Following the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we will be closing on September 19th in line with the announced bank holiday, for her majestys funeral. We will be working as normal on Tuesday. Thank you for your service ma'am.
Health & Safety Works are a specialist health and safety consultancy offering a dedicated health and safety advisory service to small and medium sized businesses across Cambridge, East Anglia and London. Our services range from health and safety reviews, audits, risk assessments and advice through to the provision of health and safety training that includes IOSH certified courses.
Following the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we will be closing on September 19th in line with the announced bank holiday, for her majestys funeral. We will be working as normal on Tuesday. Thank you for your service ma'am.
There will be a few changes, for your safety and ours.
Please read through carefully and if you have any questions please get in touch.
• Face coverings are to be worn in the public spaces of the conference centre. If delegates opt to wear them in the classroom, we will support that.
• We will sanitise all touchpoints on our arrival.
• Hand sanitiser will be provided, please use this on arrival to the classroom.
• You will be provided with electronic versions of handouts. Individual course booklets will be provided. There will not be any shared equipment.
• Numbers will be limited to ensure that 2m can be maintained between each delegate.
• Lunch will be provided in SJIC Bistro inline with their COVID secure arrangements.
• A quick health questionnaire will be completed on the day.
If you need to rebook due to COVID19 please contact us asap. Bookings can be cancelled or transferred however fees may be incurred. Unfortunately, due to the size of the business this cannot be avoided but we will always endeavour to help. For further details please see our cancellation policy.
We've got that October feeling. This autumn we are offering our remaining course spaces at discounted rates...
IOSH COSHH for laboratories @£300 per person.
IOSH Laboratory safety @ £700 per person.
IOSH Managing Safely @ £500 per person.
All of our open courses are held at St Johns Innovation Centre Cambridge.
All courses are kept to a maximum of 10 people so as not to water down the content or experience. We believe in quality over quantity when it comes to working withh you. And we believe it shows!
To find out more, please call us on 01223 265622 or 01502 446488
all prices exclude VAT
This afternoon finds us helping a few of our customers prep their annual reports and generally discussing annual review.
As always this prompts us to look at the UK and encourage incorporating national trends and learnings into reviews and plans for the upcoming year. Whilst its always best to target your work and tailor your plan to your specific needs, its also good to learn from other industries and sectors. Looking at trends, using key information to identify any gaps or actions needed to bolster any current control measures.
The HSE have kindly, as always, released the statistics in a super easy to use summary, have a look and see whether there is anything you can learn from – it can’t hurt right? http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh1718.pdf
So why complete an annual Review or Report?
Learning, embracing and improving - think back to plan, do, check, act.
Businesses know their systems and their activities. They’ve done their planning, they are doing their doing and it’s all going well. It’s at this stage that it’s important to take stock and reflect - check and Act. All too often, we become so busy with the day to day running we may miss weaknesses or gaps that need addressing. As part of the annual review, reflect on your plan, your doing and then act accordingly. Remember – even small businesses can benefit from some reflection time! It can be completely informal. Its about whatever works for you.
When reviewing think about:
Reviewing your performance
Make sure that your plan has been implemented – don’t just think documentation. Gain feedback from all different levels of the business. Who knows better than your employees, committee members or audit teams.
Think about how your projects, sale or general operations delivered for the year? Have you seen some bumps, or has it all been smooth?
Have your audits or inspections uncovered issues or lots of best practice? Are you reaching legal compliance? think about and review how well the main risks are being controlled and if you are achieving your aims. If you feel like its failing in places, can you pin point anything - it may be hard but think about whether this is because of the system you have, behaviours or management?
Use your investigations. Hopefully you investigate the causes of significant accidents, incidents or near misses – look at what has occurred, and try to learn, are there trends? What could your business do in 2019/20 to change things.
Act
Learn from the accidents and incidents, ill-health data, errors and relevant experience of other businesses. No one is perfect, so make use of all relevant and comparable stories.
Revisit plans, policy documents and risk assessments to see if they need updating, if they don’t, then brilliant! If they do, set your company SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time) based targets.
