IN THE SPOTLIGHT: HEALTH & SAFETY


IN THE SPOTLIGHT


More than 20 years since the final asbestos ban came into the force in the UK, the toxic substance continues to affect lives. Asbestos remains in schools,


hospitals, factories, offices and homes that were built before the ban in 1999 which means the health risk posed by asbestos is as real today as when the substance was first put into the buildings. And worryingly, asbestos experts


Acorn Analytical Services, based in Northampton, say many organisations still do not realise the legal responsibility they have to manage asbestos in their premises. Director Neil Munro said:


“Despite the tough regulations in place, we’re still coming across large multi-million-pound companies who have never touched on asbestos before. “The latest figures, which were


recorded in 2017, showed the number of those who die from asbestos-related cancers is more than double the amount of people who die in road accidents. Asbestos management is crucial to keep people safe.” Under the Control of Asbestos


Regulations 2012, there is a duty to manage asbestos within all non- domestic buildings. This legal requirement is designed to protect everyone who could come into


Acorn directors Neil Munro, Ian Stone and Paul Knights


contact with asbestos fibres and puts the onus on the ‘duty holder’ to do so, by taking steps to identify any risk and manage or rectify it. Failure to comply can result in unlimited fines and is a criminal offence which can carry a prison sentence. To educate businesses on their responsibilities, Neil and fellow


Acorn director Ian Stone have written a book called Asbestos – The Dark Arts which is available from Amazon.


If you would like further information on managing asbestos, contact Acorn on 0844 818 0895 or email sales@acornasbestos.co.uk


HAULAGE FIRM COMMITS TO UPSKILLING


Founder of ST&L Consultancy, Richard Jackman, has always been clear about his vision for the company – to offer a professional and compliant road haulage transport solution with a personal and customer-focused approach. To this end, the firm have used the Covid-19 lockdown to substantially upskill their staff, manoeuvring to offer a thoroughly comprehensive service. They have gained ISO 9001:2015 accreditation to


ensure that the quality management system in place is industry-leading and will allow the continual development of the business in its market sector. Having highlighted the importance of both staff and


‘THE FIRM HAVE USED


THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN TO


stakeholder’s welfare, the team have also gained accredited certification in FAMH Level 2 (first aid in mental health in the workplace) and FAA H&S Level 2 (Health & Safety in the workplace). The Health & Safety course has allowed the team to strengthen their existing bespoke Risk Assessments service and now offer customers a more


14 inbusiness AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020


thorough assessment of their business and processes, and develop corrective action plans to improve these where needed. As well as developing the business through course attendance, ST&L Consultancy has also gained accreditation from the DVSA to stand as an authorised external audit provider for the DVSA ER scheme. The Earned Recognition scheme allows Transport companies to demonstrate that they are of an exceptional standard when it comes to their compliance. The firm has also attended an accredited auditor training


SUBSTANTIALLY UPSKILL THEIR STAFF’


course and is now a recognised FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) external audit provider. Finally, ST&L have attended an RHA “OLAT” course. With plans underway to roll out their own online training course, the Operator Licence Awareness Training was attended to benchmark the standards required to ensure excellence in their own offering. Whether it’s the need for an external Transport Manager,


compliance auditing or Operator Licencing help, ST&L Consultancy are well prepared for the challenge.


In this issue we look at the HEALTH & SAFETY, ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES and MANUFACTURING sectors in the Northamptonshire area


MANAGE ASBESTOS WITH ACORN


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