Thursday, April 28, 2022

Weekly Digest Newsletter: 28 April 2022

This week's news and updates about health and safety at work

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Weekly Digest eBulletin

HSE safety alert issued: ear loop masks/respirators

respiratory mask with ear loops

HSE does not recommend using ear loop masks/respirators as tight-fitting RPE at work.

New HSE research has revealed that respirators/masks which rely on ear loops to hold the respirator/mask in place, do not protect people adequately when used as tight-fitting RPE.

 

The safety alert advices dutyholders, who have these items available in their workplaces, to:

  • revisit their risk assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)

  • consider their RPE provision to ensure it is adequate, suitable for the user and the work being done

For full details and further guidance view the safety alert.


Food manufacturing company fined after worker falls from ladder

A jam and preserve manufacturer were fined £40,000 after a worker installing a security camera sustained multiple fractures by falling from an unsecured ladder.

An investigation by HSE found the work at height had not been properly planned and alternative access equipment to allow safe working at height had not been considered.

 

No training had been provided to either the injured party or others in relation to work at height.

 

Read this press release for more details on this incident.

 

Our website has advice and guidance on working at height.

 

Other recent enforcement news includes:


Manage the risks and prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome

worker using a power tool

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) can be caused by using hand-held power tools for prolonged periods of time.

It is a painful, disabling disease of the hands affecting blood vessels, nerves and joints.

 

Visit our HAVS website to find out what you need to do to prevent this painful disease.

 

It includes key messages and resources including the hand-arm vibration calculator

 

HSE's guidance book Hand-arm vibration covers the management and control of the risks from exposure and how to protect workers.


Make sure you know your COSHH essentials

COSHH symbols

A variety of harmful substances are found in our working environments – knowing how to control these safely is key to safety and protection from harm. 

If you work with hazardous substances, our Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) website can help you understand the actions you should take to stay healthy.

 

You can download our publication Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHH, which explains how to control exposure and comply with the Regulations.

 

Our COSHH Safe Handling Chemicals poster also provides crucial guidance on how to handle chemicals safely in your workplace, including Do's and Don'ts and a useful hazardous signs check.


Latest job opportunities at HSE

Join our team here at HSE and help to protect lives and livelihoods. 

We currently have a wide range of exciting opportunities. For details of selected posts, follow the links below:

View all our current vacancies

You can get all the latest news and updates from HSE across a range of industries and topics.

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