IC-AUT24-PG26+27_Layout 1 04/09/2024 10:47 Page 26
WORKPLACE SAFETY
WORKERS’ SAFETY SPOTLIGHTED BY HSE FINDINGS: BUT SIMPLE STEPS CAN HELP SAVE LIVES
S
afety is never far from people’s minds. But with the continued wave of announcements from the Health and Safety Executive about fines resulting from workplace-related injuries or death, workforce wellbeing is in sharp focus.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported more than 30 notices of prosecution during the first three months of this year for issues ranging from workers experiencing broken limbs to amputations, and in some cases death.
There is no suggestion whatsoever of any deliberate ignoring of their requirements from any of the companies involved, but the number of reports and the seriousness of the issue does highlight the need for organisations to be on top of safety. While action is being – or has been – taken, it is crucial from a safety and reputation perspective that things don’t reach the point where HSE inspectors are serving your firm with official notices. Yes, there are elements in all jobs where the repercussions of getting things done quickly will be minimal, but when it comes to safety, the results can be fatal, particularly in an industrial workplace. Something as straightforward as following a request to service a piece of equipment can start a chain reaction that has awful results. Phrases such as ‘we need to get this done’, ‘we need to meet a budget’ and ‘we need to get this turned around quickly’ are often heard around many workplaces. And on occasion, they’re perfectly valid. But not when it comes to critical lifesaving equipment. There are a worrying number of services not being carried out by people who are properly trained and compliant to do so. And
it’s happening with a variety of items such as alcohol breathalysers, breathing apparatus, gas detectors and drug testing kits across a range of industries.
It can be difficult for workers to say ‘no’ to those in higher up roles, but in some situations it is essential. It is about doing the right thing. Because if something fails, workers can die. They have one chance at life. Why put that at risk? The user, their family, friends and colleagues are relying on you to ensure their safety. You wouldn’t get a car mechanic round to service your boiler at home or get a hospital consultant to put your arm in a sling. There is no doubt both possess a core understanding of what is required, but they would only have a vague idea and won’t be at the same level as a plumber or a nurse. A vague idea is not good enough, so why would you do something similar with your industrial equipment?
By Adam Barker, marketing manager - Safety Service and Academy at Dräger
Health and Safety Executive regulations state companies “… should ensure that the person carrying out a thorough examination has such appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the ... equipment to be thoroughly examined as will enable them to detect defects and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the ... equipment.” It is not a grey area, and it doesn't matter what you think of the legislation. It's the law. We have to deal with the consequences if we drive above the speed limit, and the same can be said in this situation.
While it can often be quicker and cheaper to get the kit serviced by the first organisation that comes along, due to the
26 AUTUMN 2024 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
