Stockwell Safety

The HSE has defined work-related violence as: “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.” Workers who deal directly with clients or customers may face aggressive or violent behaviour including verbal abuse, threats of violence and physical attacks. Fortunately, physical attacks are comparatively rare. Workers engaged … Read more

A degree of stimulation or pressure in the workplace is beneficial; however, when that pressure is excessive, harmful stress levels can occur and cause ill-health. The HSE has defined stress as: “Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.” The average length of sick leave … Read more

Radiation is energy transmitted in waves or a stream of particles. Different types of radiation are used in a diverse range of industrial, medical, research and communications applications. Some can create harmful exposures that must be effectively controlled. Radiation is typically categorised as ionising or non-ionising. The main difference is in the amount of energy … Read more

Hand Arm Vibration Hand arm vibration is vibration transmitted into the hands and arms when using handheld powered work equipment. Regular users of handheld or hand-guided power tools and machines are at risk. Workers holding work-pieces which vibrate while being processed by powered machinery such as pedestal grinders are also at risk. Hand Arm Vibration … Read more

Noise is sound that is loud, unpleasant, or undesired. Sound is vibration energy that passes through air (or other media) and is received by the ear, stimulating the auditory nerves and producing the sensation of hearing. The energy produced when something vibrates produces sound waves that have a definite pattern. The wavelength determines the pitch … Read more

Auditing is defined as the structured process of collecting independent information on the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of the total health and safety management system and drawing up plans for corrective action. All control systems tend to deteriorate over time or to become obsolete because of change. Auditing supports monitoring by providing managers with information … Read more

Once the level of risk has been assessed, attention now needs to be focused on controlling the risk. This may mean tolerating the level of risk by maintaining current controls, or putting in place additional controls to reduce the level of risk. Legally, there is a requirement to do all that is “reasonably practicable” to protect people … Read more

Risk assessment should not be a once-and-for-all activity. Few workplaces stay the same. Sooner or later, equipment, substances and procedures are updated, often with the introduction of new hazards. Risk assessments should, therefore, be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  As the nature of work changes, the appreciation of hazards and risks may develop. Proactive monitoring may … Read more

Make a record of the significant findings – the hazards, how people might be harmed by them and what you have in place to control the risks. Any record produced should be simple and easy to understand. Any paperwork you produce should help you to communicate and manage the risks in your business. This does … Read more