There are 2.1 million people in the UK suffering from an illness or injury they believe to be caused by their current or past work. Each year thousands more join the list even though their injury or medical condition could so easily have been avoided. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your last line of defence against injury and illness. Follow Big Dave’s example. Protect yourself by always wearing the appropriate PPE for the job you’re doing.

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! ALWAYS WEAR YOUR PPE…

Every year in the UK, around 70 people are killed in the construction industry and thousands more are injured or suffer avoidable ill health. Help create a safer working environment for everybody by never turning a blind eye to unsafe working practices or conditions. Don’t be afraid to question anything you think could result in an accident. Talk to your Safety Rep, Supervisor or Manager if you have any safety concerns.

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! SPEAK UP FOR A SAFER SITE…

Slips and trips on site cause serious injury to thousands of construction workers each year. 75% of these are caused by poor housekeeping. Construction workers are categorized as high risk so it’s imperative that you clean up hazards at once, keep access ways clear and store materials and tools properly. Work tidy and always watch your step.

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! CLEAR AWAY SLIP/TRIP HAZARDS…

It’s also a fact that the majority of work related injuries and illnesses are preventable and many only occur because people at work do not pay enough attention to their own health and safety. You can do a great deal to protect yourself simply by wearing the correct clothing and using the protective equipment appropriate to your job. Take time to ensure you know what PPE you should be wearing relevant to the job you’re doing and the area you’re working in…

Your employer is obliged by law to provide to you, without charge, any items which have been identified as necessary to protect your health & safety. You are required by law to co-operate and wear such clothing and equipment where the circumstances demand it. You must store it in an appropriate place and report any defects. Misuse or abuse of equipment provided for safety can be a sacking offence! PPE is your last line of defence against injury, make sure you wear it!

Health & safety law in the UK is based on the health & safety at work act 1974. HASAWA 74 (for short) not only makes it clear what an employer’s responsibilities are, but also, the responsibilities of each and every employee. It states that it is your duty whilst at work, to take reasonable care for your own health & safety and that of any persons who may be affected by your acts or failure to do something you should have…

HASAWA also states that you must co-operate with your employer in all health & safety matters, this means it is your lawful duty to; 1) Observe safety rules & policy. 2) Use equipment provided for safety. 3) Attend safety training as required. 4) Report any unsafe situation or practice. 5) Know the safety procedures for your particular job & area. The law provides the framework to promote and encourage high standards of health & safety at work. It is down to your to adopt the right attitude and behaviour.

The best way to ensure that you don’t become an accident statistic is to make sure you have the correct training or knowledge for whatever it is you are doing. Procedures, instructions, training and supervision are there to encourage you to work safely and responsibly, take notice of them/ Taking short-cuts can be tempting but could have disastrous consequences. Be aware that the implications of not following the correct procedures could result in an injury or possibly the death of yourself or a colleague…

Take time to fully familiarise yourself with the safety aspects of the job you are doing and question any areas that are not completely clear. Follow the rules and be vigilant for potential hazards and always take time to think the job through with attention to any problems which could lay ahead. Get involved – Identify impractical safety rules and procedures and do your bit to improve them if necessary. Make safety your working priority, keeping yourself and others safe is absolutely paramount!

So that means a third of all accidents could be avoided if we worked a bit tidier! Good housekeeping is the first law of accident prevention and is one of the cornerstones of safety where you can make a difference. Many accidents are the result of people tripping, slipping and falling over materials or equipment that should not have been left lying around. People rarely slip on clean, dry, uncluttered floors…

Take time to understand the safety aspects of your job and surroundings and ensure you know what is expected of you and your colleagues. Follow the rules and procedures, be proud of your workplace as it reflects on you; keep it clean, tidy and safe and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Be vigilant and aware of the cause of your hazards in your own and surrounding areas. Play your part to help create a safe and healthy working environment.

Safety at work. It’s no joke!

WEAR YOUR PPE. STAY SAFE

Safety at work. It’s no joke!

WEAR YOUR PPE. STAY SAFE

Safety at work. It’s no joke!

WEAR YOUR PPE. STAY SAFE