing and accessories.

(1,at t,ese ;ities ,a0e

!luster of manufacturing units, @dministrative blocks, providing common facilities, women training

centers, Testing "aboratories, e+hibition center, conference halls, logistic support offices, container

yards, ware houses etc.

-



(Faisalabad Garments ;ity

The Faisalabad Garment !ity is the first physical infrastructure of the &inistry of Te+tile (ndustry,

Government of %akistan. The Faisalabad Garment !ity !ompany acEuired 3.8 acres of land in the

alue @ddition !ity Faisalabad.H Faisalabad Garment !ity !ompany is incorporated by Securities

and :+change !ommission %akistan Faisalabad on th &ay, 100/.

(/a,ore Garments ;ity Pro<ect

(n terms of siDe, the "ahore Garment !ity spread over #8.7 acres is relatively small. But as a firs

step towards introducing the concept of stitching clusters sharing common facilities, it is a very

important landmark in industrial development. The availability of fully constructed state of the art

manufacturing units with all ancillary and support facilities would attract a large number of

domestic and international companies to rent the factories for manufacturing purposes

(Karac,i Garments ;ity ;omple*

)G!! is being established at %ort Iasim, )arachi on an area of 300 acres of land 5already

procured6.

State of the art infrastructure will be available for garments e+porters in the first phase

The pro>ected employment would be ,000 in the first phase

Jealth and Safety Worldwide

Accupational safety and health is the science of anticipating, recogniDing, evaluating and

controlling health haDards at the workplace with the ob>ective to protect worker health and

wellbeing and safeguard the community at large. @s stated by ("A 9G in 1008, occupational safety

K health is human right and that decent work eventually is safe work.

(1,y is 7ccupational safety and ,ealt, important4

Workers' safety and health are not only the concerns of workers and their families but also of

enterprises and even national and global economies whose productivity and competitiveness depend

on keeping workplaces safe. @ccording to ("A, around #/0 million people suffer from occupational

diseases and 1 million people die every year as a result of occupational accidents and work?related



diseases and in>uries. Similarly, around 33- million fatal and non?fatal accidents occur each year

Still the figures are Euite underestimated as nearly 04 of workplace in>uries are never reported

especially in developing countries. &oreover, under?reporting e+ists because of the failure to

recogniDe the work?related origins of diseases. ("A has further estimated that nearly 4 of world

G9% is lost due to occupational diseases and accidents. The annual cost of workplace accidents and

diseases has been estimated as SL billion. JaDards in the workplace create both human andeconomic costs. The recent blaDe in a factory in the garment factory in %akistan where more than

100 workers were burnt to death reminds us about the importance of having a system at workplace

which protects workers from such tragedies and accidents.

(1,at are rele0ant I/7 ;on0entions on t,e sub<ect4

ASJ is a cross?cutting issue and is addressed in the largest number of ("A standards, either directly

or indirectly. ("A has adopted nearly 70 standards 5conventions and recommendations6 dealingspecifically with ASJ. There are many other ("A activities 5and resultantly labor standards6 that are

related to ASJ indirectly and these include child and bonded labor activities2 labor inspection,

informal economy, gender mainstreaming and work in the specific sectors of economy. The mos

important standards include

#. Accupational safety and Jealth !onvention, #8# and its %rotocol of 1001

1. Accupational Jealth Services !onvention, #8

3. %romotional Framework for Accupational Safety and Jealth !onvention, 100/ Jealth

Safety "aws in %akistan

There is no independent legislation on occupational safety and health issues in %akistan. The main

law, which governs these issues, @ll the provinces, under this act, have devised Factories ;ules. The

JaDardous Accupations ;ules, #8/3 under the authority of Factories @ct is another relevant

legislation. These rules not only specify some haDardous occupations but also authoriDe the !hief(nspector of Factories to declare any other process as haDardous.

The other related laws are

#. &ines @ct, #813

8



1. Workmen !ompensation @ct, #813

3. 9ock "aborers @ct, #837

7. %rovincial :mployees Social Security Ardinance, #8/

. West %akistan Shops and :stablishments Ardinance, #8/8

/. Boilers and %ressure essels Ardinance, 1001

(Healt, and 6afety pro0isions under t,e Factories Act8 #=$

The @ct has general provisions on health and safety at the workplace. %rovincial governments are

allowed to make rules under this @ct and inspectors under this @ct also have discretion in defining

the rules. !hapter 3 talks about various safety arrangements. This list is being provided >ust to show

how meticulously labor law covers these issues.

M @rtificial humidification.

M !asing of new machineryM !ompulsory vaccination and inoculation

M !ranes and other lifting machinery

M 9rinking water

M 9ust and fume

M :mployment of young persons on dangerous machines

M :+cessive weights

M :+plosive or inflammable dust, gas, etc.

M Fencing of machinery

M Floors, stairs and means of access

M Joists and lifts

M "atrines and urinals

M "ighting

M $otice of certain accidents

M Avercrowding

M %its, sumps, opening in floors, etc.

M %ower to make rules for the provision of canteens

#0



M %ower to reEuire specifications of defective parts or tests of stability

M %recautions against contagious or infectious disease

M %recautions against dangerous fumes

M %recautions in case of fire

M %ressure plant

M %rohibition of employment of women and children near cotton openers

M %rotection of eyes

M ;evolving machineryM Safety of building, machinery and manufacturing process

M Self?acting machines

M Spittoons

M Striking gear and devices for cutting off power

M entilation and temperature

M Welfare officer

M Work on or near machinery in motion

(&nsurin' t,e abo0e>mentioned pro0isions at t,e -orkplaces4

@ll the above laws reEuire the appropriate government 5Federal or %rovincial6 to appoint Eualified

individuals as inspectors. (t is the duty of inspectors to enforce these laws. The usual powers of

inspectors include the right to enter and inspect any workplace, taking evidence from persons for

carrying out their duties. @ person can<t be appointed as inspector or continue to hold the office of

inspector if he or she becomes directly or indirectly interested in the workplace 5it is factory under

the Factories @ct, a dock or a ship under 9ock "aborers @ct and a mine under the &ines @ct.

(Trainin' to t,e -orkers re'ardin' -orkplace ,ealt, and safety issues

arious government agencies provide training to workers on these issues

##



The detail is as under $ational (nstitute of "abor @dministration and Training, 9irectorate of

Workers :ducation. 9irectorate of 9ock Workers Safety 599WS6, !entral (nspectorate of &ines

provides training to dock workers and mine workers respectively

The !entre for (mprovement of Working !onditions and :nvironment 5!(W!:6 is a pioneering

institution in %akistan 5working under the 9irectorate of "abor Welfare, %un>ab6 which provides

training, information and research facilities for promotion of safety, health and better work

environment in the industries and businesses.

/iterature 9e0ie-

Ho- do ci0il la- and ,ealt, and safety la- apply4

(5nderstandin' -,ic, type of la- Applies

!oncerns often arise when people confuse civil law obligations with an organisation<s duties under

health and safety law. This page clarifies the differences between the two types of law and how

health and safety law applies to voluntary organisations.

#1



(;i0il la- and t,e duty of care

nder the common law, voluntary organisations and individual volunteers have a duty of care to

each other and others who may be affected by their activities. Where something goes wrong,

individuals may, in some cases, sue for damages using the civil law if they are in>ured as a result of

another person<s negligence. But, for a negligence claim to succeed, the in>ured person must show

that the defendant had a duty to take reasonable care towards them, and they have suffered thein>ury through a breach of that duty. The in>ured person must also show that the type of loss or

in>ury for which damages are being claimed was a foreseeable result of the breach of the duty.

"iability in individual cases is a matter for the courts, depending on all the circumstances of the

case and the actions and standards it is reasonable to e+pect from each of the parties involved. (f the

court decides that a particular claim does not have merit, then it will re>ect it. (t can also reduce any

damages awarded to reflect the e+tent of any contributory negligence on the part of the in>ured

person.

(Healt, and safety la-

The Jealth and Safety at Work etc @ct #8-7 5JSW @ct6 is criminal law aimed at protecting

employees and others who may be affected by work activities. (t is enforced mainly by JS: and

local authorities. Jealth and safety legislation does not, in general, impose duties upon someone

who is not an employer, self?employed or an employee. (t is not possible to sue for damages under

the JSW @ct itself although a breach of health and safety regulations may be cited as part of a civil

claim for compensation based on a breach of statutory duty. JS: and local authority health and

safety officers have no power to investigate incidents or pursue enforcement action in relation to

most purely voluntary activities 5sub>ect to limited e+ceptions such as where a volunteer is in

control of non?domestic premises6.

(1,en ,ealt, and safely la- applies

The JSW @ct and the regulations made under it apply if any organisation, including a voluntary

organisation, has at least one employee. The @ct refers to employers and the self?employed as

Ndutyholders<. The JSW @ct sets out the general duties that employers have towards employees. (t

also reEuires employers and the self?employed to protect people other than those at work 5eg

members of the public, volunteers, clients and customers6 from risks to their health and safety

arising out of, or in connection with, their work activities.

#3



(9isk assessments for lo->risk acti0ities

@n employer<s legal duty to do a risk assessment is one that often causes concern. This isn<t about

creating huge amounts of paperwork but rather it<s about identifying sensible and proportionate

measures to control the risks. The Jealth and safety made simple site provides advice on how to do

a risk assessment. Some voluntary organisations may also find our risk assessment tool for low?risk

office?based environments helpful.

(9isk assessments of ,i',er>,a?ard acti0ities

9utyholders organising higher?haDard or more risky activities should use the risk assessment

process to ensure their employees and volunteers are appropriately protected. These

organisations will normally know what to do, based on their e+perience and knowledge. They will

appreciate the need for volunteers to have appropriate levels of information, training and protective

eEuipment so activities can be carried out safely and without harming health. The preventive and

protective measures should reflect the actual risks that employees and volunteers face in their

respective roles. So a volunteer might reasonably e+pect similar protection to a paid colleague who

does the same type of activity.

&ulti?occupancy workplaces

Where employers share workplaces 5whether on a temporary or permanent basis6, they need to co?

operate with each other to comply with their respective health and safety obligations. :ach

employer needs to take all reasonable steps to co?ordinate the measures they adopt to fulfil those

obligations. They also need to tell the other employers about any risks their work activities could

present to their employees, both on? and off?site. These reEuirements apply to self?employed people

where they share a workplace with other employers or where they share a workplace with other

self?employed people.

9eciding who will help you with your duties

@s an employer, you must appoint someone competent to help you meet your health and safety

duties. @ competent person is someone with the necessary skills, knowledge and e+perience to

#7

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/office.htm






manage health and safety. (n many cases, you will know the risks in your business best. This will

mean that you are the competent person and can carry out the risk assessments yourself.

*ou could appoint 5one or a combination of6

• yourself

• one or more of your workers

• someone from outside your business

&any businesses can develop the necessary e+pertise in?house and are well eEuipped to manage

health and safety themselves. Jowever, there are some things you may not be able to do for yourself

and you may decide to get e+ternal help. %ossible sources of advice include

• trade associations

• safety groups

• trade unions

• consultants registered on the Accupational Safety and Jealth !onsultants ;egister

5ASJ!;6

• local councils

• health and safety training providers

• health and safety eEuipment suppliers

(dentifying and deciding what help you need is very important. (f you appoint someone to help you,

you must ensure that they are competent to carry out the tasks you give them and that you provide

them with adeEuate information and support. (f you are not clear about what you want, you

probably won<t get the help you need.

#



6ome points to consider -,en usin' e*ternal ,elp

• &ake sure you clearly e+plain what you need and check that they understand you. @sk them

to e+plain what they understand the work to be and what they will do, when they will do it,

and what they will charge you

• !heck for evidence of relevant health and safety trainingCknowledge, such as forma

Eualifications or practical e+perience of providing advice in your industryCarea of work

• !an they e+plain why they are competent to advise you on your particular problemO

• (s the person a member of a professional bodyO (f you are in doubt, you can check with the

professional body on what training, knowledge or Eualifications are relevant and whether the

person is listed as a member

• Shop around to find the right help at the right price. (f you were buying eEuipment or

another service, you wouldn<t always accept the first offer, so do the same with health and

safety advice. *ou should also check that the person you choose is adeEuately insured

• !onsider whether you have received the help you needed. 9o you have a practical, sensible

solution to your problemO Ar have you ended up with something completely Nover the top<

or a mountain of useless paperworkO (f you are not happy with the solution, ask for an

e+planation and whether there may be a simpler alternative

• *ou can find consultants through Accupational Safety and Jealth !onsultants ;egister

5ASJ!;6 an independent online directory to help you find sensible health and safety advice

;egistered members have met set standards within their professional bodies, and are bound

by a code of practice. They give proportionate advice, specific to your business needs, by

topic, industry or location

Try to make sure that you get a good follow?up service and are able to get further advice on any

issues that arise from implementing their recommendations.

;onsultin' your employees

#/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/oshcr






Workplaces where employees are involved in taking decisions about health and safety are safer and

healthier. !ollaboration with your employees helps you to manage health and safety in a practical

way by

• helping you spot workplace risks

• making sure health and safety controls are practical

• increasing the level of commitment to working in a safe and healthy way

• providing you with feedback on the effectiveness of your health and safety arrangements

and control measures

*ou must consult all your employees, in good time, on health and safety matters. (n workplaces

where a trade union is recognised, this will be through union health and safety representatives. (nnon?unionised workplaces, you can consult either directly or through other elected representatives.

;epresentatives< main role is to talk to their employer about issues affecting the health and safety of

employees they represent in the workplace. *ou should ensure that any representatives receive paid

time off during normal working hours so they can carry out their duties. They should also receive

suitable training and access to any facilities needed to help them in their role. !onsultation involves

employers not only giving information to employees but also listening to them and taking account

of what they say before making decisions on health and safety. *ou have to give employees or their

representatives information to allow full and effective participation in consultation. This should

include

• risks arising from their work

• proposals to manage andCor control these risks

• what to do if employees are e+posed to a risk

• the best ways of providing information and training

%roviding training and information

#-



:veryone who works for you needs to know how to work safely and without risks to health. *ou

must provide clear instructions and information, and adeEuate training, for your employees

!onsider how much training is necessary. @ proportionate approach is needed, for e+ample a low?

risk business would not need lengthy technical training. %roviding simple information or

instructions is likely to be sufficient. 9on<t forget contractors and self?employed people who may be

working for you and make sure everyone has the right level of information on

• haDards and risks they may face, if any

• measures in place to deal with those haDards and risks, if necessary

• how to follow any emergency procedures

Some employees may have particular training needs, for e+ample

• new recruits need basic induction training in how to work safely, including arrangements for

first aid, fire and evacuation

• people changing >obs or taking on e+tra responsibilities need to know about any new health

and safety implications

• young employees are particularly vulnerable to accidents and you need to pay particular

attention to their needs, so their training should be a priority. (t is also important that new,ine+perienced or young employees are adeEuately supervised

• employee representatives or safety representatives will reEuire training that reflects their

responsibilities

• some people<s skills may need updating by refresher training

*our risk assessment should identify any further training needs associated with specific risks. (f you

have identified danger areas in your workplace, you must ensure that your employees receive

adeEuate instruction and training on precautions they must take before entering them. *ou need to

think about any legal reEuirements for specific >ob training, eg for operating forklift trucks

;emember that if you introduce new eEuipment, technology or changes to working

practicesCsystems, your employees will need to know about any new health and safety implications.