We always find this review and level of honesty with yourselves will help you flourish. Remember that even well designed and established systems sometimes need tweaks.
And remember, it doesnt need to be long and arduous - break it down. Make it work for you. No one is expecting a small business to produce a lengthy review document, just be sure that you have reflected, know the issues (if there are any) and what you will be doing going forward.
The HSW family will be enjoying some well earned R&R from Monday 24th December to Wednesday 2nd Jan, however, we wont be completely out of contact. For anyone needing to contact us during this time, please call our HQ on 01223 265622. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as they can.
Here at HSW we are most definitely feeling the effects of this heat wave. With temperatures set to rise over the next couple of days to the mid-thirties (let’s hope those thunderstorms do come soon) we thought we’d visit the topic of thermal comfort at work.
The heat, as amazing as it is, can sometimes cause havoc at work for employees and employers alike, as a nation we are not used to consistently hot temperatures. From office work, to manual labour, to manufacturing sites and retail – there’s an impact on us all. Heat affects the whole body, in excessive temperatures the body is having to work extra hard to cool itself to function and deliver a day’s work. This with a mediocre sleep being experienced by most, means fatigue will start to take its toll, ill health creeps in and incidents can occur.
In the UK there currently is no legal limit for maximum working temperatures; continuation of work is based on what is deemed reasonable to the business. So, what should you be considering as an employer, to ensure working temperatures remain reasonable, employees remain comfortable and work remains efficient.
We recommend our customers review their current arrangements, thermal comfort should always be considered as part of the business risk assessment where there is a risk of discomfort from heat (or cold) stress. Remember risk assessment is fluid and always changing.
You need to think about what your employees do? How they may be affected? Discuss how they feel, what tasks seem to have the most issues and what they think would help (after all safety involves everyone).
Well firstly, level of activity – are the days spent constantly moving, exerting physical energy or are they working indoors surrounded by equipment?
What is the environment like? Are there additional heat sources in the environment, for example ovens, hot surfaces and machinery, molten metals, even people? Is the area confined? If its external, does it offer any shade? Is there free movement?
Is there any air movement? Are there windows or venting systems allowing the movement of air (air cooler than the ambient temperature) which can help reduce temperatures or provide a breeze for employees.
Are there elevated levels of humidity? Humidity levels will affect the body’s ability to self-regulate temperature.
What sort of clothing, PPE or uniform is worn? Some choices can cause discomfort, such as heavy dark fabrics, clever choices can let individuals adapt to the environment. Review whether summer ranges (light, breathable materials) can be supplied.
Who you employ…not just generally but individually. Metabolic rates will affect things. Physical characteristics such as size, age, fitness level, whether a person is expecting or whether there are any health conditions which could make them more susceptible. Remember no two people are the same and some will feel the ‘heat’ more so.
Obviously as a business, you want to keep your employees happy, healthy and working conditions efficient. There are some simple steps that can be taken to help to manage things;
Review working schedules; would it be possible to plan physically demanding work at cooler times of the day?
For those carrying out demanding work, allow the work rate to slow or for extra breaks to be taken allowing them to cool.
Ensure employees take their rest breaks. And whilst you can’t stop it, encourage them to do so in the shade…its tempting to top up the tan but this can lead to further fatigue and risk of overheating.
Encourage employees to keep hydrated. Position water in easily accessible places. Where water cannot be cooled, aim to position it in a shaded area.
Encourage outdoor employees to use sun creams and blocks, it is recommended that SPF 15 is used as an absolute minimum. It is also recommended that clothing is worn to shield the skin.
Inside buildings encourage air circulation by providing fans. If you are lucky enough to have air conditioning units, set the temperature to a comfortable level (don’t forget to ensure your units are maintained).
Ensure radiators are switched off and that hot plant or pipes are insulated.
Reposition work stations to shaded areas.
Clothing, Uniform and PPE is reviewed, and where applicable summer alternatives provided. Where office staff are required to dress to a formal dress code, perhaps review the requirement and relax where possible.
If you are still unsure of how to manage thermal comfort, then you can access plenty of free resources on HSE.gov.uk or alternatively, if you want to discuss your exact requirements with someone please feel free to give a member of the HSW family a call or email.
