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HEALTH & SAFETY T SPILLS
The HSE recommends cleaning up spills promptly to minimise the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals like metal working fluids and reduce the risk of slips and trips. HSE recommendations also include keeping absorbent materials to hand where there is a risk of a spillage, but this can potentially generate additional challenges. Engineering and similar types of companies typically use blue paper roll to absorb and mop up spilled material or clean parts. However, any blue roll or rags which are used for this application then potentially become classed as hazardous waste which requires suitable management and disposal. Businesses producing hazardous waste in the UK have a specific ‘duty of care’ concerning waste and must classify, separate and store any waste safely. In addition, business owners must ensure they use authorised organisations for any subsequent collection and disposal.
he Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports 36.8 million workdays lost due to work related illness and workplace injury. With increased focus on safety and environmental performance even small changes can yield big
health and safety benefits.
Though manufacturing plants and industrial facilities are progressively becoming safer, cleaner and quieter, there are still opportunities to further reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety. Every year there are thousands of accidents and cases of ill health reported; with slips, trips and falls accounting for around half of all reported major injuries to employees. Slips and trips sound relatively innocuous but can result in serious injuries like dislocations and broken bones and can mean long absences for employees affected.
Another significant source of ill health in industrial and manufacturing settings can arise from exposure to hazardous materials such as metalworking fluids, oils, solvents and degreasers, as well as additives and contaminants such as metal fines. Common occupational diseases associated with hazardous materials include dermatitis and asthma. As reported by the HSE, there were on average an estimated 16,000 with around 200 cases of contact dermatitis reported to the European Prevention Initiative for Dermatological Malignancies every year as a result of exposure to cutting oils and coolants, for instance.
Employers are required to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees mandated by the Health and Safety at Work Act. Measures required under the act include taking steps to control slip and trip risks as well as exposure to hazardous materials such as metalworking cutting fluids.
SPILLS, SPILLS, SPILLS...
HOW REUSABLE MATS AND WIPES ARE THE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION TO SPILLS
By Günes Yenen, Mewa UK managing director
34 MAY/JUNE 2023 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
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