#



:mployees also have responsibilities under health and safety law to

• take care of their own health and safety and that of others

• co?operate with you to help you comply with health and safety legislation

•

follow any instructions or health and safety training you provide

• tell you about any work situations that present a serious and imminent risk

• let you know about any other failings they identify in your health and safety arrangements

%roviding supervision

*ou must provide an adeEuate and appropriate level of supervision for your employees

• Supervisors need to know what you e+pect from them in terms of health and safety. They

need to understand your health and safety policy, where they fit in, and how you want health

and safety managed

• Supervisors may need training in the specific haDards of your processes and how you e+pect

the risks to be controlled

• $ew, ine+perienced or young people, as well as those whose first language is not :nglish

are very likely to need more supervision than others. &ake sure workers know how to raise

concerns and supervisors are familiar with the possible problems due to unfamiliarity

ine+perience and communication difficulties

• Supervisors need to ensure that workers in their charge understand risks associated with the

work environment and measures to control them

• Supervisors will need to make sure the control measures to protect against risk are up to date

and are being properly used, maintained and monitored

• &ake sure you have arrangements in place to check the work of contractors is being done as

agreed

#8



:ffective supervision can help you monitor the effectiveness of the training that people have

received, and whether employees have the necessary capacity and competence to do the >ob.

First aid

*ou need to assess your first?aid reEuirements to help you decide what eEuipment and facilities youneed, and how many first?aid personnel you should provide. The minimum first?aid provision in any

workplace is

• a suitably stocked first?aid bo+

• an appointed person to take charge of first?aid arrangements

*ou also need to put up notices telling your employees where they can find

• the first?aiders or appointed persons

• the first?aid bo+

*our assessment may also indicate that you should provide a first?aid room, particularly where your

work involves certain haDards, including some of those found in chemical industries and on large

construction sites. (f you are self?employed you should have eEuipment to be able to provide first

aid to yourself at work. *ou should make an assessment of the haDards and risks in your workplace

and establish an appropriate level of first?aid provision. (f you carry out low?risk activities 5eg

clerical work6 in your own home, you only need to provide first?aid eEuipment appropriate to your

normal domestic needs. (f your work involves driving long distances or you are continuously on the

road, your assessment may identify the need to keep a personal first?aid kit in your vehicle.

:mergency procedures

Workplaces need a plan for emergencies that can have a wider impact. Special procedures are

needed for emergencies such as serious in>uries, e+plosion, flood, poisoning, electrocution, fire,

release of radioactivity and chemical spills. Iuick and effective action may help to ease the

situation and reduce the conseEuences. Jowever, in emergencies people are more likely to respond

reliably if they

10



• are well trained and competent

• take part in regular and realistic practice

• have clearly agreed, recorded and rehearsed plans, actions and responsibilities

Write an emergency plan if a ma>or incident at your workplace could involve risks to the publicrescuing employees or co?ordinating emergency services. Where you share your workplace with

another employer you should consider whether your emergency plans and procedures should be co?

ordinated.

(Points to include in emer'ency procedures

• !onsider what might happen and how the alarm will be raised. 9on<t forget night and shift

working, weekends and times when the premises are closed, eg holidays

• %lan what to do, including how to call the emergency services. Jelp them by clearly

marking your premises from the road. !onsider drawing up a simple plan showing the

location of haDardous items

• (f you have 1 tonnes or more of dangerous substances, you must notify the fire and rescue

service and put up warning signs

• 9ecide where to go to reach a place of safety or to get rescue eEuipment. *ou must provide

suitable forms of emergency lighting

• *ou must make sure there are enough emergency e+its for everyone to escape Euickly, and

keep emergency doors and escape routes unobstructed and clearly marked

• $ominate competent people to take control 5a competent person is someone with the

necessary skills, knowledge and e+perience to manage health and safety6

• 9ecide which other key people you need, such as a nominated incident controller, someone

who is able to provide technical and other site?specific information if necessary, or first?

aiders

1#



• %lan essential actions such as emergency plant shutdown, isolation or making processes safe

!learly identify important items like shut?off valves and electrical isolators etc

• *ou must train everyone in emergency procedures. 9on<t forget the needs of people with

disabilities and vulnerable workers

• Work should not resume after an emergency if a serious danger remains. (f you have any

doubts ask for assistance from the emergency services

;eporting accidents, incidents and diseases

The ;eporting of (n>uries, 9iseases and 9angerous Accurrences ;egulations 5;(99A;6 reEuire

employers, or in certain circumstances others who control or manage the premises, to report to the

relevant enforcing authority and keep records of

• work?related deaths

• work?related accidents which cause certain specified serious in>uries to workers, or which

result in a worker being incapacitated for more than seven consecutive days 5see the

;(99A; site6

• cases of those industrial diseases listed in ;(99A;

• certain Ndangerous occurrences< 5near?miss accidents6

• in>uries to a person who is not at work, such as a member of the public, which are caused by

an accident at work and which result in the person being taken to hospital from the site for

treatment

9eports to the enforcing authority of all of the above categories, e+cept over?seven?day in>uries,

must be made immediately by the Euickest practicable means and followed up by a writtennotification within #0 days. ;eports of over?seven?day in>uries must be sent to the enforcing

authority within # days. (n addition, records must be kept of all of Nover?three?day in>uries<, which

are those where a person who is in>ured at work is incapacitated for more than three consecutive

days. Aver?three?day in>uries do not, however, have to be reported to the enforcing authority. (f you

are an employer who must keep an accident book under the Social Security 5!laims and %ayments6

11

http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm



;egulations #8-8, an entry about an over?three?day in>ury is a sufficient record for the purposes of

;(99A;. @ person is incapacitated if they are unable to carry out the activities they would

reasonably be e+pected to do as part of their normal work. The period of time for an over?three?day

in>ury or an over?seven?day in>ury does not include the day of the accident, but it does include any

weekends or rest days.

1,y report and record4

;eporting and recording are legal reEuirements. The report tells the enforcing authorities for

occupational health and safety 5JS: and local authorities6 about serious incidents and cases of

disease. This means they can identify where and how risks arise and whether they need to be

investigated. (t also allows JS: and local authorities to target their work and provide advice on

how to avoid work?related deaths, in>uries, ill health and accidental loss. (nformation on accidents

incidents and ill health can be used as an aid to risk assessment, helping to develop solutions to

potential risks. ;ecords also help to prevent in>uries and ill health, and control costs from accidental

loss. *ou must keep a record of

• any reportable death, in>ury, occupational disease or dangerous occurrence

• all work?related in>uries that result in a worker being away from work or unable to do their

full range of normal duties for more than t,ree consecutive days 5not counting the day of the

accident but including any weekends or other rest days6

T,e Healt, and 6afety /a- Poster

(f you employ anyone, you must display the health and safety law poster, or provide each worker

with a copy of the approved leaflet or eEuivalent pocket card. *ou must display the poster where

your workers can easily read it. The poster outlines British health and safety laws and includes a

straightforward list that tells workers what they and their employers need to do. *ou can also add

details of any employee safety representatives or health and safety contacts if you wish to do soThe poster was updated in 1008 and all employers must display this new version, or provide each

worker with a copy of the eEuivalent leaflet or pocket card, by no later than @pril 10#7.

:mployers can use the older poster or leaflet until then.

Safety signs

13



:mployers must provide safety signs if there is a significant risk that can't be avoided or controlled

in any other way, such as through safe systems of work or engineering controls. There is no need to

provide safety signs if they don't help reduce the risk or if the risk isn't significant. This applies to

all places and activities where people are employed.

:mployers must, where necessary

• use road traffic signs in workplaces to regulate road traffic

• maintain the safety signs they provide

• e+plain unfamiliar signs to their employees and tell them what they need to do when they

see safety signs

(nsurance

(f your business has employees you are likely to be reEuired by law to have employers< liability

insurance. (f an employee is in>ured or becomes ill as a result of the work they do for you, they can

claim compensation from you. !omplying with health and safety legislation does not have to be

difficult. @s long as you have taken reasonable steps to prevent accidents or harm to your

employees 5and the in>ury or illness was caused after # Actober 10#36, you shouldn<t have to pay

compensation. Jowever, if a court finds you are liable, employers< liability insurance will help you

to pay any compensation for your employees< in>uries or illness. Anly a few businesses are not

reEuired to have employers' liability insurance. (f you have no employees, or are a family business

and all employees are closely related to you, you may not need it. For further details, see our leaflet

:mployers' "iability 5!ompulsory (nsurance6 @ct #8/8 @ brief guide for employers.

(Ho- do you 'et employers@ liability insurance4

*ou can buy employers< liability insurance through insurers or intermediaries, like brokers or trade

associations. *ou may find that it often comes as part of an insurance package designed to cover arange of business needs.

(nspectors and the law

17

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.htm



Jealth and safety laws applying to your business are enforced by JS: inspectors or by officers

from your local authority. @n inspector<s role is to

• investigate 5when accidents have happened or a complaint is made6 whether people are at

risk, to find out if something has gone wrong

• reEuire you to take action to control risks properly if you are not already complying with the

law

• take appropriate enforcement action in relation to any non?compliance, ranging from advice

on stopping dangerous work activities to potentially taking prosecutions where people are

put at serious risk

• provide advice and guidance to help you comply with the law and avoid in>uries and ill

health at work

(nspectors have the right of entry to your premises as well as the right to talk to employees and

safety representatives, and e+ercise powers to help them fulfil their role. JS: operates a Fee for

(ntervention 5FF(6 cost recovery scheme. (f you are breaking health and safety laws, JS: may

recover its costs from you by charging a fee for the time and effort it spends on helping you to put

the matter right, such as investigating and taking enforcement action. (f an JS: inspector visits

your premises and you want to confirm their identity, they all carry identification and you can ask to

see this. (nspectors and local authority officers prioritise the highest risks and those businesses

which fail to manage health and safety properly.

1



*our organiDation

This part of the site covers issues that can affect your workers and may need action at an

organisational level. :ach section e+plains how factors in your workplace can have an impact, either

because of the nature of the work or the way it is managed. The sections relate to haDards and health

issues you may need to assess and take action to deal with P they could be included in your health

and safety policy.

(. :rgonomics and human factors((. Shift work and fatigue

(((. Jealth surveillance(. Work?related stress. 9rugs and alcohol

(&r'onomics and Human Factors

%eople are involved in all aspects of work. That is why JS: recognises the important role

ergonomics and human factors can play in helping to avoid accidents and ill health at work.

Juman factors are concerned with three interrelated areas

• what people are being asked to do 5t,e <ob and its characteristics6

• who is doing it 5t,e indi0idual and their competence6

• where they are working 5t,e or'ani?ation and its attributes6

T,e <ob

This includes the nature of the task, the workload, the working environment, the design of displays

and controls, and training to carry out the >ob.

T,e indi0idualThis includes their competence, skills, personality, attitude, and risk perception. (ndividua

characteristics influence behavior in comple+ ways. Some characteristics 5such as personality6 are

fi+ed, whereas others 5such as skills and attitudes6 may be changed or enhanced.

1/



T,e 7r'ani?ation

This includes work patterns, the culture of the workplace, resources, communications, leadership

etc. Such factors are often overlooked during the design of >obs but have a significant influence on

individual and group behavior.

5Shift work and fatigue6

(rregular hours of work and work patterns that include night and early morning shifts can lead to

disruption of the internal body clock, sleeping difficulties and fatigue. (f workers are fatigued, they

will be less alert, their reaction time will be slower, they will find it harder to concentrate and they

may make poor decisions. This can lead to accidents and in>uries.

(1,at do I ,a0e to do4

(f you operate a shift work system or your employees are reEuired to work irregular hours, you

should assess any risks that arise from their working pattern and take action to tackle any problems

you identify.

Factors to consider during risk assessment are

• The workload

• The work activity

• Shift timing and duration

• 9irection of shift rotation. (t is better for the shifts to run in a 'forward rotation', ie

morningCafternoonCnight

• The number and length of breaks within a shift

• ;est periods between shifts

1-



Jealth Surveillance

Jealth surveillance is not needed for most workers, but in some work situations and for some

e+posuresCactivities it is reEuired by law. This means having a system to look for early signs of ill

health caused by substances and other haDards at work. (t includes keeping health records for

individuals and may involve routine self?checks, Euestionnaires or medical e+aminations to inform

the employer 5or self?employed person6 if corrective action is needed. !orrective action may

involve referral for treatment andCor adaptations to work for individuals affected. &ore importantly

as an indication that controls may be failing, it should ensure review of risk management and action

to prevent further harmful e+posures.


(f you need to have health surveillance arrangements in place, these should be appropriate for the

health risks your workers are e+posed to. *ou must decide whether the work you do needs health

surveillance. @sk yourself whether any of your workers is at risk from, for e+ample

• noise or vibration

• solvents, fumes, dusts, biological agents and other substances haDardous to health

• asbestos, lead or work in compressed air

• ioniDing radiations or commercial diving P these reEuire a particular type of high?level

medical surveillance, which must be carried out by a doctor appointed for these purposes by

JS:

(f you do need to put in place a health surveillance system, involve your workers and their

representatives at an early stage, so they understand its purpose and their roles and responsibilities

in any resulting health surveillance programme. @sk for advice from a competent person if you need

to, such as an occupational health professional.

Work?related stress

1



%ressure is part of work and keeps us motivated and productive. But too much pressure, or pressure

that lasts for a long time, can lead to stress, which undermines performance, is costly to employers,

and can damage both physical and mental health.

!ommon causes of work?related stress include too much or too little work, lack of control over the

work being done, eg process or target?led tasks, conflicting priorities and ma>or change. There are

actions you can take to reduce the pressure these things can cause.


Where stress may be a problem, you should include it in your risk assessment and take action to

tackle it. @n effective risk assessment approach to tackling stress could include the following

• &easure the current situation 5using surveys andCor other techniEues6

• Work in partnership with employees and their representatives to make practica

improvements

• @gree and share an action plan with employees and their representatives

• ;egularly review the situation to ensure it continues to improve

JS: has also developed the &anagement Standards for dealing with work?related stress.They are

supported by tools designed to identify and tackle stressors, ie the things that cause stress at work.

The &anagement Standards provide a step?by?step process for tackling stress. They have been

designed to be useful to all organisations, whatever the siDe or type. The Standards identify si+

factors that cause stress at work, help you think about whether they are present in your business,

give you ideas on how to control them and produce an action plan. The si+ factors are

• Demands P including issues such as workload, work patterns and the work environment

• ;ontrol P how much say the person has in the way they do their work

• 6upport P including the encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the

organiDation, line management and colleagues

• 9elations,ips P including promoting positive working to avoid conflict and dealing with

unacceptable behavior 18

http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/



• 9ole P whether people understand their role within the organiDation and whether the

organiDation ensures that they do not have conflicting roles

;,an'e P how organiDational change 5large or small6 is managed and communicated

9rugs and alcohol

@buse of alcohol, drugs and other substances can affect health, work performance and safety. @s an

employer, you must ensure the health, safety and welfare of your workers in the workplace. Jere

are some things to consider

• Workers also have a duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others who could be

affected by their actions while they are at work

• *ou may wish to involve organisations that can offer help and support, or give your workers

their contact details

• (f you decide that strict standards are needed because of safety?critical >obs, then agree

procedures with workers in advance

• (f you decide that workplace drug testing is appropriate, you may need to consider the type

of testing, how the sample is collected and how to prevent its contamination

• 9isciplinary procedures may be needed where safety is critical

iolence at work

Work?related violence is not >ust physical P it includes verbal abuse and threats. (t is more common

in those >obs where workers have face?to?face contact with the public. When physical violence is

involved, the in>uries to those workers affected are obvious. Jowever, those sub>ected to constant

and repeated verbal abuse and threats may suffer stress, an+iety and depression. Workers who

interact directly with the public, particularly where money is involved or where age?restricted goods

are sold, are more likely to face aggressive or violent behaviour.

