NEWS coMMent


alongside driver and other skill shortages, today’s logistics businesses have many challenges to contend with. All this before they even begin to consider the implications of supply chain disruptions to the sector caused by the pandemic. For businesses operating in increasingly


F


unpredictable surroundings, operational continuity remains of the utmost importance. This means that hygiene and cleanliness assume even greater significance, particularly


aced with the unyielding growth of ecommerce, the departure of the UK from the European customs union,


for a sector that is already facing significant shortfalls in its workforce. But how can logistics businesses deliver cleaner and more organised warehouses, and create a safer environment for employees and product handling? Colin Shute, group managing director at SBFM offers his insights on maintaining unprecedented hygienic standards in an age of uncertainty in our new Safety in Logistics feature on page 30. If you have a comment, opinon or story


that you’d like to share, please contact me by emailing vwhite@datateam.co.uk. And if you would like to share your product news or case studies, please contact Charlie, ccurd@datateam.co.uk.


victoria white - editor


Don’t get caught out by PPe law changes


of a change in personal protective equipment law which could catch them out if they are not prepared. From 6 April 2022, the


O


Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 extended employers’ PPE duties, requiring them to provide appropriate equipment for free to casual workers, who were not previously covered under the same regulations that have been in force since 1992. Derek Brown, managing director of


phs Besafe, said: “The new regulations now include ‘limb (b)’ workers, who are generally considered to be those who carry out casual or irregular work for an organisation, and work under a contract of service but are not self-employed. “However, as every employment relationship


is different and specific to the worker and the employer, the definition in the new regulations does leave some grey areas that employers need to be careful of. I’d say this is a case of better to be safe, than sorry.” PPE includes all equipment, including


clothing that provides protection against the weather, worn or held by a person at work, which protects them against any risks to their health or safety. Regulations state that employers must undertake a risk assessment for all workers to ensure the correct PPE is provided, and it must be free of charge. PPE must also be appropriately maintained and stored, and the correct training given to


ne of the UK’s leading PPE suppliers is warning businesses


uni stuDents give new seawarD e- learning initiative ‘Pat’ on the back


A


n electrical test and measurement company has linked up with a leading UK university in a new digital initiative to


help students understand the importance of portable appliance testing (PAT). Experts from Peterlee-based Seaward have


provided 76 students on electrical and electronics engineering courses at Birmingham University’s Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering with an overview of PAT, why it’s important to carry out tests and UKCA marking via new online seminars. The eLearning initiative, which also


covered the benefits of using the latest PAT testers, how to spot counterfeit products and a live Q&A at the end of the session, comes as part of Seaward’s continued commitment to boosting core engineering skills development and learning. It also reflects the company’s wider move to help young people looking to pursue a career in electrical and electronics related sectors. After the success of the first event, an ‘electrical


testing’ overview session is being planned as a follow up to help the students further understand PAT testing as the issue is likely to feature at some time in their future career roles.


workers to ensure it is used properly. “PPE requirements for casual workers will be


an additional responsibility that many businesses may not be aware of, but they must treat them in the same way as their workers who have a contract of employment from 6 April. “It’s important not to cut corners when it


comes to PPE and to get an experienced provider who can ensure you are compliant with the new regulations. Workwear must meet the relevant health and safety standards, so every item must conform. Substandard clothing and equipment puts workers, and your business, at risk. You’ll also want to ensure that garments fit correctly, and are comfortable to wear, so that workers can carry out their jobs to the best of their ability. “You will also want your garments to last, and


for their protective qualities to stay effective for as long as possible, so how the garments are cared for and laundered are important factors to consider as you extend your responsibilities in line with the new regulations.”


phs besafe www.phsbesafe.co.uk


Richard Slade, UK field sales manager at


Seaward Group, said: “Developing links with universities and other academic facilities is a key part of securing the company’s current and future workforce needs and helping people taking up electrical and electronics roles to understand better what’s involved in PAT testing. “It also helps us to tap into the fresh insight


and academic prowess that students bring as part of our commitment to supporting skills development and learning.” Electrical engineering student Tray Carty said:


“The session was extremely useful, providing a thorough understanding and insight into important electrical equipment testing processes and how they can improve workplace safety. This helps us to boost our own core engineering skills and development, which we can then take forward in any future job.”


seaward www.seaward.com


inDustrial coMPliance | March/aPril 2022 5


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