June 2024 Newsletter

Celebrating 50 Years of The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

A Milestone for Safe and Healthy Workplaces

Welcome to the June 24 edition of our QHSE ABERDEEN Newsletter!

In this issue, we celebrate 50 years of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, plus read about our featured customer Training and ISO Management System feedback, how does our organisation monitor performance evaluation? ISO Auditor Training dates and cute dogs! It's all here!

This month is a significant milestone in the realm of occupational health and safety, we are thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HASAWA) . This landmark legislation, enacted on July 1, 1974, has played a pivotal role in shaping the safety landscape for organisations and workers across the United Kingdom.

The HASAWA, often regarded as the cornerstone of health and safety regulations, was introduced with the primary aim of ensuring the protection of workers and the prevention of workplace accidents. Over the past five decades, this act has not only stood the test of time but has also evolved to meet the dynamic challenges of modern workplaces.

Let's look into some key aspects of the impact the HASAWA has had on organisations and staff in the UK:

Reducing Workplace Accidents

The HASAWA has contributed significantly to a decline in workplace accidents. By establishing a legal framework for health and safety responsibilities, organisations have been prompted to implement robust safety measures, leading to a safer working environment.

Promoting a Safety Culture

The legislation has fostered a culture of safety within organisations. Employers are now more conscious of the need to create a workplace where employees feel secure, thereby enhancing overall productivity and well-being.

Legal Compliance

The HASAWA has set clear guidelines and standards, making it obligatory for organisations to comply with health and safety regulations. By following the requirements of the Act, businesses can avoid costly fines and legal penalties.

Worker Empowerment

Employees now have the right to be informed and involved in matters concerning their health and safety. This empowerment has led to increased awareness and proactive participation in creating safer work environments.

Continuous Improvement

The act has encouraged a continuous improvement mindset. Organisations are now more inclined to assess and refine their health and safety policies regularly, adapting to new technologies and best practices.

Statistics at a Glance

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there has been a substantial reduction in workplace fatalities over the last 50 years since the Robens report was introduced.

The number of non-fatal injuries reported has also witnessed a consistent decline, reflecting the positive impact of health and safety regulations.

See the HSE stats here https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/hssh2223.pdf

In 1974, there were 651 fatal injuries and 336,722 non-fatal injuries reported. In 2022/23 there were 135 fatal injuries and 60,645 non-fatal injuries representing a significant fall but still not enough unfortunately.

Occupational Health and Safety in 2024 – a focus

While HASAWA is unlikely to change in 2024, the HSE regularly highlights areas of concern within the industry. With the publication of its 2022/2023, statistics some of these focus areas are likely to be

• Mental health – the role of employers in supporting mental health in the workplace (Working Minds and Stress) with stress, anxiety, and depression becoming increasingly common work-related health issues
• Lung disease – heightening awareness of lung disease through campaigns such as Dust Kills, ? Lung Disease , and Asbestos and You
• Manual handling and MSD – the growing importance and challenges of monitoring and measuring ergonomics with almost half a million workers suffering from a work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work Right Construction )

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, let us not only reflect on its achievements but also look ahead to the future. Here at QHSE ABERDEEN , we remain committed to promoting a culture of safety and well-being, ensuring that the next 50 years are marked by even greater strides in occupational health and safety.

ISO 45001:2018 is an International Standard which provides a framework, regardless of size, activity and geographical location, to manage and continuously improve Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) within the organisation.

With or without a formal OH&S management system , organisations have a moral and legal duty to protect workers from accidents and ill health.

If you are looking for assistance with any aspect of Health & Safety, QHSE ABERDEEN can help.

Contact us now to discuss your requirements.

Thank you for being an integral part of our commitment to safety.

Now onto ISO Management System ISO 9001 Clause 9 – Performance evaluation

ISO 9001 Clause 9.1.2 "requires that an organization monitors customer perceptions to determine the degree to which their needs and expectations have been fulfilled."