30



(1,at can I do if 0iolence at -ork is an issue4

• !onsider whether the layout of the work area adds to the problem

o (s there a safe area to count cashO

o @re there areas where attacks could take place without being witnessedO

o !an entry be controlled and do you know who is in the workplaceO

•

• @sk your employees whether they ever feel threatened and encourage them to report

incidents. )eep detailed records, including those of verbal abuse and threats

• Try to predict what might happen P there may be a known pattern of violence linked to

certain work situations

• Train your employees so they can spot the early signs of aggression and avoid it

• !onsider physical security measures, eg !!T or alarm systems and coded security locks

• Support victims, eg with debriefing or specialist counseling and time off work to recover

our -orkers

:veryone who works for you needs to know how to work safely and without risks to health. @s an

employer, giving your workers the right information, instruction, training and necessary competence

is not only a legal duty but can also contribute to the success of your business.

(our responsibilities

(t is your responsibility to provide

• Information that is easy to understand and follow so workers are aware of the haDards and

risks they face, the measures in place to control the risks, and how to follow any emergency

procedures

3#



• ;lear instructions so everyone working for you knows what they are e+pected to do

• adeBuate ,ealt, and safety trainin' that is relevant and effective. This should take place

during work hours and must be provided free of charge

• an appropriate le0el of super0ision, which is particularly vital for new, ine+perienced and

young workers

I: Ne- and e*pectant mot,ers

II: A'ency2temporary -orkers

III: Ne- to t,e <ob and youn' -orkers

I+: .i'rant -orkers

+: Alone -orkers

+I: Home-orkers

+II: Transient -orkers

+III: People -it, disabilities

IC: ;ontractors

(Ne- and e*pectant mot,ers

When carrying out your general risk assessment, take into account female employees of

childbearing age, including new or e+pectant mothers 5ie employees who are pregnant, have given

birth within the last si+ months or are breastfeeding6. *ou should consider the risks that may arise

from any process, working condition, or physical, biological or chemical agents. Some of the more

common risks are

• lifting or carrying heavy loads

• standing or sitting for long periods

31



• e+posure to infectious diseases

• e+posure to lead

• work?related stress

•

workstations and posture

• e+posure to radioactive material

• long working hours

• e+posure to to+ic chemicals

(f any significant risks have been identified, you must take the appropriate action as soon as you are

notified, in writing, that an employee is a new or e+pectant mother, to ensure that she is not further

e+posed. (f you are unable to avoid or control any risks that go beyond the level of risk found

outside the workplace, then you must take appropriate action. This might include altering working

conditions andCor hours of work or finding suitable alternative work. (f the risks can<t be avoided or

alternative work found, you should suspend the employee on paid leave for as long as necessary to

avoid the risks to them.

(A'ency2Temporary 1orkers

Businesses and self?employed people using temporary workers must provide the same level of

health and safety protection for them as they do for employees. %roviders of temporary workers and

employers using them need to co?operate and communicate clearly with each other to ensure risks

to those workers are managed effectively. *ou need to agree who does what. 9on<t assume the

Nother side< will take responsibility

• make sure, before temporary workers start, that they are covered by risk assessments, and

they know what measures have been taken to protect them

• make sure they understand the information and instructions they need to work safely, and

have had any necessary training

33



• consider the language needs of temporary workers who do not speak :nglish well or at all

5see our advice on migrant workers6

• check, before they start, that they have any occupational Eualifications or skills needed for

the >ob

• agree on arrangements for providingCmaintaining any personal protective eEuipment, display

screen eEuipment eyesight tests, and any necessary health surveillance

• agree on arrangements for reporting relevant accidents to the enforcing authority 5usually

JS: or the local authority6

nder the !onduct of :mployment @gencies and :mployment Businesses ;egulations 1003

agencies and businesses that use workers supplied by them must e+change the information they

both need to ensure the safety of workers.

(Ne- to t,e <ob and youn' -orkers

Workers are at particular risk of in>ury in the first si+ months of a >ob, when they are more likely to

be unaware of e+isting or potential risks. *oung people will often be in this category.

(6i* steps to protect ne- -orkers

• @ssess the new starter<s capabilities

• %lan and provide an induction

• &ake sure control measures to protect against risks are up to date and being properly used

and maintained

• %rovide relevant information, instruction and training

• %rovide adeEuate supervision

• !heck workers have understood the information, instruction and training they need to work

safely

37

http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/workers/migrant.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/workers/migrant.htm



(oun' -orkers

(n health and safety law, a young person is anyone under # and a child is anyone who has not yet

reached the official minimum school leaving age.

@s an employer, in addition to your health and safety responsibilities to all your employees, you are

responsible for ensuring a young person is not e+posed to risk due to

• lack of e+perience

• being unaware of e+isting or potential risks

• lack of maturity

Before deciding whether you can employ a young person, you must consider some specific risks

which are summarised below

• the fitting?out and layout of the workplace and the particular site where they will work

• the nature of any physical, biological and chemical agents they will be e+posed to, for how

long and to what e+tent

• what types of work eEuipment will be used and how this will be handled

• how the work and processes involved are organised

• the level of health and safety training given to young people

• risks from the particular agents, processes and work 5see NFind out more< below6

*ou should also be aware that students and trainees 5including children6 on work e+perience are

regarded in health and safety law as employees. *ou must provide them with the same health, safety

and welfare protection as other employees. *ou must let the parentsCguardians of any child know the

key findings of the risk assessment and the control measures taken before the child starts work or

work e+perience. Further in case of new workers following measures may also be taken four main

areas to ensure their health and safety

3



• Trainin'% They may be completely unfamiliar with workplace risks, and may have never

done the sort of work you<re asking them to do P so make sure induction training is clear

and simple.

• ;ommunication% They may have problems in communicating. &ake sure you communicate

clearly and effectively, for e+ample by providing information in other languages 5%un>abi P

Saraiki P %ashtu etc.6 visual formats in simple languges if necessary. :nsure workers

understand what is reEuired of them and they know how, and with whom, they can raise

concerns

• ;ompetence% This may be unclear. Before they start at your workplace, check that they

have the occupational Eualifications or skills needed for the >ob.

• Attitude to ,ealt, and safety% They may have different e+pectations about health and

safety responsibilities. So make sure they understand the importance of health and safety in

your workplace, how it<s managed, and that effective supervision can address any

weaknesses in understanding instructionCtraining. Workers from some cultures may assume

accidents are their own fault, or >ust inevitable, which can affect commitment to reducing

and controlling risks

(Alone -orkers

:stablishing a healthy and safe working environment for alone workers can be different from

organising the health and safety of other employees. They should not be put at more risk than other

people working for you. (t will often be safe to work alone. Jowever, the law reEuires employers to

think about and deal with any health and safety risks before people are allowed to do so. Things

you could consider to help ensure lone workers are not put at risk include

• assessing areas of risk including violence, manual handling, the medical suitability of the

individual to work alone and whether the workplace itself presents a risk to them

• reEuirements for training, levels of e+perience and how best to monitor and supervise them

• making sure you know what is happening, including having systems in place to keep in

touch with them

3/



(Transient -orkers

@ transient worker, sometimes also known as a peripatetic worker, is defined as someone who

works away from their normal work base either for part or all of their work. (t can also refer to

someone who has no fi+ed work base. ;isk assessments for transient workers will need to take into

account the type of work they are doing away from the normal work base ? this would usually

include

• working alone

• late, evening and night shift work

• working in confined spaces

• violence towards staff

• safe use and maintenance of tools and eEuipment

• working with harmful substances, manual handling and other health reEuirements such

as health surveillance

• provision, use and maintenance of personal protective eEuipment 5%%:6

• first aid and emergencies

(People -it, disabilities

(f you employ people with disabilities you have a duty under the :Euality @ct 10#0 to make

reasonable ad>ustments to your workplace for them.

*our health and safety risk assessment should help you decide what ad>ustments may be reEuired.

These can include

• !hanging the way things are done

• &aking changes to overcome physical barriers

• %roviding e+tra eEuipment

3-



(;ontractors

(f you have a contractor working for you, then both you and the contractor will have duties under

health and safety law. This also applies when a contractor employs subcontractors. When employing

contractors you should

• select a suitable subcontractor P ensure they have sufficient skills and knowledge to do the

>ob safely and without risks to health and safety

• assess the risks of the work P the level of risk will depend on the nature of the >ob. Whatever

the risk, you will need to consider the health and safety implications

• do a risk assessment P you and the contractor should be aware of its findings. *ou should

already have a risk assessment for the work activities of your own business. The contractor

must assess the risks for the contracted work and then both of you must get together to

consider any risks from each other<s work that could affect the health and safety of the

workforce or anyone else

• provide information, instruction and training to your employees. *ou should also provide

any information to contractors on the risks from your activities and the controls you have in

place. (t may also be beneficial to consider, with the contractor, what instruction and training

contractors will need

• set up liaison arrangements for co?operation and co?ordination with all those responsible to

ensure the health and safety of everyone in the workplace

• decide what you need to do to manage and supervise the work of contractors and agree the

nature of the controls before work starts

;,aracteristics of Healt, 6afety .easures*ou must provide a safe and healthy environment for all your workers and take their welfare needs

into account. Jowever, this doesn<t have to be complicated or time?consuming. This applies to a

very wide range of workplaces P not only factories, shops and offices but also schools, hospitals,

hotels and places of entertainment etc.

3



(1,at does t,e -orkplace co0er4

Workplace means any premises or part of a premises which are made available to any person as a

place of work. (t does not cover domestic premises. The term workplace also includes the common

parts of shared buildings, private roads and paths on industrial estates and business parks. *ou must

consider, for e+ample, lighting, ventilation, temperature, toilets and washing facilities. *ou must

also consider the needs of people with disabilities who may have specific needs, for e+ampleadapted toilet and washing facilities, wide doorways and gangways.

I: A safe place of -ork

II: Desi'nin' -orkstations

III: Display screen eBuipment

(A safe place of -ork

*ou must

• make sure your buildings are in good repair

• maintain the workplace and any eEuipment so that it is safe and works efficiently

• put right any dangerous defects immediately, or take steps to protect anyone at risk

• take precautions to prevent people or materials falling from open edges, eg fencing or guard

rails

• fence or cover floor openings, eg vehicle e+amination pits, when not in use

• have enough space for safe movement and access

• provide safety glass, if necessary

38



• make sure floors, corridors and stairs etc are free of obstructions, eg trailing cables

• provide good drainage in wet processes

• make sure any windows capable of being opened can be opened, closed or ad>usted safely

•

make sure all windows and skylights are designed and constructed so that they may becleaned safely 5you may also need to fit anchor points if window cleaners have to use

harnesses6

• minimise risks caused by snow and ice on outdoor routes, eg use salt or sand and sweep

them

(/i',tin'

*ou must provide

• good light P use natural light where possible but try to avoid glare

• a good level of local lighting at workstations where necessary

• suitable forms of emergency lighting

• well?lit stairs and corridors

• well?lit outside areas P for pedestrians and to help with work activities such as

loadingCunloading at night

(.o0in' around t,e premises

*ou must have

• safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles P separate routes may be necessary

• level, even floors and surfaces without holes or broken boards

• hand?rails on stairs and ramps where necessary

• safely constructed doors and gates

70



• floors and surfaces which are not slippery

(;leanliness

*ou must

• provide clean floors and stairs, with effective drainage where necessary

• provide clean premises, furniture and fittings

• provide containers for waste materials

• remove dirt, refuse and trade waste regularly

• clear up spillages promptly

• keep internal walls or ceilings clean

(Hy'iene and -elfare

*ou must provide

• clean toilets and hand basins, with running hot and cold or warm water, soap and towels or

another suitable means of drying

• drinking water

• somewhere to rest and eat meals, including facilities for eating food which would otherwise

become contaminated

• showers for dirty work or emergencies

• drying facilities for wet work clothes, if practical and necessary

• accommodation or hanging space for personal clothing not worn at work 5and somewhere to

change if special clothing is worn for work6

• rest facilities for pregnant women and nursing mothers

7#



(n some circumstances your risk assessment will highlight the need to provide additional specific

controls, for e+ample

• skin cleansers, with nail brushes

• barrier cream and skin?conditioning cream where necessary

• certain facilities for workers working away from base, eg chemical toilets in some

circumstances

(;omfortable conditions

*ou must provide

• a reasonable working temperature within workplaces inside buildings 5usually at least #/ Q!,

or #3 Q! for strenuous work, unless it is impractical to do so, eg in the food industry6

• local heating or cooling where a comfortable temperature cannot be maintained throughout

each workroom 5eg hot and cold processes6

• good ventilation P a sufficient supply of fresh, clean air drawn from outside or a ventilation

system

• heating systems which do not give off dangerous or offensive levels of fume into the

workplace

• enough workspace, including suitable workstations and seating

(1orkin' outdoors

For work outdoors you should consider things such as the weather, temperature 5both hot and cold6

and sun e+posure.

Desi'nin' -orkstations

Good workstation design can help reduce the incidence of in>ury or ill health in the workplace.

71



:mployers should ensure that workstations are designed to help employees carry out their tasks

with ease of access to controls on eEuipment. For e+ample, if seating is reEuired it should be

suitable for the task and have

• Support for the small of the back

• Fully ad>ustable height settings

• Footrests available if necessary

Display screen eBuipment

*ou must assess the risks to employees 5users6 and self?employed contractors 5operators6 who workat employer workstations and regularly use display screen eEuipment like computers and laptops as

a significant part of their normal work 5daily for continuous periods of an hour or more6. Some

workers may e+perience posture problems and pain, discomfort or in>uries, eg to their handsCarms,

from overuse or improper use or from poorly designed workstations or work environments

Jeadaches or sore eyes can also occur, for e+ample if the lighting is poor.

(1,at do I ,a0e to do

• (dentify what display screen eEuipment you have and which users and operators are covered

• @ssess all workstations and ensure they meet the minimum reEuirements for them

• %lan the work so there are breaks or changes of activity

• An reEuest, provide eye and eyesight tests and special corrective spectacles if they are

necessary

• %rovide training and information

• (f they use Nhot?desking<, workers will still need to check their workstation and ad>ust it to

their reEuirements. (t may be helpful to provide a checklist of what they need to consider

and this could be attached to the desk or workstation

73



&lectrical safety

:lectricity can kill or severely in>ure people and cause damage to property. Jowever, you can take

simple precautions when working with or near electricity and electrical eEuipment to significantly

reduce the risk of in>ury to you, your workers and others around you. This section provides a

summary of those precautions.

(1,at are t,e ,a?ards4

The main haDards of working with electricity are

• electric shock and burns from contact with live parts

• in>ury from e+posure to arcing, fire from faulty electrical eEuipment or installations

• e+plosion caused by unsuitable electrical apparatus or static electricity igniting flammable

vapours or dusts, for e+ample in a spray paint booth

:lectric shocks can also lead to other types of in>ury, for e+ample by causing a fall from ladders or

scaffolds etc.