In honour of mental health awareness week, which is currently being promoted by the Mental Health Foundation, HSW’s SimplySafe bulletin has been produced to encourage businesses to tackle Work Related Stress.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the enforcing body for health and safety in the workplace, has set three priority health targets for action during 2018 and beyond – these are occupational lung disease, musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. repetitive strain injury) and work-related stress (WRS).
WRS affects almost half-a-million workers and is the second most commonly reported cause of occupational ill-health in GB, accounting for 37% of work-related ill health cases and 45% of working days lost. Annually, stress, anxiety and depression results in 11.7 million working days lost at an estimated social and economic cost of £5.2 billion. Not only is WRS damaging to health and wellbeing, it can impact productivity, competitiveness, and profitability.
WRS is defined as a harmful reaction caused by undue pressures and demands at work. This is caused mainly by workload (44% of cases), lack of support (14%), threats or bullying (13%) or changes at work (8%)
The HSE is encouraging employers to take a proactive stance to managing WRS using the HSE Management Standards, these identify 6 aspects of work which can contribute to WRS:
It is also important to have a clear Stress Policy, which focuses on:
If you have any questions or queries on how to manage stress in the work place, or you wish to have an informal chat about the topics covered, please feel free to get in touch with one of our advisors.
Alternatively, you can gather information from the HSE or contact the Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Today we are back in, and back to it. Happy New Year to all of our amazing customers, new and old. Heres to everyone having a safe and prosperous year.
We hope you all had a fun and relaxing festive period, we know we did. Now we are ready to get straight back to it.
Have you set your new years resolution or your objectives and targets? if not, why not take this fresh start as the perfect opportunity to review last years safety performance and make some improvements or changes? Afterall there is no time like the present.
If you need any help, we are always at hand here in the office or you could even jot it down, ready for our next visit!
Have a great one guys.
The HSW Team
This year has been very busy and we continue to develop as a Company.
The following Regulations are under review by the HSE:
CDM Regulations –
PUWER ACOP
New ACOPs have been issued of the following:
Control of Asbestos Regulations New ACOP, there were 5 key changes.
Legionnaires' disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems. New guidance and ACOP.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations New Guidance and ACOP
The HSE state this is to "to clarify and simplify practical advice to help dutyholders comply with the requirements of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health".
The main changes to the COSSH ACOP, released on 3 December, includes updating the material supporting regulations 7, 9, 10 and 11 to take account of legislative changes, such as the Regulations for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP).
Additionally, advice provided in the appendices to the previous ACOP has either been repositioned next to the relevant regulation or will be made available separately on the HSE website.
Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regs 1992 ACOP has been up dated.
The 5 original DSEAR ACOP’s have been consolidated into a single document.
The ACOP for the Management of Health and Safety at Work 1992 has been removed and not replaced. The HSE now direct you to guidance on their website.
Finally HSG65 Managing for Health and Safety has been updated to simplify it.
HSW Ltd has been extremely busy over recent months with both new and existing customers. We have recently started working with Biotech Company TwistDX undertaking a complete Health and Safety review covering their Science Park and Babraham Road premises. We are also now working with Norwich Research Park where we have been asked to help with Laboratory Specifications.
We are now the only Company in the UK to provide a IOSH accredited Laboratory Safety Course.
We started the accreditation process last year and have finally achieved accreditaion.
Two courses scheduled for later this year at St Johns Innovation Centre for up to 10 delegates, this is a two day course and the cost includes all materials, coffee tea and lunch.
See our courses page for dates and costs.
This is an assessed course and all delegates who pass will gain an IOSH certificate.
A course book is also Included.
We have been very busy over the last year, so we have had little time to upate this section of the website,
We are still working with a pharmaceutical company in developing their safety management system over their three sites. We are implementing a computer based CoSHH system that will help to ensure all SDS's are mainitained on line and up to date. This should safe a lot of time with the management of SDS's.
We have aslo been involved in property surveys and construction projects at Cambridge Colleges, these included boiler installations and lead roof work.
Earlier this year we were approached Cranfield University School Of applied science to look at their CoSHH procedures and practices.