• Monitoring and measurement

Under this clause, the organisation must determine what is needed to be measured and monitored, how to monitor, when to be performed and when to evaluate the results.

Customer satisfaction is one of the most important measures included in this clause and your organisation must state the extent to which your customer’s expectations are fulfilled.

Practicing what we preach, we always ask our clients to complete a feedback form for our own monitoring purposes..

Macduff Group shipyards said this when we asked if working with us helped their organisation .

“Yes, working with the QHSE advisor really streamlined the development of our quality assurance management system and helped grow our understanding and appreciation of the benefits of such a system.” ” We have been extremely happy with the service provided by QHSE ABERDEEN, the whole team and in particular the advisor assigned to our project. They have helped us with what seemed like a daunting task and developed a concise and simple quality management system and environmental policy which suited our company and the work which we carry out.”

Last month we were invited to Nicol Of Skene Ltd

Nicol Of Skene's Commitment to Staff Development

Established in 1980, Nicol is one of the leading civil engineering contractors in the Northeast of Scotland.. Renowned for their dedication to quality, safety, health, and environmental standards (QHSE), Nicol Of Skene doesn't just talk the talk; they walk the walk. Recently, Nicol Of Skene took their commitment to staff development to soaring heights by inviting QHSE Aberdeen to conduct a two-day CQI and IRCA-certified ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Course . This wasn't just another training session—it was a testament to Nicol Of Skene's' unwavering focus on excellence in every aspect of their operations. From the outset, it was evident that Nicol Of Skene team members weren't merely attendees, they were eager participants, hungry for knowledge and eager to enhance their skills. Throughout the two days, the atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm and a shared passion for the subject matter. The course wasn't just informative, it was transformative. Led by expert trainers from QHSE Aberdeen, participants delved deep into the intricacies of internal auditing, gaining invaluable insights and practical tools to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement within their organisation. What truly set this experience apart was the genuine engagement of Nicol Of Skene's staff. Their eagerness to learn and willingness to actively participate made the two days not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable. The camaraderie and shared sense of purpose fostered an environment where learning flourished and connections were forged. Nicol Of Skene's proactive approach to staff training speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence. By investing in their teams skills and knowledge, they're not just ensuring compliance, they're nurturing a culture of continuous improvement that will propel them to even greater heights. In a world where quality and safety are paramount, Nicol Of Skene stands as a shining example of how organisations can thrive by making staff development a top priority. As they continue to raise the bar for excellence, one thing is clear, with Nicol Of Skene, the pursuit of perfection knows no bounds. Even the dogs were in on the action (well, one had a crush on Violeta and the other one found it a bit overwhelming!)

"Great course, with fantastic instructor. Very Knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend QHSE ABERDEEN."

HR Manager - Nicol of Skene

Training Dates

Our next training dates are ...

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor 5 day course - 10th June 24

ISO 9001 CQI and IRCA Certified 2 day Internal Auditor Course - 11th June 24

ISO 14001 Internal Auditor 2 day course - 3rd September 24

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor 5 day course - 2nd September 24

All of our ISO Auditor Courses are also available to be delivered on-site as a bespoke private course for your organisations' staff training, as are all of our Training courses, which you can find here .

If you want to feature in our July Newsletter, contact us now.

Help others understand your commitment to QHSE and how it benefits your Organisation.

Finally... If you are a dedicated QHSE professional with a passion for maintaining the highest standards of quality, health, safety, and environmental practices, we want to hear from you. Join our team and be a part of our commitment to excellence. To apply, please send your cv and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications to [email protected] .

That's all for this issue of our QHSE Newsletter! We hope you found the information valuable and time well-spent. Remember, investing in QHSE best practices leads to improved performance, increased stakeholder confidence, and a safer work environment. Stay tuned for our next issue, packed with more useful tips and updates.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you'd like us to cover. Until next time,?stay safe,?and keep up the great work!