*ou must ensure an assessment has been made of any electrical haDards, which covers

• who could be harmed by them

• how the level of risk has been established

• the precautions taken to control that risk

The risk assessment should take into consideration the type of electrical eEuipment used, the way in

which it is used and the environment that it is used in. *ou must make sure that the electrical

installation and the electrical eEuipment is

• suitable for its intended use and the conditions in which it is operated

• only used for its intended purpose

77



(n wet surroundings, unsuitable eEuipment can become live and make its surroundings live too.

Fuses, circuit?breakers and other devices must be correctly rated for the circuit they protect

(solators and fuse?bo+ cases should be kept closed and, if possible, locked. !ables, plugs, sockets

and fittings must be robust enough and adeEuately protected for the working environment. :nsure

that machinery has an accessible switch or isolator to cut off the power Euickly in an emergency.

(.aintenance

So far as is reasonably practicable, you must make sure that electrical eEuipment and installations

are maintained to prevent danger. sers of electrical eEuipment, including portable appliances,

should carry out visual checks. ;emove the eEuipment from use immediately and check it, repair it

or replace it if

• the plug or connector is damaged

• the cable has been repaired with tape, is not secure, or internal wires are visible etc

• burn marks or stains are present 5suggesting overheating6

;epairs should only be carried out by a competent person 5someone who has the necessary skills,

knowledge and e+perience to carry out the work safely6. Jave more freEuent checks for items more

likely to become damaged 5eg portable electrical tools and eEuipment that is regularly moved, or

used freEuently or in arduous environments6. "ess freEuent checks are needed for eEuipment less

likely to become damaged 5eg desktop computers etc6. isual checks are not usually necessary for

small, battery?powered items, or for eEuipment that works from a mains?powered adaptor 5laptops

or cordless phones etc6. Jowever, the mains?powered adaptor for such eEuipment should be visually

checked. !onsider whether electrical eEuipment, including portable appliances, should be more

formally inspected or tested by a competent person. @lso think about the intervals at which this

should be done. @n JS: leaflet &aintaining portable electrical eEuipment in low?risk environments

can help you decide whether and when to test portable appliances in low?risk environments. &ake

arrangements for inspecting and testing fi+ed wiring installations, ie the circuits from the meter and

consumer unit supplying light switches, sockets, wired?in eEuipment 5eg cookers, hairdryers6 etc, to

be carried out regularly so there is little chance of deterioration leading to danger. This work should

normally be carried out by a competent person, usually an electrician

7

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(1,en is someone competent to do electrical -ork4

(n this conte+t, a competent person is someone who has the suitable training, skill and knowledge

for the task to be undertaken to prevent in>ury to themselves and others. @ successfully completed

electrical apprenticeship, with some post?apprenticeship e+perience, is one way of demonstrating

technical competence for general electrical work. &ore specialiDed work, such as maintenance of

high?voltage switchgear or control system modification, is almost certainly likely to reEuireadditional training and e+perience.

Key points to remember

• :nsure that workers know how to use the electrical eEuipment safely

• &ake sure enough sockets are available. !heck that socket outlets are not overloaded by

using unfused adaptors as this can cause fires

• :nsure there are no trailing cables that can cause people to trip or fall

• Switch off and unplug appliances before cleaning or ad>usting them

• :nsure everyone looks for electrical wires, cables or eEuipment near where they are going to

work and check for signs warning of dangers from electricity, or any other haDard. !hecks

should be made around the >ob, and remember that electrical cables may be within walls,

floors and ceilings 5especially when drilling into these locations6 etc

• &ake sure anyone working with electricity has sufficient skills, knowledge and e+perience

to do so. (ncorrectly wiring a plug can be dangerous and lead to fatal accidents or fires

• Stop using eEuipment immediately if it appears to be faulty P have it checked by a

competent person

• :nsure any electrical eEuipment brought to work by employees, or any hired or borrowed, is

suitable for use before using it and remains suitable by being maintained as necessary

• !onsider using a residual current device 5;!96 between the electrical supply and the

eEuipment, especially when working outdoors, or within a wet or confined place 5see JS:'s

electrical safety at work site6

7/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/nearelectric.htm#signs


http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/electricequip.htm#rcd


http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity








70er,ead electric lines

• Be aware of the dangers of working near or underneath overhead power lines. :lectricity can

flash over from them, even though machinery or eEuipment may not touch them

• 9on<t work under them when eEuipment 5eg ladders, a crane >ib, a tipper?lorry body or a

scaffold pole6 could come within a minimum of si+ metres of a power line without getting

advice. Speak to the line owner, eg the electricity company, railway company or tram

operator, before any work begins

5nder'round cables

• @lways assume cables will be present when digging in the street, pavement andCor near

buildings

• !onsult local electricity companies and service plans to identify where cables are located

Fire safety

&ost fires are preventable. Those responsible for workplaces and other buildings to which the

public have access can avoid them by taking responsibility for and adopting the right behaviours

and procedures. This section covers general advice on fire safety and also provides guidance on

substances that cause fire and e+plosion.

(General fire safety ,a?ards

Fires need three things to start P a source of ignition 5heat6, a source of fuel 5something that burns6

and o+ygen

• sources of ignition include heaters, lighting, naked flames, electrical eEuipment, smokers<

materials 5cigarettes, matches etc6, and anything else that can get very hot or cause sparks

• sources of fuel include wood, paper, plastic, rubber or foam, loose packaging materials,

waste rubbish and furniture

• sources of o+ygen include the air around us

7-




:mployers 5andCor building owners or occupiers6 must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and

keep it up to date. This shares the same approach as health and safety risk assessments and can be

carried out either as part of an overall risk assessment or as a separate e+ercise. Based on the

findings of the assessment, employers need to ensure that adeEuate and appropriate fire safety

measures are in place to minimise the risk of in>ury or loss of life in the event of a fire.

To help prevent fire in the workplace, your risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire

to start, ie sources of ignition 5heat or sparks6 and substances that burn, and the people who may be

at risk. Ance you have identified the risks, you can take appropriate action to control them. !onsider

whether you can avoid them altogether or, if this is not possible, how you can reduce the risks and

manage them. @lso consider how you will protect people if there is a fire.

•

!arry out a fire safety risk assessment

• )eep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart

• @void accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked over

• :nsure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build?up of rubbish that could burn

• !onsider how to detect fires and how to warn people Euickly if they start, eg installing

smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells

• Jave the correct fire?fighting eEuipment for putting a fire out Euickly

• )eep fire e+its and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times

• :nsure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow

including fire drills

• ;eview and update your risk assessment regularly

(Dan'erous substances t,at cause fire and e*plosion

Work which involves the storage, use or creation of chemicals, vapours, dusts etc that can readily

burn or e+plode is haDardous. :ach year people are in>ured at work by flammable substances

7



accidentally catching fire or e+ploding. This section does not cover e+plosives P our website has

more detailed information on e+plosives and similar substances. (t also has information on gas

safety.


&any substances found in the workplace can cause fires or e+plosions. These range from the

obvious, eg flammable chemicals, petrol, and cellulose paint thinners and welding gases, to the less

obvious P engine oil, grease, packaging materials, dusts from wood, flour and sugar. (t is important

to be aware of the risks and to control or get rid of them to prevent accidents.


To help prevent accidental fires or e+plosions, you first need to identify

•

what substances, materials, processes etc have the potential to cause such an event, iesubstances that burn or can e+plode and what might set them alight

• the people who may be at riskCharmed

Ance you have identified the risks, you should consider what measures are needed to reduce or

remove the risk of people being harmed. This will include measures to prevent these incidents

happening in the first place, as well as precautions that will protect people from harm if there is a

fire or e+plosion.

Key points to remember

• Think about the risks of fire and e+plosions from the substances you use or create in your

business and consider how you might remove or reduce the risks

• se supplier safety data sheets as a source of information about which substances might be

flammable

• !onsider reducing the amount of flammableCe+plosive substances you store on site

• )eep sources of ignition 5eg naked flames, sparks6 and substances that burn 5eg vapour

dusts6 apart

78

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• Get rid of flammableCe+plosive substances safely

• ;eview your risk assessment regularly

• &aintain good housekeeping, eg avoid build?up of rubbish, dust or grease that could start a

fire or make one worse

*ou also need to consider the presence of dangerous substances that can result in fires or e+plosions

as part of your fire safety risk assessment. This is reEuired under the ;egulatory ;eform 5Fire

Safety6 Arder 100 5in :ngland and Wales6 and under %art 3 of the Fire 5Scotland6 @ct. The Fire

and ;escue @uthorities deal with general fire safety matters in workplaces apart from on

construction sites including shipbuilding where these are dealt with by JS: or its agents

:nforcement responsibility for fire safety where dangerous substances are kept and used generally

lies with JS: 5or local authorities if they inspect the premises6.

Gas safety

(f gas appliances, such as ovens, cookers and boilers, are not properly installed and maintained,

there is a danger of fire, e+plosion, gas leaks and carbon mono+ide 5!A6 poisoning. :mployers

need to comply with the relevant regulations to help ensure worker and public safety. *ou can do

this by following our advice on maintaining and servicing gas appliances, by using a Gas Safe

registered engineer or a competent person.


T,e basics

• se a competent engineer to install, maintain or repair your appliances

• :nsure that your gas pipework, appliances and flues are regularly maintained

• !heck that all rooms with gas appliances have adeEuate ventilation P don<t block air inlets to

prevent draughts, and don<t obstruct flues and chimneys

0



Gas

• (f you suspect a leak, turn off the supply and immediately call the $ational Gas :mergency

Service on 000 ### 888 for natural gas. For liEuefied petroleum gas 5"%G6, call your "%G

supplier

• (f in doubt, evacuate the building and inform the police as well as the $ational Gas

:mergency Service or your gas supplier

• 9o not turn a gas supply back on until a leak has been dealt with by a competent person

Appliances and pipe-ork

• se a competent engineer to install, maintain or repair your appliances

• :nsure that your gas pipework, appliances and flues are regularly maintained

• 9on<t use any appliance you know or suspect is unsafe

• !heck that the room has adeEuate ventilation P don<t block air inlets to prevent draughts and

don<t obstruct flues and chimneys

Industrial and commercial plant

:+plosions can be caused by the ignition of unburnt gas.

• !onsider the need for e+plosion relief andCor flame?failure protection as necessary

• &ake sure that the gas supply is interlocked with the ventilation of the appliance

• The eEuipment should be designed, operated and maintained to make sure dangerous levels

of carbon mono+ide 5!A6 are not produced. (t should not be used in poorly ventilated spaces

• There should be enough ventilation to remove combustion products

• &ake sure the operators are fully trained P use a safe procedure for purging, lighting up and

shutting down the plant

#



Jarmful substances

&any materials or substances used or created at work could harm your health. These substances

could be dusts, gases or fumes that you breathe in, or liEuids, gels or powders that come into contact

with your eyes or skin. There could also be harmful micro?organisms present that can cause

infection, an allergic reaction or are to+ic. Jarmful substances can be present in anything from

paints and cleaners to flour dust, solder fume, blood or waste. (ll health caused by these substances

used at work is preventable. &any substances can harm health but, used properly, they almost never

do.


Some substances can cause asthma or other diseases, including cancer. &any can damage the skin,

and some can cause serious long?term damage to the lungs. The effect can be immediate, such as

diDDiness or stinging eyes, or can take many years to develop, such as lung disease. &any of the

long?term or chronic effects cannot be cured once they develop.


This reEuired adeEuately control e+posure to materials in the workplace that cause ill health

identifying which harmful substances may be present in the workplace

• deciding how workers might be e+posed to them and be harmed

• looking at what measures you have in place to prevent this harm and deciding whether you

are doing enough

• providing information, instruction and training

• in appropriate cases, providing health surveillance

These pages e+plain how to carry out a risk assessment and how to decide on control measures.

• &aintain controls

• Simple checks to control dust and mist

• entilation

1



• Simple checks to prevent skin damage

• Workplace e+posure limits

• @re your controls adeEuateO

•

&icro?organisms

• @sbestos

• "ead

(.aintain controls

@ll elements of your control measures must be checked and reviewed regularly to make sure they

continue to be effective. These checks should be adeEuate to determine whether improvements are

reEuired and will include

• maintaining plant and eEuipment P all ventilation eEuipment must be e+amined and tested

regularly by a competent person 5someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge and

e+perience to carry out the work safely6. This may involve measuring the airflow or the

pressures in the system, or air sampling in the workroom. (n general, all ": must be

e+amined and tested every #7 months

• making sure systems of work are being followed and revising them if they are not working

• making sure personal protective eEuipment is suitable, used, properly fitted and 5where

appropriate6 maintained

*ou may need specialist advice, particularly for potentially serious risks or processes that are

difficult to control, from someone who is competent in that area of work, eg an occupational

hygienist.

(6imple c,ecks to control dust and mist

Fine dust and mist is invisible in normal lighting. *ou can make it visible with a Ndust lamp<. sed

correctly, a dust lamp is a cheap, powerful tool to help you identify where dust problems such as

3



leaks are and whether an e+traction system is working effectively. The dust lamp should be set up to

observe forward?scattering of light. %oint the lamp to shine through the area where you think the

dust cloud is. (f possible, lower the background lighting by turning off workshop lights. "ock the

lamp into the Non< position and walk around the process, looking back up the beam at a slight angle,

through the airborne dust

• $ote the settlement and spread of contamination on surfaces

• !heck the airflow indicator on the e+traction system

• !heck for damage and leakage from the process

• Speak to the operator and encourage reporting of any defects

5entilation6

General 0entilation

• @ll workplaces need an adeEuate supply of fresh air

• This can be natural ventilation, from doors, windows etc or controlled, where air is supplied

andCor removed by a powered fan

• (f you work in an office or shop, natural ventilation will normally be enough to control dusts

and vapours from cleaning materials etc

• Sometimes planned, powered general ventilation is an integral part of a set of control

measures, eg the welding of large fabrications in a workshop

/ocal e*,aust 0entilation

• "ocal e+haust ventilation 5":6, or e+traction, is an engineering control solution to reduce

e+posures to dust, mist, fume, vapour or gas in a workplace

• se a properly designed ": system that will draw dust, fume, gases or vapour through a

hood or booth away from the worker

7



• @n e+traction system should be easy for workers to use and enclose the process as much as

possible

• (t should effectively capture and contain the harmful substance before it is released into the

working environment

• @ir should be filtered and discharged to a safe place

• The system should be robust enough to withstand the process and work environment. (t is

important to maintain it and undertake tests to ensure it is working effectively

T,in's to a0oid -,en applyin' /&+

!ommon errors in applying e+traction are

•

the effectiveness of small hoods is usually overestimated P be realistic

• the hood is usually too far away from the process

• the hood doesn<t surround the process enough

• inadeEuate airflow

• failure to check that the e+traction continues to work

• workers are not consulted, so they don<t understand the importance of e+traction and do not

use it properly

Simple steps to prevent skin damage

se the @void, %rotect, !heck approach

• A0oid direct contact between unprotected hands and substances, products and wet work

where this is sensible and practical

• Protect the skin. @voiding contact will not always be possible so remind workers to wash

any contamination from their skin promptly. %rovide soft cotton or disposable paper towels

for drying the skin. Tell workers about the importance of thorough drying after washing.



