Safe and Healthy Working

Safe and Healthy Working submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

User friendly website aimed at offering advice, support and resources for SME's in Scotland.

SAHW - Alcohol submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

An overview of the key steps to developing policy that tackles alcohol abuse in the work place.

SAHW - Asbestos submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

An overview of the risks and likely locations of asbestos. This page also briefly explains managing and arranging removal or containment of asbestos.

SAHW - Back Pain & Repetitive Strain Injury submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

This pages looks at RSI (now often referred to as Upper Limb Disorder) and back pain. There is an overview of some of the causes and also the legislation surrounding the issue.

SAHW - Working in confined spaces submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-28 06:58

A confined space is a place that is substantially (although not always entirely) enclosed where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g. lack of oxygen). Very often this can occur as a result of work being carried out such as welding, painting, flame cutting or the use of chemicals. Places can also become confined spaces during construction work, fabrication or modification.

SAHW - Disability submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

This page gives a brief overview of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and some good practice for employers.

SAHW - Driving at Work submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

This page looks at the effects of driving at work and breaks down the legal time limits placed on driving at work. It also shows some good practice to avoiding problems through driving.

SAHW - Drugs submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Drugs – including alcohol – are substances that alter the way in which the body or mind works. Drugs can be defined as those controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, prescribed drugs, over the counter medications and alcohol. For any organisation, large or small, the inappropriate use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace may lead to serious consequences. Accidents, poor work performance, increased sickness absence and reduced productivity can all be caused by the inappropriate use of drugs and alcohol by the workforce.

SAHW - Electricity submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Virtually every workplace uses electricity as an energy source. People who carry out work with, on or near electrical equipment need to be aware of the dangers. Harm can be caused to any person when they are exposed to ‘live parts’ that are either touched directly or indirectly by means of some conducting object or material. Voltages over 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC are considered hazardous.lectricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are fatal, most of them arising from contact with overhead or underground power cables. Shocks from faulty equipment can cause severe and permanent injury and can also lead to indirect injuries, due to falls from ladders, scaffolds or other work platforms. Faulty electrical appliances can also lead to fires that may also cause death or injury to others.

SAHW - Falls from Height submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Many work activities involve working at height. Working from ladders, scaffolds and platforms are obvious examples, but there are many more activities where people are required to work at height. Examples include roof work, and working over tanks, pits and structures. Falls from height are responsible for many serious and fatal injuries every year. If you fall from a height above two metres the likelihood is that you will sustain a serious injury.

SAHW - First Aid submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

First aid at work covers the arrangements you must make to ensure employees who fall ill or injure themselves at work receive immediate attention, with an ambulance called in serious cases. It doesn’t matter whether the illness or injury is caused by work, as lives can be saved and minor injuries prevented from becoming serious by the intervention of a trained first aider.

SAHW - Gas Safety submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

The word 'gas' can be used to describe the physical state of many substances. While a number of gases have very specific safety requirements, this guidance relates to the issues associated with the use of gas as a fuel within the workplace. Many businesses use gas as a source of power or fuel. Most commonly in the workplace it is used for heating the work environment and water supplies, cooking and for processing products.

SAHW - Hazardous Substances submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Hazardous substances are used in many workplaces and take many different forms. Solids, liquids, gases, mists and fumes can be present in the workplace. Exposure to hazardous substances can affect the body in many different ways. Damage can be caused by skin contact, inhalation and ingestion. In legislation Hazardous Substances can defined in a number of ways. In the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) for example they are those substances classified as toxic, very toxic, corrosive harmful or irritant. Those assigned exposure limits in EH40. Biological agents and dusts in substantial concentrations are also classified as hazardous substances.

SAHW - Healthy Eating submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

There is now a broad consensus of expert opinion that a healthy eating pattern can help to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity. Employers can take simple action to promote healthy eating and gain benefits. For example, providing proper food storage facilities, i.e. a fridge, can help prevent food-borne illness and reduce sickness absence. Although it is unlikely that short-term benefits will be seen, employers who promote healthy eating can help the nation in its attempts to reduce diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In the long term, it will provide benefits for employers.

SAHW - HIV & Blood Borne Viruses submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

The majority of people living with HIV and other blood borne viruses (BBVs), such as hepatitis B and C, are of working age. Advances in treatment mean more and more people with HIV and other BBVs will continue to work or want to return to work. Your employee is your most valuable investment, therefore it makes good business sense to make sure that your organisation is equipped to respond to issues surrounding HIV and other BBVs. This leaflet will give you some basic guidance including the simple inexpensive steps that your organisation can take to address HIV and other BBVs, as well as a brief explanation of your legal duties.

SAHW - Lone Working submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Lone workers are those who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. Safe working for lone workers is no different to organising the safety of other employees. Training is particularly important where there is limited supervision - lone workers need to be sufficiently experienced to fully understand the risks and precautions required.

SAHW - Maternity & Breastfeeding submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

This page covers the time available for maternity and parental leave. It also looks at Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and the methods of returning to work after pregancy.

SAHW - Noise submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Most workplaces expose us to noise, and the louder the noise the more damage it can cause. Noise and vibration can cause long-term damage to our senses. Hearing and touch can be severely effected by exposure to excess levels of noise and vibration. Generally if people are having difficulty hearing what someone says, or have to shout to be understood at about two metres away noise levels are likely to be damaging.

SAHW - Office Hazards A Risk Assessment Tool for Office Environments submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

This interactive e-learning tool takes you through a virtual office where you will be asked to spot typical hazards. Practical advice on dealing with these hazards will be provided along with signposting to other sources of advice and information.

SAHW - Rehabilitation submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

At some time as an employer, you might be faced with an employee or prospective employee with a health problem. This could become evident at recruitment, change of job or returning to work after illness or injury. Anyone can suffer some difficulties at work because of their health, even if only temporarily, so you must be aware not to put the employee’s health and safety at risk or endanger the health and safety of others. It is important to distinguish between ill health and disability.

SAHW - Vibration, Hand Arm and Whole Body submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Advice and information for SME's on Vibration. Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) is caused by regular exposure to vibrating and percussion tools, or working with material in contact with grinding or cutting operations. Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) is experienced when sitting, standing or lying on a vibrating surface. For example, a forklift truck operator may be exposed to vibration passing through the seat resulting in WBV.