| Keeping safe in the office or factory has never | | | | Be careful moving equipment |
| been of more importance. The simple truth is that | | | | It is extremely important to estimate the extent |
| Whilst the workforce could be in danger of of | | | | of the task, load and situation before moving any |
| injury, companies are susceptible to being | | | | object or equipment great or small, light or |
| reported to industrial tribunals, specifically when | | | | weighty. A massive number of injuries take place |
| considering the rising number of personal injury | | | | each year as a result of physical handling. Your |
| solicitors. According to reports from the Rspoa | | | | individual capabilities and limitations will dictate |
| (the royal society for the prevention of accidents) | | | | comfort zones for lifting objects. Don't forget to |
| close to 1.6 million company injuries happen in | | | | adopt the correct posture, don't strain too hard |
| england every 12 months, nonetheless in so many | | | | and request help to lift a heavy or bulky object. |
| cases these injuries may well have been avoided | | | | Stress reduction |
| quite easily. | | | | Stress is amongst the most common occurances |
| There is no doubt that a less risky working | | | | occupational risks, it represents almost a fifth of |
| environment is good for everybody. By taking up | | | | all reported occupational health issues. Good |
| a few basic procedures it's straightforward for | | | | mental health is just as important as good physical |
| both staff and businesses to improve safety in | | | | health. Look after the 'whole person', not just the |
| the workplace. | | | | body, perhaps acquire some relaxation techniques. |
| Understand your local health and safety | | | | If you feel you have too much on your plate, you |
| regulations | | | | are absolutely within your rights to ask your |
| For a few specific types of industries, such as | | | | superiors assistance. Don't forget, it won't hurt |
| those involved in the production of volatile | | | | you to be a few hours late. |
| chemicals, keeping aware of complex safety | | | | Conduct risk assessments |
| legislation is of utmost importance. Nevertheless | | | | Risk Assessments are a marvellous method of |
| safety legislation of some form is binding on most | | | | preventing accidents before they happen. One top |
| businesses. The best step for any business is to | | | | technique is to undertake cross-departmental risk |
| check with the Health and Safety Executive. They | | | | assessments, where employees from different |
| are answerable for improving awareness of the | | | | departments in an organisation audit one another. |
| range of health and safety legislation that applies | | | | A fresh pair of eyes may often see things |
| to workplaces in Great britain. | | | | another way, furthermore it gets people from |
| Slips and falls | | | | different departments working in concert. |
| These are commonly occuring in any place of | | | | Get organised |
| work derive pleasure typical office to heavy | | | | Spending a little time organising your workload can |
| industry. Look out for damaged flooring surfaces, | | | | be really useful, yet it is easily forgotten, |
| steps, dangerous holes, trailing electric cables; the | | | | particularly during hectic periods of time when it is |
| list is never-ending. Try to ensure that you do | | | | more important than ever! On a daily basis try |
| away with risks wherever it is possible. Have in | | | | and plan what you want to finish. Try to keep it |
| mind the importance of warning signs, a dripping | | | | reachable though - have the targets too high and |
| floor may look shiny but it is extremely | | | | you will merely add to your problems. |
| dangerous. In addition why not consider suitable | | | | Vary tasks |
| lighting to keep the area well illuminated, as | | | | This is especially vital for someone performing |
| inadequate lighting can cause a hazard being | | | | repetitive tasks over sustained periods of time, |
| overlooked. | | | | such as working on assembly lines or data entry, |
| Don't forget ergonomics | | | | as it avoids Repetitive strain injuries. See if there |
| You will always consider your work environment | | | | is an alternative job which might be done instead, |
| from an ergonomic viewpoint. If we take an | | | | remember, variety is the spice of life. |
| typical office setting for instance - make sure | | | | By following these simple bits of advice, you can |
| that office desks are at the appropriate height, | | | | keep both staff and businesses safe, in good |
| computer screens are not too close and chairs | | | | health and efficient. |
| provide satisfactory lower back support. | | | | |