%rotect the skin by moisturiDing as often as possible and particularly at the end of the day P

this replaces the natural oils that help keep the skin<s protective barrier working properly

• ;,eck hands regularly for the first signs of itchy, dry or red skin P when skin problems are

spotted early they can be treated, which can stop them from getting too serious

5@re your controls adeEuateO6

There are various ways of deciding this. %robably the simplest way is to use the following

Personal protecti0e eBuipment

• Where adeEuate control of e+posure cannot be achieved by other means, provide personal

protective clothing and eEuipment, in combination with other control measures

• 9on<t automatically opt for personal protective eEuipment 5%%:6 as a control measure. (t is

not as reliable or effective as other measures

Information and trainin'

• :mployees need to understand the outcome of your risk assessment and what this means for

them. Tell them what the haDards and risks are, and any workplace e+posure limits, and what

they need to do to protect themselves

• &ake employees aware of the results of any monitoring of e+posure and the collective

results of health surveillance

• :mployers should use the information contained in safety data sheets and other sources of

information to train and inform employees

• :mployees should know what to do if there is an accident 5eg spillage6 or emergency

• (nvolve your workers in developing control measures to make sure that they are suitable for

the way they carry out the work. :ncourage them to suggest improvements, and to report

anything that they think might be going wrong

• :mployees should be trained in the correct use of controls and personal protective

eEuipment

/



• When a contractor comes into your workplace, they also need to know what the risks are and

how you are controlling them. (n addition, you need to know if they are bringing haDardous

substances onto your premises, and how they will prevent harm to your employees

• (t is helpful to keep basic training records

9ecord and re0ie-

• (f you employ five or more people, you should keep a record of what you have found out

about the risks to health and the appropriate control measures

• Write down where e+posures occur, what the control measures are, and how you will

maintain control

•

)eep an eye on things. !hanges in eEuipment, materials or methods may reEuire you toreview your earlier decisions

&icro?Germs

&icro?organisms are bacteria and viruses 5more commonly known as germs6, fungi or parasites. (n

most workplaces, the risk of catching an infection, such as a cold or flu, is no higher than in any

other public place and you do not have to take any action. Jowever, some people who work with

animals, or provide care for people, or who clean up or handle waste materials, can be e+posed to

harmful micro?organisms. These can cause an infection if they are breathed in, swallowed, or if they

penetrate the skin, and can include some very serious illnesses. Some may in turn cause an allergic

reaction or are to+ic 5they produce a poison6.


*our risk assessment must consider how workers may be e+posed to micro?organisms 5or to blood

or bodily fluids, animals or animal products or waste materials which are known to carry micro?

organisms6. (n general, unless it has been treated, you should assume that humanCanimal waste

materials, including sewage, may contain harmful micro?organisms that could cause an infection

%eople who work outdoors should take precautions if they are working near stagnant water, which

can carry harmful micro?organisms because of contamination. *ou should find out about the

common types of infection that are a risk for your relevant work activity 5and how your employees

or others might be e+posed6, and decide whether you are doing enough to prevent this from

-



happening. The good news is that controlling the risk of infection is relatively straightforward P

usually simple, good personal hygiene measures are sufficient. @ll workers must have access to

clean, adeEuate washing facilities. (mportant control measures include

• appropriate washableCdisposable clothing

• personal protective eEuipment 5eg impervious gloves6 andCor waterproof covering for cuts

and abrasions

• the right containers and safe systems of work for handling waste, including disposal of

contaminated sharps 5such as needles6

• effective immunisations may be available. For e+ample, hepatitis B vaccination is advisable

if the risk arises from care work with people which might involve e+posure to bloodCbodily

fluids

5@sbestos6

@sbestos is the single greatest cause of work?related deaths in the ). @sbestos?related diseases

currently kill around 700 people a year in Great Britain 5JS: Statistics site6. @s long as asbestos is

in good condition and is not disturbed or damaged there is negligible risk. Jowever, if it is

disturbed or damaged, it can become a danger to health, because asbestos fibres are released into the

air and people may breathe them in. @lthough it is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction orrefurbishment of any premises, many thousands of tonnes of it were used in the past in such things

as

• lagging on plant and pipework

• insulation products such as fireproof panels

• asbestos cement roofing material

• sprayed coatings on structural steel work to insulate against fire and noise

&uch of this material is still in place. Jowever, buildings constructed after 1000 are unlikely to

contain asbestos materials.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm



(.ana'in' asbestos in buildin's

(f you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of non?domestic premises, the !ontrol of

@sbestos ;egulations 10#1 reEuire you to

• take reasonable steps to find out if there are asbestos?containing materials present and, if so

how much material, where it is, what type it is 5eg tile, boards, lagging etc6 and what

condition it is in

• make, and keep up?to?date, a record of the location and condition of the asbestos?containing

materials 5or materials which are presumed to contain asbestos6

• clearly identify any areas that have not been accessedCsurveyed

• prepare a plan that sets out how the risks from these materials will be managed

• take the necessary steps to put the plan into action

• provide information on the location and condition of any asbestos?containing materials to

anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them

9on<t disturb the asbestos. (t is only dangerous when disturbed. (f it is safely managed and

contained, it doesn<t present a health haDard. 9on<t remove asbestos unnecessarily as this can be

more dangerous than leaving it in place and managing it. Further information on how to manage

asbestos in buildings is available on the JS: asbestos website. This includes a step?by?step online

guide &anaging my asbestos to help you decide if asbestos is present and, if so, how to manage it.

(1orkin' -it, asbestos>containin' materials

The !ontrol of @sbestos ;egulations 10#1 apply to all types of work involving asbestos and

asbestos?containing materials. They place specific duties on employers and the self?employed. *ou

must find out if asbestos?containing materials are present. (f possible, before you start, plan any

work to avoid disturbing these materials. (f you have to carry out work which may disturb asbestos?

containing materials, you must

• prevent e+posure to asbestos fibres, or where this is not reasonably practicable

8

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http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/managing/index.htm



• reduce any e+posure to as low as reasonably practicable by using appropriate contro

measures and having management systems in place

@nyone who is going to work on asbestos?containing material must be suitably trained and

supervised.

Jigher?risk work, such as most asbestos removal, must only be undertaken by a licensed contractor,

but any decision on whether particular work is licensable is based on an assessment of the risk.

Aur asbestos site provides further information, including advice on

• how to carry out work with asbestos?containing materials

• the type of controls necessary

• what training is reEuired

• what types of work must be carried out by licensed contractors

.ac,inery8 plant and eBuipment

This section covers the different safety aspects of using machinery and maintaining plant and

eEuipment in the workplace. :mployers should consider how their workers use machinery, and have

adeEuate maintenance arrangements in place to ensure it remains safe to use.

There is also specific advice on the safe use of lifting eEuipment and carrying out vehicle repairs.

I: Why is machinery safety importantO

II: %lant and eEuipment maintenance

III: Safe lifting by machine

I+: ehicle repair

5Why is machinery safety importantO6

&oving machinery can cause in>uries in many ways

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• %eople can be struck and in>ured by moving parts of machinery or e>ected material. %arts of

the body can also be drawn in or trapped between rollers, belts and pulley drives

• Sharp edges can cause cuts and severing in>uries, sharp?pointed parts can cause stabbing or

puncture the skin, and rough surface parts can cause friction or abrasion

• %eople can be crushed, both between parts moving together or towards a fi+ed part of the

machine, wall or other ob>ect, and two parts moving past one another can cause shearing

• %arts of the machine, materials and emissions 5such as steam or water6 can be hot or cold

enough to cause burns or scalds and electricity can cause electrical shock and burns

• (n>uries can also occur due to machinery becoming unreliable and developing faults or when

machines are used improperly through ine+perience or lack of training


3efore you start

Before you start using any machine you need to think about what risks may occur and how these

can be managed. *ou should therefore do the following

• !heck that the machine is complete, with all safeguards fitted, and free from defects. The

term Nsafeguarding< includes guards, interlocks, two?hand controls, light guards, pressure?

sensitive mats etc. By law, the supplier must provide the right safeguards and inform buyers

of any risks 5'residual risks'6 that users need to be aware of and manage because they could

not be designed out

• %roduce a safe system of work for using and maintaining the machine. &aintenance may

reEuire the inspection of critical features where deterioration would cause a risk. @lso look

at the residual risks identified by the manufacturer in the informationC instructions provided

with the machine and make sure they are included in the safe system of work

• :nsure every static machine has been installed properly and is stable 5usually fi+ed down6

• !hoose the right machine for the >ob and do not put machines where customers or visitors

may be e+posed to risk

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• $ote that new machines should be !: marked and supplied with a 9eclaration of

!onformity and instructions in :nglish

&ake sure the machine is

• safe for any work that has to be done when setting up, during normal use, when clearing

blockages, when carrying out repairs for breakdowns, and during planned maintenance

• properly switched off, isolated or locked?off before taking any action to remove blockages

clean or ad>ust the machine

@lso, make sure you identify and deal with the risks from

• electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power supplies

• badly designed safeguards. These may be inconvenient to use or easily overridden, which

could encourage your workers to risk in>ury and break the law. (f they are, find out why they

are doing it and take appropriate action to deal with the reasonsCcauses

(Pre0entin' access to dan'erous parts

Think about how you can make a machine safe. The measures you use to prevent access to

dangerous parts should be in the following order. (n some cases it may be necessary to use a

combination of these measures

• se fi+ed guards 5eg secured with screws or nuts and bolts6 to enclose the dangerous parts,

whenever practical. se the best material for these guards P plastic may be easy to see

through but may easily be damaged. Where you use wire mesh or similar materials, make

sure the holes are not large enough to allow access to moving parts

• (f fi+ed guards are not practical, use other methods, eg interlock the guard so that the

machine cannot start before the guard is closed and cannot be opened while the machine is

still moving. (n some cases, trip systems such as photoelectric devices, pressure?sensitive

mats or automatic guards may be used if other guards are not practical

• Where guards cannot give full protection, use >igs, holders, push sticks etc if it is practical to

do so

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• !ontrol any remaining risk by providing the operator with the necessary information

instruction, training, supervision and appropriate safety eEuipment

(7t,er t,in's you s,ould consider

• (f machines are controlled by programmable electronic systems, changes to any programmes

should be carried out by a competent person 5someone who has the necessary skills,

knowledge and e+perience to carry out the work safely6. )eep a record of such changes and

check they have been made properly

• :nsure control switches are clearly marked to show what they do

• Jave emergency stop controls where necessary, eg mushroom?head push buttons within

easy reach

• &ake sure operating controls are designed and placed to avoid accidental operation and

in>ury, use two?hand controls where necessary and shroud start buttons and pedals

• 9o not let unauthorised, unEualified or untrained people use machinery P never allow

children to operate or help at machines. Some workers, eg new starters, young people or

those with disabilities, may be particularly at risk and need instruction, training and

supervision

• @deEuate training should ensure that those who use the machine are competent to use it

safely. This includes ensuring they have the correct skills, knowledge and e+perience P

sometimes formal Eualifications are needed, eg for chainsaw operators

• Supervisors must also be properly trained and competent to be effective. They may need

e+tra specific training and there are recognised courses for supervisors

• :nsure the work area around the machine is kept clean and tidy, free from obstructions or

slips and trips haDards, and well lit

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(Dos and don’ts of mac,inery safety for -orkers

DoE

• check the machine is well maintained and fit to be used, ie appropriate for the >ob and

working properly and that all the safety measures are in place P guards, isolators, locking

mechanisms, emergency off switches etc

• use the machine properly and in accordance with the manufacturer<s instructions

• make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective clothing and eEuipment reEuired for

that machine, such as safety glasses, hearing protection and safety shoes

Don’tE

• use a machine or appliance that has a danger sign or tag attached to it. 9anger signs should

only be removed by an authorised person who is satisfied that the machine or process is now

safe

• wear dangling chains, loose clothing, rings or have loose, long hair that could get caught up

in moving parts

• distract people who are using machines

• remove any safeguards, even if their presence seems to make the >ob more difficult

6e-in' mac,ines

• &ake sure that robust needle guards fitted and used

• !arry out a risk assessment on the provision of eye guards

• !heck that lighting is adeEuate and stays on when the motor is switched off, eg for safe

threading.

• ee belt and pulley drives are guarded

• Seating allows for good posture and ease of movement

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• :lectrical wiring is supplied from overhead or otherwise to avoid cables on floors

• Where automated making?up machines are in use, give special consideration to additional

guarding reEuirements

• %ut a system in place to inspect guards, needles and work areas on a weekly basis

• Guards should be ad>usted for each individual operator's finger siDe

• @ safe system of work includes removing feet from treadle when threading and changing

needles

• %ower should be switched off when carrying out ad>ustments and needle changing

%lant and eEuipment maintenance

&aintenance on plant and eEuipment is carried out to prevent problems arising, to put faults right,

and to ensure eEuipment is working effectively.

&aintenance may be part of a planned programme or may have to be carried out at short notice after

a breakdown. (t always involves non?routine activities and can e+pose those involved 5and others6

to a range of risks.

(1,y is maintenance of plant and eBuipment important4@n effective maintenance programme will make plant and eEuipment more reliable. Fewer

breakdowns will mean less dangerous contact with machinery is reEuired, as well as having the cost

benefits of better productivity and efficiency. @dditional haDards can occur when machinery

becomes unreliable and develops faults. &aintenance allows these faults to be diagnosed early to

manage any risks. Jowever, maintenance needs to be correctly planned and carried out. nsafe

maintenance has caused many fatalities and serious in>uries either during the maintenance or to

those using the badly maintained or wrongly maintainedCrepaired eEuipment. The %rovision and se

of Work :Euipment ;egulations #88 5%W:;6 reEuire work eEuipment and plant to be

maintained so it remains safe and the maintenance operation is carried out safely.

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(f you are an employer and you provide eEuipment for use, from hand tools and ladders to electrical

power tools and larger plant, you need to demonstrate that you have arrangements in place to make

sure they are maintained in a safe condition.

Think about what haDards can occur

• if tools break during use

• machinery starts up une+pectedly

• there is contact with materials that are normally enclosed within the machine, ie caused by

leaksCbreakageCe>ection etc

Failing to correctly plan and communicate clear instructions and information before starting

maintenance can lead to confusion and can cause accidents. This can be a particular problem if

maintenance is during normal production work or where there are contractors who are unfamiliar

with the site.

:+tra care is also reEuired if maintenance involves

• working at height or when doing work that reEuires access to unusual parts of the building

• when entering vessels or confined spaces where there may be to+ic materials or a lack of air

(Ho- can I do it4

:stablishing a planned maintenance programmer may be a useful step towards reducing risk, as well

as having a reporting procedure for workers who may notice problems while working on machinery

Some items of plant and eEuipment may have safety?critical features where deterioration would

cause a risk. *ou must have arrangements in place to make sure the necessary inspections take

place. But there are other steps to consider

3efore you start maintenance

• 9ecide if the work should be done by specialist contractors. $ever take on work for which

you are not prepared or competent

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• %lan the work carefully before you start, ideally using the manufacturer<s maintenance

instructions, and produce a safe system of work. This will avoid unforeseen delays and

reduce the risks

• &ake sure maintenance staff are competent and have appropriate clothing and eEuipment

• Try and use downtime for maintenance. *ou can avoid the difficulties in co?ordinating

maintenance and production work if maintenance work is performed before start?up or

during shutdown periods

6afe -orkin' areas

• *ou must provide safe access and a safe place of work

•

9on<t >ust focus on the safety of maintenance workers P take the necessary precautions toensure the safety of others who may be affected by their work, eg other employees or

contractors working nearby

• Set up signs and barriers and position people at key points if they are needed to keep other

people out

6afe plant and eBuipment

%lant and eEuipment must be made safe before maintenance starts.

