Back pain. It’s no joke!

CHECK YOUR POSTURE. STAY SAFE

Safety ownership. It’s no joke!

ACT RESPONSIBLY. STAY SAFE

Office safety. It’s no joke!

STICK TO THE RULES. STAY SAFE

Slips & Trips. It’s no joke!

WORK TIDY. STAY SAFE

Shirley, using unauthorized electrical equipment, is in danger of becoming just such a statistic. Thousands of shock & burn accidents happen in the workplace every year. Sadly, about 25 of these prove to be fatal. Electrical fires cause many more deaths & injuries. Be aware of potential hazards. Ensure your equipment is approved, and that cables, plugs & sockets are fault free and not overloaded.

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

Since adjusting his workstation, Barry’s back hadn’t played-up for weeks. He now felt fit enough to tell Jane on reception, the “King of the swingers” was back! Do yourself a favour, follow Barry’s lead. Use your chair’s lumbar support to sit erect. Adjust the seat height so your desktop is level with your elbows. Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees and your eyes level with the top of your screen. Now you’re sitting comfortably!

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE!

Slips and trips in the workplace result in serious injury to over 11000 people each year and are by far the most common cause of accidents in the office. 75% are as a result of poor housekeeping, so it’s imperative that you clean up hazards at once, keep walkways clear and store everything properly. Be on the look out for trailing leads and worn flooring and always keep your surrounding area tidy.

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!