This involved assessing CoSHH related safety in a variety of research environments:-
We assessed the current procedures and controls and submitted a report with recommendations. As can be seen from the Research involved this was not a straight forward application of the COSHH regulations.
The Cranfield School of Biological Science’s aim was to obtain certification to OHSAS18001 which we are pleased to say that with our input to their CoSHH systems they achieved in April with only 3 minor non-conformities.
Health & Safety Works Ltd has been busy throughout the year looking into many different areas of H&S for clients.
This has varied from bespoke CoSHH and Risk Assessment training, Building Safety Surveys to Ergonomic Risk Assessments.
Across the last year we have 15 Clients on an annual retainer for HSW Ltd to be their named competent person for all H&S matters, as well as welcoming some new companies to our Client list; Bluestone Creative an office based web design company, Abbey Barns a Private House Estate management company and SDM Construction amongst others.
The aim of this register is to help businesses find advice on managing their general health and safety risks. The register is only open to those health and safety consultants who have met certain standards within their professional bodies.
Part of the Government's review of H&S undertaken by Lord Young was that there should be a register for qualified consultants.
The register is now operational and HSW Ltd are pleased to be part of that register in that as Director of HSW Ltd I am on the register.
So now as David Oates CMIOSH CBiol MSB I can use the following logos with my name.
Liver Research Foundation, UCL
HSW ltd has been appointed as Biological Safety Officer and competent person for the Foundation of Liver Research. This research charity is based at university College London. We have been contracted to undertake a full safety review and provide health and safety support.
HSW Ltd can now offer consultancy in the area of Regulatory Affairs - Medical Devices, Quality Assurance and Quality Systems.
Since the transfer of Oxoid Ely manufacturing facilities to Dartford, Jennie Oates has joined HSW Ltd as a consultant offering skills developed in the IVD industry. Jennie has a total of 23 years of experience so is well qualified in these areas, she has also held the role of safety adviser and chairman of the safety committee whilst working for the Company.
HSW Ltd had their first trade stand at the ERBI Bench to Boardroom networking event at Chilford Hall.
It was an interesting day for us and provided current clients and possibly new clients with information on the services HSW can offer.
A draw for a free half a days consultancy was won by Anne Rudge, Business Development Manager at Quality Care Cleaning Ltd, her comment after we had advised her on safety issues relating to an application for CHAS accreditation was 'a very useful win'.
We have been delighted to receive a number of client testimonials which we thought we would share below:
"IOSH Managing Safely Course
I recently attended the above Course which was organised by Health & Safety Works.
The course covered all the objectives in detail and provided me with a sound knowledge and insight into the application of health & safety requirements at work, both from a legislative and practical point of view. It has greatly assisted in the running of a busy hall in London and has enabled us to comply fully with health & safety requirements.
Students were provided with up to date and informative literature that was of great benefit. The course instructor. Mr David Oates was knowledgable and professional throughout and is an outstanding instructor. He kept control of the class and made the learning process interesting as well as informative often relating actual events to modules presented to the students in order to better understand the subject.
I would thoroughly recommend Health & Safety Works to any organisation who finds it necessary to have their staff trained in this important area of the workplace."
M Stein, Assistant Clerk The Worshipful Company of Coopers
"The main reason for choosing Heath and Safety Works and continuing to use them is that they understand our needs due to the fact that they have worked in a laboratory environment for many years and understand the Health and Safety issues scientists face on a daily basis."
Richard Dickinson, Lab & Facilities Manager Astex Therapeutics Ltd
"For a small company the requirement to undertake the necessary work to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation may seem a daunting prospect. We were delighted to have HSW recommended to us and they have proved invaluable in ensuring that we are meeting our responsibilities. Their pragamatic approach would be of great benefit to any SME looking to ensure H&S compliance."
David Herbert, Company Secretary
Sydney Hart Ltd
"Health and Safety Works consistently provide well delivered bespoke training courses."
Regulatory Compliance Manager
Oxoid (Ely) Ltd
Health & Safety Works provide health and safety consultancy, support and training to companies across East Anglia:
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