6afe isolation

• :nsure moving plant has stopped and isolate electrical and other power supplies. &ost

maintenance should be carried out with the power off. (f the work is near uninsulated,

overhead electrical conductors, eg close to overhead travelling cranes, cut the power off first

• "ock off machines if there is a chance the power could be accidentally switched back on

• (solate plant and pipelines containing pressured fluid, gas, steam or haDardous material

"ock off isolating valves

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7t,er factors you need to consider

• ;elease any stored energy, such as compressed air or hydraulic pressure that could cause the

machine to move or cycle

• Support parts of plant that could fall, eg support the blades of down?stroking bale cutters and

guillotines with blocks

• @llow components that operate at high temperatures time to cool

• %lace mobile plant in neutral gear, apply the brake and chock the wheels

• Safely clean out vessels containing flammable solids, liEuids, gases or dusts, and check them

before hot work is carried out to prevent e+plosions. *ou may need specialist help and

advice to do this safely

• @void entering tanks and vessels where possible. This can be very high?risk work. (f

reEuired, get specialist help to ensure adeEuate precautions are taken

• !lean and check vessels containing to+ic materials before work starts

Dos and don’ts of plant and eBuipment maintenance

DoE

• ensure maintenance is carried out by a competent person 5someone who has the necessary

skills, knowledge and e+perience to carry out the work safely6

• maintain plant and eEuipment regularly P use the manufacturer<s maintenance instructions as

a guide, particularly if there are safety?critical features

•

have a procedure that allows workers to report damaged or faulty eEuipment

• provide the proper tools for the maintenance person

• schedule maintenance to minimise the risk to other workers and the maintenance person

wherever possible

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• make sure maintenance is done safely, that machines and moving parts are isolated or locked

and that flammableCe+plosiveCto+ic materials are dealt with properly

Don’tE

• ignore maintenance

• ignore reports of damaged or unsafe eEuipment

• use faulty or damaged eEuipment

(6afe liftin' by mac,ine

(f you are an employer or a self?employed person providing lifting eEuipment for use at work, or if

you have control of the use of lifting eEuipment, you must make sure it is safe. Think about what

risks there may be and how they can be managed, for e+ample

• damage or deterioration of the eEuipment caused by wet, abrasive or corrosive environments

• trying to move weights that are too heavy and e+ceed the load limit of the machine

• eEuipment failure

• untrained workers planning the lift or using the eEuipment

• people being struck by moving parts of the machinery or by things falling

Safe lifting needs to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and

carried out safely. @ny eEuipment you use must have been properly designed, manufactured and

tested. 9on<t forget to maintain it properly too.

Factors you s,ould consider

• What are you liftingO

• Jow heavy is itO

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• Where is its centre of gravityO

• Jow will you attach it to the lifting machineryO

• Who is in control of the liftO

•

What are the safe limits of the eEuipmentO

• !ould you rehearse the lift if necessaryO

Dos and don’ts of liftin' mac,inery safely

Do:::

• use only certified lifting eEuipment, marked with its safe working load, which is not overdue

for e+amination

• keep the reports of thorough e+amination as well as any declarations of conformity or test

certificates

• make sure the load is properly attached to the lifting eEuipment. (f necessary, securely bind

the load to prevent it slipping or falling off

•

before lifting an unbalanced load, find out its centre of gravity. ;aise it a few inches off theground and pause P there should be little harm if it drops

• use packaging to prevent sharp edges of the load from damaging slings and do not allow

tackle to be damaged by being dropped, dragged from under loads or sub>ected to sudden

loads

• when using >ib cranes, make sure any indicators for safe loads are working properly and set

correctly for the >ob and the way the machine is configured

• use outriggers where necessary

• when using multi?slings make sure the sling angle is taken into account

• have a responsible slinger or banksman and use a recognised signalling system

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Don’tE

• use unsuitable eEuipment, eg makeshift, damaged, badly worn chains shortened with knots,

kinked or twisted wire ropes, frayed or rotted fibre ropes

• e+ceed the safe working load of machinery or accessories like chains, slings and grabs.

;emember that the load in the legs of a sling increases as the angle between the legs

increases

• lift a load if you doubt its weight or the adeEuacy of the eEuipment

&anual handling

&anual handling causes over a third of all workplace in>uries. These include work?related

musculoskeletal disorders 5&S9s6 such as pain and in>uries to arms, legs and >oints, and repetitive

strain in>uries of various sorts.

The term manual handling covers a wide variety of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing

pulling and carrying. (f any of these tasks are not carried out appropriately there is a risk of in>ury.

(1,y is dealin' -it, manual ,andlin' important4

&anual handling in>uries can have serious implications for the employer and the person who has

been in>ured. They can occur almost anywhere in the workplace and heavy manual labour, awkward

postures, repetitive movements of arms, legs and back or previousCe+isting in>ury can increase the

risk.


To help prevent manual handling in>uries in the workplace, you should avoid such tasks as far as

possible. Jowever, where it is not possible to avoid handling a load, employers must look at the

risks of that task and put sensible health and safety measures in place to prevent and avoid in>ury.

For any liftin' acti0ity

@lways take into account%

• individual capability

• the nature of the load

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• environmental conditions

• training

• work organisation

If you need to lift somet,in' manually

• ;educe the amount of twisting, stooping and reaching

• @void lifting from floor level or above shoulder height, especially heavy loads

• @d>ust storage areas to minimise the need to carry out such movements

• !onsider how you can minimise carrying distances

• @ssess the weight to be carried and whether the worker can move the load safely or needs

any help P maybe the load can be broken down to smaller, lighter components

If you need to use liftin' eBuipment

• !onsider whether you can use a lifting aid, such as a forklift truck, electric or hand?powered

hoist, or a conveyor

• Think about storage as part of the delivery process P maybe heavy items could be delivered

directly, or closer, to the storage area

• ;educe carrying distances where possible

Good ,andlin' tec,niBue for liftin'

There are some simple things to do before and during the liftCcarry

• ;emove obstructions from the route.

• For a long lift, plan to rest the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.

• )eep the load close to the waist. The load should be kept close to the body for as long as

possible while lifting.

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• )eep the heaviest side of the load ne+t to the body.

• @dopt a stable position and make sure your feet are apart, with one leg slightly forward to

maintain balance

T,ink before liftin'2,andlin': %lan the lift. !an handling aids be usedO Where is the load going to

be placedO Will help be needed with the loadO ;emove obstructions such as discarded wrapping

materials. For a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.

Adopt a stable position: The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance

5alongside the load, if it is on the ground6. Be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain

your stability. @void tight clothing or unsuitable footwear, which may make this difficult.

Get a 'ood ,old: Where possible, the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. This

may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.

6tart in a 'ood posture: @t the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is

preferable to fully fle+ing the back 5stooping6 or fully fle+ing the hips and knees 5sEuatting6.

Don’t fle* t,e back any furt,er -,ile liftin': This can happen if the legs begin to straighten

before starting to raise the load.

Keep t,e load close to t,e -aist: )eep the load close to the body for as long as possible whilelifting. )eep the heaviest side of the load ne+t to the body. (f a close approach to the load is not

possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it.

A0oid t-istin' t,e back or leanin' side-ays8 especially -,ile t,e back is bent . Shoulders should

be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning by moving the feet is better than

twisting and lifting at the same time.

Keep t,e ,ead up -,en ,andlin': "ook ahead, not down at the load, once it has been heldsecurely.

.o0e smoot,ly: The load should not be >erked or snatched as this can make it harder to keep

control and can increase the risk of in>ury.

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Don’t lift or ,andle more t,an can be easily mana'ed: There is a difference between what people

can lift and what they can safely lift. (f in doubt, seek advice or get help.

Put do-n8 t,en ad<ust: (f precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it

into the desired position.

Noise

"oud noise at work can damage your hearing. This usually happens gradually and it may only be

when the damage caused by noise combines with hearing loss due to ageing that people realise how

impaired their hearing has become.

(1,y is dealin' -it, noise important4

$oise at work can cause hearing damage that is permanent and disablin'. This can be gradual

from e+posure to noise over time, but damage can also be caused by sudden, e+tremely loud, noises

The damage is disabling in that it can stop people being able to understand speech, keep up with

conversations or use the telephone. Jearing loss is not the only problem. %eople may develop

tinnitus 5ringing, whistling, buDDing or humming in the ears6, a distressing condition which can lead

to disturbed sleep. $oise at work can interfere with communications and make warnings harder to

hear. (t can also reduce a person<s awareness of his or her surroundings. These factors can lead to

safety risks P putting people at risk of in>ury or death.

(Do I ,a0e a noise problem4

ou -ill probably need to do somet,in' about t,e noise if any of t,e follo-in' apply%

• the noise is intrusive?like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant, or worse

than intrusive, for most of the working day

• your employees have to raise their voices to have a normal conversation when about 1

metres apart for at least part of the day

• your employees use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than half an hour a day

• your sector is one known to have noisy tasks, eg construction, demolition or road repair,

woodworking, plastics processing, engineering, te+tile manufacture, general fabrication

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forging or stamping, paper or board making, canning or bottling, foundries, waste and

recycling

• there are noises due to impacts 5such as hammering, drop forging, pneumatic impact tools

etc6, e+plosive sources such as cartridge?operated tools or detonators, or guns

Situations where you will need to consider safety issues in relation to noise include where

• you use warning sounds to avoid or alert to dangerous situations

• working practices rely on verbal communications

• there is work around mobile machinery or traffic

(Ho- can I control noise4

There are many ways of reducing noise and noise e+posure. $early all businesses can decide on

practical, cost?effective actions to control noise risks, if necessary by looking at the advice

available. First, think about how to remove the source of noise altogether, for e+ample housing a

noisy machine where it cannot be heard by workers. (f that is not possible, investigate

• using Euieter eEuipment or a different, Euieter process

• engineeringCtechnical controls to reduce at source the noise produced by a machine or

process

• using screens, barriers, enclosures and absorbent materials to reduce the noise on its path to

the people e+posed

• designing and laying out of the workplace to create Euiet workstations

• limiting the time people spend in noisy areas

;,oosin' Buieter eBuipment and mac,inery

*ou should consider noise alongside other factors 5eg general suitability, efficiency6 when hiring or

buying eEuipment. *ou should compare the noise data from different machines, as this will help you

to buy from among the Euieter ones.

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1,en s,ould personal ,earin' protection be used4

Jearing protection should be issued to employees

• where e+tra protection is needed above what has been achieved using noise control

• for short?term protection, while other methods of controlling noise are being developed

*ou should not use hearing protection as an alternative to controlling noise by technical and

organisational means.

:mployees to whom you provide hearing protection should receive training in how to use it.

Detectin' dama'e to ,earin'

(f the risk assessment indicates that there is a risk to health for employees e+posed to noise, they

should be placed under suitable health surveillance 5regular hearing checks6.

%ersonal %rotective :Euipment 5%%:6

:mployers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective eEuipment 5%%:6 at

work.

%%: is eEuipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. (t can include

items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high?visibility clothing, safety footwear andsafety harnesses. (t also includes respiratory protective eEuipment 5;%:6.

(1,y is PP& important4

&aking the workplace safe includes providing instructions, procedures, training and supervision to

encourage people to work safely and responsibly:

:ven where engineering controls and safe systems of work have been applied, some haDards might

remain. These include in>uries to

• the lungs, eg from breathing in contaminated air

• the head and feet, eg from falling materials

• the eyes, eg from flying particles or splashes of corrosive liEuids

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• the skin, eg from contact with corrosive materials

• the body, eg from e+tremes of heat or cold

%%: is needed in these cases to reduce the risk.


• Anly use %%: as a last resort

• (f %%: is still needed after implementing other controls 5and there will be circumstances

when it is, eg head protection on most construction sites6, you must provide this for your

employees free of charge

• *ou must choose the eEuipment carefully 5see selection details below6 and ensure

employees are trained to use it properly, and know how to detect and report any faults

6election and use

*ou should ask yourself the following Euestions

• Who is e+posed and to whatO

• Jow long are they e+posed forO

• Jow much are they e+posed toO

When selecting and using %%:

• !hoose products which are !: marked in accordance with the %ersonal %rotective

:Euipment ;egulations 1001 P suppliers can advise you

• !hoose eEuipment that suits the user P consider the siDe, fit and weight of the %%:. (f the

users help choose it, they will be more likely to use it

• (f more than one item of %%: is worn at the same time, make sure they can be used together,

eg wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks

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• (nstruct and train people how to use it, eg train people to remove gloves without

contaminating their skin. Tell them why it is needed, when to use it and what its limitations

are

7t,er ad0ice on PP&

• $ever allow e+emptions from wearing %%: for those >obs that Nonly take a few minutes'

• !heck with your supplier on what %%: is appropriate P e+plain the >ob to them

• (f in doubt, seek further advice from a specialist adviser

.aintenance

%%: must be properly looked after and stored when not in use, eg in a dry, clean cupboard. (f it is

reusable it must be cleaned and kept in good condition.

Think about

• using the right replacement parts which match the original, eg respirator filters

• keeping replacement %%: available

• who is responsible for maintenance and how it is to be done

• having a supply of appropriate disposable suits which are useful for dirty >obs where laundry

costs are high, eg for visitors who need protective clothing

:mployees must make proper use of %%: and report its loss or destruction or any fault in it.

