Health & Safety Newsletter

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our Quarterly Health and Safety Newsletter, dedicated to sharing the latest developments and hot topics in safety and well-being for our contractors. In this issue, we delve into topics ranging from PPE compliance to mental health awareness, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for a safer working environment.?

Unlocking Safety: Navigating the Maze of PPE Compliance?

Plenty of news has highlighted non-compliant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and its implications for worker safety. The current conversation is about 'fit clinics' and how innovative product ranges are revolutionising safety standards, with the message being that we must ensure that every worker is appropriately protected.?

We agree that this is important, and in our firsthand experience, the challenges faced by women in finding correctly fitting PPE can be extensive and insights from our team members underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to safety gear selection.?

Non-compliant PPE is a challenge that shouldn't be ignored, and experts are sounding the alarm. The key, they say, is ensuring that PPE meets safety standards and fits properly. Enter the world of 'fit clinics' and cutting-edge product ranges designed to revolutionise how we approach safety on the construction site.?

Joining a company as a woman can present a challenge regarding shapes and sizes. It can be frustrating dealing with what is on the market, and it takes a lot of trial and error. Sometimes, men's PPE fits better, but for instance, if the arms are too long and there are reflective strips on the end, you can't roll them up! The real-world challenges faced by women in the industry. The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't cut it, and it's high time for a more inclusive and practical solution. It's interesting to consider what science is used to determine sizes. For instance, when it comes to things like shoes - do we need to consider what women need? Considering the workforce's diverse needs, shouldn't the process be more than just measurements???

Perhaps it's time to reevaluate the science behind sizing to ensure that every worker, regardless of gender, finds the perfect fit for optimal safety and comfort.?

Burning Issues: Tackling the Fire Risks of Lithium-ion Batteries?

The industry is addressing the growing threat of fires posed by the increased use of Lithium-ion batteries. Plenty of articles and conversations offer insights into effective strategies to mitigate fire risks and ensure the safety of all workers on site.?

We have seen the potential dangers of using non-original battery manufacturers and emphasise the importance of proper risk assessment in addressing fire hazards.??

Sometimes, there needs to be more awareness of using the original battery manufacturer, and replacements can be ordered from places like Amazon. When you come to charge them, they can quickly overheat; it's like ordering a new phone charger online. This can hit close to home for many of us who rely on online marketplaces. The seemingly innocent act of ordering replacement batteries can have fiery consequences if not approached cautiously - a stark reminder to prioritise the authenticity of battery sources, highlighting the potential dangers lurking in the shadows of convenience. We urge contractors to revisit and upgrade their fire risk assessment templates. In the era of Lithium-ion batteries, it's essential to consider the risks associated with charging these powerful energy sources within site facilities.??

As we confront the fire risks associated with Lithium-ion batteries, let's not just react but proactively work towards mitigating these risks. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies in our upcoming newsletters.?

Navigating the Storm: Lessons from the RAAC Crisis

To review the tumultuous year of 2023 in construction, the RAAC crisis leaves a big mark. The government's response, the significant costs, and the lessons learned from this challenging period are all hot news.?

From a Health and Safety standpoint, we have firsthand insight into the relevance of the RAAC crisis and emphasise the importance of proactive risk assessment and preparedness for future crises.?

This raises a critical question about the relevance of the RAAC crisis to contractors from a Health and Safety perspective. The answer lies in the potential lessons embedded in the crisis - how did safety measures and protocols contribute to or mitigate the challenges? Exploring this aspect is crucial for contractors to fortify their safety strategies in the face of unforeseen crises.?

What is it going to look like once it's resolved? It's essential to envision the aftermath. As we navigate through the crisis, understanding the resolution and its implications is vital and should prompt us to look beyond the storm, analyse the challenges, and glean valuable insights for the future.??

Breaking Ground: Addressing Equality and Diversity in Construction?