.onitor and re0ie-

• !heck regularly that %%: is used. (f it isn<t, find out why not

• Safety signs can be a useful reminder that %%: should be worn

• Take note of any changes in eEuipment, materials and methods P you may need to update

what you provide

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(Types of PP& you can use

(&yes

Ha?ards

!hemical or metal splash, dust, pro>ectiles, gas and vapour, radiation

7ptions

Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, faceshields, visors

Note

&ake sure the eye protection chosen has the right combination of impactCdustCsplashCmolten metal

eye protection for the task and fits the user properly

(Head and neck

Ha?ards

(mpact from falling or flying ob>ects, risk of head bumping, hair getting tangled in machinery,

chemical drips or splash, climate or temperature

7ptions

(ndustrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets and firefighters' helmets

Note

• Some safety helmets incorporate or can be fitted with specially?designed eye or hearing

protection

• 9on't forget neck protection, eg scarves for use during welding

• ;eplace head protection if it is damaged

(&ars

Ha?ards

$oise P a combination of sound level and duration of e+posure, very high?level sounds are a haDard

even with short duration

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7ptions

:arplugs, earmuffs, semi?insertCcanal caps

Note

• %rovide the right hearing protectors for the type of work, and make sure workers know how

to fit them

• !hoose protectors that reduce noise to an acceptable level, while allowing for safety and

communication

(Hands and arms

Ha?ards

@brasion, temperature e+tremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, radiation

vibration, biological agents and prolonged immersion in water

7ptions

Gloves, gloves with a cuff, gauntlets and sleeving that covers part or all of the arm

Note

• @void gloves when operating machines such as bench drills where the gloves might get

caught

• Some materials are Euickly penetrated by chemicals P take care in selection, see JS:<s skin

at work website

• Barrier creams are unreliable and are no substitute for proper %%:

• Wearing gloves for long periods can make the skin hot and sweaty, leading to skin problems

sing separate cotton inner gloves can help prevent this

(Feet and le's

Ha?ards

Wet, hot and cold conditions, electrostatic build?up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling ob>ects,

heavy loads, metal and chemical splash, vehicles

0

http://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/






7ptions

Safety boots and shoes with protective toecaps and penetration?resistant, mid?sole wellington boots

and specific footwear, eg foundry boots and chainsaw boots

Note

• Footwear can have a variety of sole patterns and materials to help prevent slips in different

conditions, including oil? or chemical?resistant soles. (t can also be anti?static, electrically

conductive or thermally insulating

• @ppropriate footwear should be selected for the risks identified

(/un's

Ha?ards

• A+ygen?deficient atmospheres, dusts, gases and vapours

7ptions respiratory protecti0e eBuipment (9P&

• Some respirators rely on filtering contaminants from workplace air. These include simple

filtering facepieces and respirators and power?assisted respirators

• &ake sure it fits properly, eg for tight?fitting respirators 5filtering facepieces, half and full

masks6

• There are also types of breathing apparatus which give an independent supply of breathable

air, eg fresh?air hose, compressed airline and self?contained breathing apparatus

Note

• The right type of respirator filter must be used as each is effective for only a limited range of

substances

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• Filters have only a limited life. Where there is a shortage of o+ygen or any danger of losing

consciousness due to e+posure to high levels of harmful fumes, only use breathing apparatus

P never use a filtering cartridge

• *ou will need to use breathing apparatus in a confined space or if there is a chance of an

o+ygen deficiency in the work area

• (f you are using respiratory protective eEuipment, look at JS:<s publication ;espiratory

protective eEuipment at work @ practical guide

(1,ole body

Ha?ards

Jeat, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated dust, impact

or penetration, e+cessive wear or entanglement of own clothing

7ptions

!onventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, aprons, chemical suits

Note

• The choice of materials includes flame?retardant, anti?static, chain mail, chemically

impermeable, and high?visibility

• 9on't forget other protection, like safety harnesses or life >ackets

(&mer'ency eBuipment

!areful selection, maintenance and regular and realistic operator training is needed for eEuipment

for use in emergencies, like compressed?air escape breathing apparatus, respirators and safety ropes

or harnesses.

%ressure :Euipment

&any types of pressure eEuipment can be haDardous. These include steam boilers and associated

pipework, pressurised hot?water boilers, air compressors, air receivers and associated pipework

autoclaves, gas 5eg "%G6 storage tanks and chemical reaction vessels. When things go wrong, these

1

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm






types of eEuipment can cause serious in>uries and even fatalities. Jowever, assessing the risks and

putting proper precautions in place will minimise the chances of any accidents occurring.

(1,y is pressure eBuipment safety important4

(f a piece of pressure eEuipment fails and bursts violently apart, the results can be devastating to

people in its vicinity. %arts of the eEuipment could also be propelled over great distances, causing

in>ury and damage to people and buildings hundreds of metres away.


Assess t,e risks

*ou need to assess the levels of risk when working with pressure eEuipment. The level of risk from

the failure of pressure systems and eEuipment depends on a number of factors including

• the pressure in the system

• the type of liEuid or gas and its properties

• the suitability of the eEuipment and pipework that contains it

• the age and condition of the eEuipment

• the comple+ity and control of its operation

• the prevailing conditions 5eg a process carried out at high temperature6

• the skills, knowledge and e+perience of the people who maintain, test and operate the

pressure eEuipment and systems

3asic precautionsTo reduce the risks you need to know 5and act on6 some basic precautions

• :nsure the system can be operated safely, for e+ample without having to climb or struggle

through gaps in pipework or structures

3



• Be careful when repairing or modifying a pressure system. Following a ma>or repair andCor

modification, you may need to have the whole system re?e+amined before allowing the

system to come back into use

• :nsure there is a set of operating instructions for all of the eEuipment in the system and for

the control of the system as a whole, including in emergencies

• There should be a maintenance programme for the system as a whole. (t should take into

account the system and eEuipment age, its uses and the environment in which it is being

used

1ritten sc,eme of e*amination

@ written scheme of e+amination is reEuired for most pressure systems

• This should be drawn up 5or certified as suitable6 by a competent person P someone who has

the necessary skills, knowledge and e+perience to carry out the work safely

• (t must cover all protective devices, every pressure vessel and those parts of pipelines and

pipework which, if they fail, could be dangerous

• The written scheme must specify the nature and freEuency of e+aminations, and include any

special measures that may be needed to prepare a system for a safe e+amination

• ;emember, a statutory e+amination carried out in line with a written scheme is designed to

ensure your pressure system is suitable for your intended use. (t is not a substitute for regular

and routine maintenance

Ho- can I do it4

• First of all, consider whether the >ob can be done another way without using pressure

eEuipment, for e+ample using vacuum eEuipment for cleaning rather than compressed air. (fyou have to use pressure eEuipment, don<t use high?pressure eEuipment when low?pressure

will do

• :nsure that you buy pressure eEuipment that complies with the relevant product regulations

7



• Before using pressure eEuipment, ensure that you have a written scheme of e+amination if

one is reEuired. @lso make sure that any inspections needed have been completed by a

competent person, and that the results have been recorded

• @lways operate the eEuipment within the safe operating limits. (f these are not provided by

the manufacturer or supplier, a competent person can advise you, for e+ample your

employers< liability insurer

• %rovide instruction and relevant training for the workers who are going to operate the

pressure eEuipment and also include what to do in an emergency

• :nsure you have an effective maintenance plan in place, which is carried out by

appropriately trained people

• &ake sure that any modifications are planned, recorded and do not lead to danger

ibration

Jand?arm vibration 5J@6 can be caused by operating hand?held power tools, such as road

breakers, and hand?guided eEuipment, such as powered lawnmowers, or by holding materials being

processed by hand?fed machines, such as pedestal grinders. Accasional e+posure is unlikely to

cause ill health. Whole?body vibration 5WB6 mainly affects drivers of vehicles used off?road, such

as dumpers, e+cavators and agricultural tractors. Jowever, it can also affect drivers of some

vehicles used on paved surfaces, such as lift trucks, or on rails, such as gantry cranes.

(1,y is dealin' -it, 0ibration important4

Hand>arm 0ibration syndrome

J@S is a painful and disabling condition that affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and >oints

of the hands and arms. (t causes tingling and numbness in the fingers, reduces grip strength and the

sense of touch, and affects the blood circulation 5vibration white finger, also known as WF6.

1,ole>body 0ibration

WB is associated mostly with low back pain. Jowever, back pain can also be caused by other

factors, such as manual handling and postural strains, and while e+posure to vibration and shocks

may be painful for people with back problems, it will not necessarily be the cause of the problem.



1,at do I ,a0e to do4

*ou must

• assess the vibration risk to your employees to identify if there is a problem

• put in place appropriate control measures to counter the risks

• provide health surveillance where risk remains 5J@S only6

• provide information and training to employees on health risks and the actions being taken to

control those risks

Ho- can I reduce ,and>arm 0ibration4

• (dentify haDardous machines, tools and processes, especially those which cause tingling or

numbness in the hands after a few minutes< use

• (f possible, do the >ob another way without using high?vibration eEuipment, eg rotary

hammers, powered pedestrian?controlled mowers, hand?fed forging hammers etc

• @sk about likely vibration levels for the way you use eEuipment before deciding on which

new tool or machine to buy or hire

• %rovide suitable tools designed to cut down vibration

• &ake sure people use the right tool for the >ob and are trained to use it correctly

• &ake sure machines 5including tools6 are maintained as recommended by the manufacturer

to prevent vibration increasing P check their sharpness, the condition of abrasive wheels, and

anti?vibration mounts etc where fitted

• !heck whether the >ob can be altered to reduce the grip or pressure needed

Ho- can I reduce -,ole>body 0ibration4

• !hoose vehicles or machines designed to cope with the task and conditions

• )eep site roadways level, fill in potholes and remove debris

/



• Train drivers to operate machines and attachments smoothly, to drive at appropriate speeds

for the ground conditions and to ad>ust suspension seats correctly

• &aintain and repair machine and vehicle suspension systems, tyre pressures and suspension

seats

Working at Jeight

1orkin' at ,ei',t remains one of t,e bi''est causes of fatalities and ma<or in<uries: ;ommon

cases include falls from ladders and t,rou', fra'ile surfaces: 1ork at ,ei',t’ means -ork in

any place -,ere8 if t,ere -ere no precautions in place8 a person could fall a distance liable to

cause personal in<ury (for e*ample a fall t,rou', a fra'ile roof:

T,is section s,o-s ,o- employers can take simple8 practical measures to reduce t,e risk of

any of t,eir -orkers fallin' -,ile -orkin' at ,ei',t:


*ou must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people with

the skills, knowledge and e+perience to do the >ob. *ou must use the right type of eEuipment for

working at height.

Take a sensible approach when considering precautions. "ow?risk, relatively straightforward tasks

will reEuire less effort when it comes to planning and there may be some low?risk situations where

common sense tells you no particular precautions are necessary.

;ontrol measures

First assess the risks. Factors to weigh up include the height of the task, the duration and freEuency,

and the condition of the surface being worked on.

Before working at height work through these simple steps

• a0oid work at height where it's reasonably practicable to do so

• where work at height cannot be easily avoided, pre0ent falls using either an e+isting place

of work that is already safe or the right type of eEuipment

-



• minimise the distance and conseEuences of a fall, by using the right type of eEuipment

where the risk cannot be eliminated

For each step, always consider measures that protect everyone at risk 5collective protection6 before

measures that only protect the individual 5personal protection6.

!ollective protection is eEuipment that does not reEuire the person working at height to act for it to

be effective. :+amples are permanent or temporary guardrails, scissor lifts and tower scaffolds.

%ersonal protection is eEuipment that reEuires the individual to act for it to be effective. @n e+ample

is putting on a safety harness correctly and connecting it, with an energy?absorbing lanyard, to a

suitable anchor point.

Dos and don’ts of -orkin' at ,ei',t

DoE:

• as much work as possible from the ground

• ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height

• ensure eEuipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the >ob, maintained and checked

regularly

• take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces

• provide protection from falling ob>ects

• consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures

Don’tE

• overload ladders P consider the eEuipment or materials workers are carrying before working

at height. !heck the pictogram or label on the ladder for information

• overreach on ladders or stepladders

• rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces, eg glaDing or plastic gutters



• use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks, only use them for light work of short

duration 5a ma+imum of 30 minutes at a time6

• let anyone who is not competent 5who doesn<t have the skills, knowledge and e+perience to

do the >ob6 work at height

1orkin' in confined spaces

@ confined space is one which is both enclosed, or largely enclosed, and which also has a

reasonably foreseeable risk to workers of fire, e+plosion, loss of consciousness, asphy+iation or

drowning. (t may be small and restrictive for the worker or it could be far larger such as a grain

storage silo with hundreds of cubic metre capacity:

1,at are t,e ,a?ards4

Working in a confined space is dangerous because of the risks from no+ious fumes, reduced o+ygen

levels, or a risk of fire. Ather dangers may include floodingCdrowning or asphy+iation from some

other source such as dust, grain or other contaminant.


Wherever possible, you should avoid carrying out tasks in confined spaces. Where this is not

possible, you must assess the risks of the particular confined space and plan how you will control

those risks. For e+ample

• if a confined space has no+ious fumes, you should consider how these can be ventilated or

removed

• if there is a risk of liEuids or gases flooding in, you should establish whether the valves can

be locked shut

8



• if someone is going into a confined space and there is not enough o+ygen to breathe

properly, you must provide breathing apparatus or ventilate the space to increase o+ygen

levels before entering

*ou should have emergency arrangements where necessary. (f someone is working in a confined

space, think about the following

• Jow will you know they are okay and haven<t been overcome by fumesO

• Jow will you get them out if they are overcomeO 5(t is not enough to rely on the emergency

services.6

Dos and don@ts of -orkin' in confined spaces

DoE

• be aware of the risks that may occur within a confined space

• make sure the person doing the work is capable and trained in both the work and the use of

any emergency eEuipment

Don’tE

• work in confined spaces unless it<s essential to do so

• ignore the risks P >ust because a confined space is safe one day doesn<t mean it will always

be

• let others enter a confined space until you are sure it<s safe to do so

80



What are the main (nternational Jealth and Safety

;egulationsO

T,e 1orkplace (Healt,8 6afety and 1elfare 9e'ulations #==!

The main provisions of these ;egulations reEuire employers to provide

• adeEuate lighting, heating, ventilation and workspace 5and keep them in a clean condition62

• staff facilities, including toilets, washing facilities and refreshment2 and

• safe passageways, i.e. to prevent slipping and tripping haDards.

T,e Healt, and 6afety (Display 6creen &Buipment 9e'ulations #==!

The main provisions here apply to display screen eEuipment 59S:6 'users', defined as workers who

'habitually' use a computer as a significant part of their normal work. This includes people who are

regular users of 9S: eEuipment, or rely on it as part of their >ob. This covers you if you use 9S:

for an hour or more continuously, andCor you are making daily use of 9S:.

:mployers are reEuired to

• make a risk assessment of workstation use by 9S: users, and reduce the risks identified2

• ensure 9S: users take 'adeEuate breaks'2

• provide regular eyesight tests2

• provide health and safety information2

• provide ad>ustable furniture 5e.g. desk, chair, etc.62 and

• demonstrate that they have adeEuate procedures designed to reduce risks associated with

9S: work, such as repetitive strain in>ury 5;S(6.

T,e Personal Protecti0e &Buipment at 1ork 9e'ulations #==!

8#

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2792/contents/made

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/risk-assessment


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/repetitive-strain-injury

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/rsi




https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/repetitive-strain-injury

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/rsi




The main provisions reEuire employers to

• ensure that suitable personal protective eEuipment 5%%:6 is provided free of charge

Rwherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adeEuately controlled in other

ways.R The %%: must be 'suitable' for the risk in Euestion, and include protective face masks

and goggles, safety helmets, gloves, air filters, ear defenders, overalls and protective

footwear2 and

• provide information, training and instruction on the use of this eEuipment.

T,e .anual Handlin' 7perations 9e'ulations #==!

The main provisions of these ;egulations reEuire employers to

•

avoid 5so far as is reasonably practicable6 the need for employees to undertake any manuahandling activities involving risk of in>ury2

• make assessments of manual handling risks, and try to reduce the risk of in>ury. The

assessment should consider the task, the load and the individual's personal characteristics

5physical strength, etc.62 and

• provide workers with information on the weight of each load.

T,e Pro0ision and 5se of 1ork &Buipment 9e'ulations #==

The main provisions reEuire employers to

• ensure the safety and suitability of work eEuipment for the purpose for which it is provided2

• properly maintain the eEuipment, irrespective of how old it is2

•

provide information, instruction and training on the use of eEuipment2 and

• protect employees from dangerous parts of machinery.

T,e .ana'ement of Healt, and 6afety at 1ork 9e'ulations #===

81


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/employee



http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/regulation/19/made




http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/regulation/19/made



@lso known as the '&anagement ;egs', these came into effect in #883. &ain employer duties under

these ;egulations include

• making 'assessments of risk' to the health and safety of its workforce, and to act upon risks

they identify, so as to reduce them 5;egulation 362

• appointing competent persons to oversee workplace health and safety2

• providing workers with information and training on occupational health and safety2 and

• operating a written health and safety policy.