Around International Women's Day, the reflection on the imperative need for equality and diversity was sparked in discussions within the construction industry. Many share actionable steps from industry leaders to foster inclusivity and improve representation in the workplace.?

We think it's important to highlight the importance of considering welfare facilities for diverse workers and emphasise the need for comprehensive prestart setups to accommodate the workforce's diverse needs.?

Reflection on gender disparities in construction can help us discover actionable steps from industry leaders to improve inclusion and foster equality in the workplace. Construction perspective on welfare: as part of EDI, you also have representation of LGBTQ+. How do we manage that on a construction site? With toilets, for instance, a woman's toilet may only get used sometimes so then it may become a storage room. For example, if you have a Female crane operator, it's excellent diversity; however, welfare facilities will need to be considered as a requirement in the prestart setup.?

This nuanced perspective on managing diversity within the construction industry emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach. There's a necessity for thoughtful prestart setups that account for diverse needs, ensuring that inclusivity doesn't come at the expense of practicality.?

As we strive to build a diverse future, let's celebrate differences and proactively address the challenges that arise.?

Clearing the Air: Navigating HSE's Silica Dust Clampdown?

The Health and Safety Executive's intensified focus on silica dust exposure is an extensive conversation, with much insight into updated guidance, new inspections, and the importance of compliance with safety regulations to protect workers from silica hazards.?

The practical challenges of enforcing safety measures and the importance of risk assessment in tackling silica dust exposure raises the question, 'Are we doing enough on the market?' and echoes a collective concern - are the measures in place enough to safeguard workers? It's a pivotal query that prompts us to reassess our strategies and ensure that we're not just meeting standards but surpassing them.?

There are products, extraction add-ons for tools, water suppression, and the last line of defence is PPE; however, actively enforcing people to wear masks on-site can be complicated. For instance, a Labourer cleaning up a unit after construction and refit may dampen the dust, but even a tiny amount of dust (the size of a penny) could be missed and have a long-term effect. It is essential to wear masks, but how do you know the safety measures have been carried out, and how do you get it to apply? The crucial aspect to focus on is the practical challenges of enforcing safety measures. From product options to the nuances of mask-wearing, there is a need for a comprehensive and practical approach to implementation.?

Effective silica dust exposure control involves careful risk assessment and campaigns for raising awareness. For example, the 'Bin the Broom Man' campaign by Wates demonstrates the power of awareness campaigns in driving change and ensuring that safety measures are understood and actively implemented.?

As we navigate the challenges of silica dust exposure, let's not just comply but innovate and educate for a safer work environment and breathe easy together.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ???

Construction's Silent Crisis: Mental Health on the Frontlines?

The International Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) urges for a people-focused work culture, and construction workers are learning about their rights to sue for stress-related issues. We've seen alarming revelations about mental health in construction, and this has pushed for the callouts from institutions for a people-focused work culture, and construction workers learn about their rights to sue for stress-related issues.?

?HSE has addressed it as a liability, and it's hard to assess where there is culpability from an employer to an employee, raising the question, does there need to be more precise measurements and guides to evaluate this? The challenges in assessing liability for mental health issues and the need for more precise measurements and guides speak to the complexity of the problem and the necessity for well-defined frameworks to navigate this often-sensitive terrain.?

These questions like 'Are policies and procedures holistic?' and 'Where is the line between what is general and genuine and what is work-related?' strike at the core of policy effectiveness. It's not just about generating paperwork but fostering a genuine change in the working culture. The blurred line between general and work-related stress calls for a holistic approach to crafting policies that genuinely address the mental health needs of the workforce.?

Some may argue there's a risk of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) potentially becoming a trend rather than a meaningful solution. This brings attention to the importance of measuring the impact of initiatives, ensuring that they go beyond surface-level awareness and genuinely contribute to a healthier work environment. As we confront the silent crisis of mental health in construction, let's not just address symptoms but strive for systemic change.??

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