T,e 9eportin' of In<uries8 Diseases and Dan'erous 7ccurrences 9e'ulations #==

nder these ;egulations, employers are reEuired to report a wide range of work?related incidents,

in>uries and diseases to the Jealth and Safety :+ecutive 5JS:6, or to the nearest local authority

environmental health department. The ;egulations reEuire an employer to record in an accident

book the date and time of the incident, details of the person5s6 affected, the nature of their in>ury or

condition, their occupation, the place where the event occurred and a brief note on what happened.

The following in>uries or ill health must be reported

• death of any person2

• specified in>uries including fractures, amputations, eye in>uries, in>uries from electric shock,

and acute illness reEuiring removal to hospital or immediate medical attention2

• 'over?seven?day' in>uries, which involve relieving someone of their normal work for more

than seven days as a result of in>ury caused by an accident at work2

• reportable occupational diseases, including

o cramp of the hand or forearm due to repetitive movement2

o carpal tunnel syndrome, involving hand?held vibrating tools2

o occupational asthma2

83

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/duties

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/worker


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/health-and-safety-executive


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/hse

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/accident-book


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/duties

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/worker



https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/hse





o tendonitis or tenosyno0itisJ

o hand?arm vibration syndrome 5J@S6, including where the person<s work involves

regular use of percussive or vibrating tools2 and

o occupational dermatitis2

• near misses 5described in the ;egulations as 'dangerous occurrences'6. The JS: has

produced a list of the kinds of incidents regarded as 'dangerous occurrences'.

T,e 1orkin' Time 9e'ulations #== (as amended

These ;egulations implement two :uropean !ommunity directives on the organisation of working

time and the employment of young workers 5under # years of age6. The ;egulations cover the right

to annual leave and to have rest breaks, and they limit the length of the working week. )ey protections for adult workers include

• @ 7?hour ma+imum working week. :mployers have a contractual obligation not to reEuire

a worker to work more than an average 7?hour week 5unless the worker has opted out of

this voluntarily and in writing62

• minimum daily rest periods of ## hours, unless shift?working arrangements have been made

that comply with the ;egulations2 and

• @n uninterrupted 10?minute daily rest break after si+ hours' work, to be taken during, rather

than at the start or end of the working time.

:+tra protection is available to young workers 5workers aged # to #6. (n particular, young

workers

• are entitled to a daily uninterrupted rest break of 30 minutes after working more than 7.

hours2

• are entitled to an uninterrupted #1?hour break in each 17 hour period of work.

• are entitled to weekly rest of at least 7 hours in each seven?day period 5and unlike adult

workers, they cannot be made to take this rest over two days averaged over two weeks62 and

87

http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/reportable-incidents.htm


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/directive

http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/reportable-incidents.htm


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/directive



• cannot normally work more than eight hours a day or 70 hours a week. These hours cannot

be averaged out. There is no 'opt?out' for young workers.

@ll full?time workers are entitled to ./ weeks' paid holiday each year, reduced pro?rata for part?

time workers.

These basic limits on the working week make a vital contribution to health and safety at work.

• :mployers have the right to ask their staff to enter into a written agreement to opt out of the

7?hour limit, for a specific period or indefinitely.

• Jowever, if such an agreement is opted into, a worker is entitled to bring the agreement to

an end without the employer's consent.

@s part of its It1s 2bout Ti#e campaign against long hours, the T! has produced a model 'opt inletter for you to send to your employer, opting back into the 7?hour working week.

8

https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/full-time


https://worksmart.org.uk/jargon-buster/part-time


http://www.worksmart.org.uk/itsabouttime/optin.php











;ustomer of Promotions

Director ;ustomer

• %akistan ;eadymade Garments &anufacturers K :+porters @ssociation

• %akistan Josiery &anufacturers @ssociation

• %akistan "eather Garments &anufacturers K :+porter @ssociation

Indirect ;ustomer

• %akistan Te+tile :+porters @ssociation

• @ll %akistan Te+tile &ills @ssociation

• @ll %akistan Bed sheets K pholstery &anufacturers @ssociation

• (nternational !otton @dvisory !ommittee

• )arachi !otton @ssociation

• %akistan !otton Ginners @ssociations

Trainin' Institutes

%akistan ;eadymade Garments Technical Training (nstitute 5%;GTT(?)arachi6

%akistan ;eadymade Garments Technical Training (nstitute 5%;GTT(?"ahore6

%roposed %ro>ect %romotion Jealth K Safety Standards through Skills 9evelopment

8/



&ethodology

Jow to %romote and !ontrol ;isks at work

(n general, health and safety laws apply to all businesses, no matter how small. @s an employer, or a

self?employed person, you are responsible for health and safety in your business. *ou need to take

the right precautions to reduce the risks of workplace dangers and provide a safe working

environment.

Jealth and safety management should be a straightforward part of managing your workplace as a

whole. (t involves practical steps that protect people from harm and at the same time protect the

future success and the growth of your business. Good practice in health and safety makes sound

business sense.

.ana'in' ,ealt, and safety is an inte'ral part of mana'in' your business: ou need to do a

risk assessment to find out about t,e risks in your -orkplace8 put sensible measures in place

to control t,em8 and make sure t,ey stay controlled:

T,is section pro0ides information on -,at you need to consider -,en mana'in' ,ealt, and

safety and assessin' t,e risks in your -orkplace: It s,o-s ,o- you can follo- a PD;A

approac,%

Plan8 Do8 ;,eck8 Act’%

Plan 9escribe how you manage health and safety in your business 5your legally reEuired

policy6 and plan to make it happen in practice.

Do %rioritiDe and control your risks P consult your employees and provide training and

information.

;,eck &easure how you are doing.

8-



Act "earn from your e+perience.

%lanning

%lanning is the key to ensuring your health and safety arrangements really work. (t helps you think

through the actions you have set out in your policy and work out how they will happen in practice.

!onsider

• What you want to achieve, eg how you will ensure that your employees and others are kept

healthy and safe at work

• Jow you will decide what might cause harm to people and whether you are doing enough or

need to do more to prevent that harm

• Jow you will prioritiDe the improvements you may need to make

• Who will be responsible for health and safety tasks, what they should do, when and with

what results8



• Jow you will measure and review whether you have achieved what you set out to do

1ritin' Healt, 6afety Policy%

*our business must have a health and safety policy, and if you have fewer than five employees, you

don<t have to write anything down.

&ost businesses set out their policy in three sections

• T,e statement of 'eneral policy on ,ealt, and safety at -ork sets out your commitment

to managing health and safety effectively, and what you want to achieve

• T,e responsibility section sets out who is responsible for specific actions

•

T,e arran'ements section contains the detail of what you are going to do in practice toachieve the aims set out in your statement of health and safety policy

1,at do -e mean by @,a?ard@ and @risk@4

@ ,a?ard is something in your business that could cause harm to people, such as chemicals,

electricity and working at height. @ risk is the chance P however large or small P that a haDard could

cause harm.

Additional arran'ements

The additional actions you take to manage health and safety should be set out in the arrangements

section of your policy. They could include

• staff training

• using signs to highlight risks

• improved safety eEuipment, such as guards or additional personal protective eEuipment,

including goggles, safety boots or high?visibility clothing

• replacing haDardous chemicals with less harmful alternatives

• improved lighting

88



• anti?slip flooring

Focus your attention on the activities that could present a risk to people or cause serious harm

!ontrolling the ;isk

@s part of managing the health and safety of your business, you must control the risks in your

workplace. To do this you need to think about what might cause harm to people and decide whether

you are taking reasonable steps to prevent that harm.

This process is known as risk assessment and it is something you are reEuired by law to carry out. If

you ,a0e fe-er t,an fi0e employees you don’t ,a0e to -rite anyt,in' do-n:

@ r isk assessment is not about creating huge amounts of paperwork but rather about identifying

sensible measures to control the risks in your workplace. .

*ou are probably already taking steps to protect your employees, but your risk assessment will help

you decide whether you have covered all you need to.

Identify t,e Ha?ards

Ane of the most important aspects of your risk assessment is accurately identifying the potential

haDards in your workplace.

good starting point is to walk around your workplace and think about any haDards 5things that may

cause harm6. (n other words, what is it about the activities, processes or substances used that could

in>ure your employees or harm their healthO

When you work in a place every day it is easy to overlook some haDards, so here are some tips to

help you identify the ones that matter

• ;,eck manufacturers@ instructions or data sheets for chemicals and eEuipment as they can

be very helpful in e+plaining the haDards and putting them in their true perspective

• /ook back at your accident and ill>,ealt, records P these often help to identify the less

obvious haDards

#00



• Take account of non>routine operations 5eg maintenance, cleaning operations or changes

in production cycles6

• 9emember to t,ink about lon'>term ,a?ards to ,ealt, 5eg high levels of noise or

e+posure to harmful substances6

There are some haDards with a recognised risk of harm, for e+ample working at height, working

with chemicals, machinery, and asbestos. 9epending on the type of work you do, there may be other

haDards that are relevant to your business.

1,o mi',t be ,armed4

Then think ,o- employees 5or others who may be present such as contractors or visitors6 might be

harmed. @sk your employees what they think the haDards are, as they may notice things that are not

obvious to you and may have some good ideas on how to control the risks.

For each haDard you need to be clear about who might be harmed P it will help you identify the best

way of controlling the risk. That doesn't mean listing everyone by name, but rather identifying

groups of people 5eg 'people working in the storeroom' or 'passers?by'6. ;emember

• Some workers may have particular reEuirements, for e+ample new and young workers,

migrant workers, new or e+pectant mothers, people with disabilities, temporary workers,

contractors, homeworkers and lone workers 5see *our workers6

• Think about people who might not be in the workplace all the time, such as visitors

contractors and maintenance workers

• Take members of the public into account if they could be harmed by your work activities

• (f you share a workplace with another business, consider how your work affects others and

how their work affects you and your workers. Talk to each other and make sure controls are

in place

• @sk your workers if there is anyone you may have missed

#0#

http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/workers/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/workers/index.htm



&0aluate t,e risks

Javing identified the haDards, you then have to decide how likely it is that harm will occur, ie the

level of risk and what to do about it. ;isk is a part of everyday life and you are not e+pected to

eliminate all risks. What you must do is make sure you know about the main risks and the things

you need to do to manage them responsibly. Generally, you need to do everything reasonably

practicable to protect people from harm.

*our risk assessment should only include what you could reasonably be e+pected to know you

are not e*pected to anticipate unforeseeable risks.

"ook at what you're already doing and the control measures you already have in place. @sk

yourself

• !an ( get rid of the haDard altogetherO

• (f not, how can ( control the risks so that harm is unlikelyO

Some practical steps you could take include

• trying a less risky option

• preventing access to the haDards

• organising your work to reduce e+posure to the haDard

• issuing protective eEuipment

• providing welfare facilities such as first?aid and washing facilities

• involving and consulting with workers

(mproving health and safety need not cost a lot. For instance, placing a mirror on a blind corner to

help prevent vehicle accidents is a low?cost precaution considering the risks. Failure to take simple

precautions can cost you a lot more if an accident does happen.

(nvolve your workers, so you can be sure that what you propose to do will work in practice and

won't introduce any new haDards.

#01

http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/index.htm



(f you control a number of similar workplaces containing similar activities, you can produce a

'model' risk assessment reflecting the common haDards and risks associated with these activities.

*ou may also come across 'model' assessments developed by trade associations, employers' bodies

or other organisations concerned with a particular activity. *ou may decide to apply these 'model'

assessments at each workplace, but you can only do so if you

• satisfy yourself that the 'model' assessment is appropriate to your type of work

• adapt the 'model' to the detail of your own work situations, including any e+tension

necessary to cover haDards and risks not referred to in the 'model'

9ecord your findin's

&ake a record of your significant findings P the haDards, how people might be harmed by them andwhat you have in place to control the risks. @ny record produced should be simple and focused on

controls. (f you have fewer than five employees you don't have to write anything down. But it is

useful to do this so you can review it at a later date, for e+ample if something changes. (f you have

five or more employees you are reEuired by law to write it down. @ny paperwork you produce

should help you to communicate and manage the risks in your business. For most people this does

not need to be a big e+ercise P >ust note the main points down about the significant risks and what

you concluded. @n easy way to record your findings is to use our risk assessment templates

available as &icrosoft Word or Apen 9ocument Format. When writing down your results keep it

simple, for e+ample 'fume from welding P local e+haust ventilation used and regularly checked'.

@ risk assessment must be 'suitable and sufficient', ie it should show that

• a proper check was made

• you asked who might be affected

• you dealt with all the obvious significant haDards, taking into account the number of people

who could be involved

• the precautions are reasonable, and the remaining risk is low

• you involved your employees or their representatives in the process

#03

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/risk-assessment-and-policy-template.doc

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/safety-policy-risk-assessment-template.odt

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/risk-assessment-and-policy-template.doc

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/safety-policy-risk-assessment-template.odt



Where the nature of your work changes fairly freEuently or the workplace changes and develops 5eg

a construction site6, or where your workers move from site to site, your risk assessment may have to

concentrate more on a broad range of risks that can be anticipated.

Take a look at our selection of selection of e+ample risk assessments. They show you what a

completed risk assessment might look like for your type of workplace. *ou can use these as a guide

when doing your own. We have also developed online risk assessment tools, to help employers

complete and print off their own records. (f your risk assessment identifies a number of haDards, you

need to put them in order of importance and address the most serious risks first. (dentify long?term

solutions for the risks with the biggest conseEuences, as well as those risks most likely to cause

accidents or ill health. *ou should also establish whether there are improvements that can be

implemented Euickly, even temporarily, until more reliable controls can be put in place. ;emember,

the greater the haDard the more robust and reliable the measures to control the risk of an in>ury

occurring need to be.

9e'ularly re0ie- your risk assessment

Few workplaces stay the same. Sooner or later, you will bring in new eEuipment, substances and

procedures that could lead to new haDards. So it makes sense to review what you are doing on an

ongoing basis, look at your risk assessment again and ask yourself

• Jave there been any significant changesO

• @re there improvements you still need to makeO

• Jave your workers spotted a problemO

• Jave you learnt anything from accidents or near missesO

&ake sure your risk assessment stays up to date.

A ccidents and in0esti'ations

&onitor the effectiveness of the measures you put in place to control the risks in your workplace. @s

part of your monitoring, you should investigate incidents to ensure that corrective action is taken,

learning is shared and any necessary improvements are put in place.

#07

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/casestudies

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/assessment.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/casestudies

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/assessment.htm



(nvestigations will help you to

• identify why your e+isting control measures failed and what improvements or additional

measures are needed

• plan to prevent the incident from happening again

• point to areas where your risk assessment needs reviewing

• improve risk control in your workplace in the future

;eporting incidents should not stop you from carrying out your own investigation to ensure risks in

your workplace are controlled efficiently.

@n investigation is not an end in itself, but the first step in preventing future ad0erse e0ents that

includes

• accident an event that results in in>ury or ill health

• incident

o near miss an event not causing harm, but has the potential to cause in>ury or ill health 5in

this guidance, the term near miss will include dangerous occurrences6

o undesired circumstance a set of conditions or circumstances that have the potential to

cause in>ury or ill health, eg untrained nurses handling heavy patients

• dan'erous occurrence% one of a number of specific, reportable adverse events, as defined

in the ;eporting of (n>uries, 9iseases and 9angerous Accurrences ;egulations 10#3

5;(99A;6

#0



Documents

Project Management File - Final