ssg

2018
Toolbox Talk Calendar

This calendar has been prepared to assist managers in the delivery of monthly toolbox talks. Each talk should be delivered in
a 'Q&A' format and attendees should sign the register at the back of this calendar to record attendance. Calendars should be
returned to the office once the job or year is complete.

Toolbox Talk It is vitally important that contractors,
managers and supervisors engage and
Delivery consult with the workforce. Toolbox talks
are one way of delivering advice on matters
of health, safety and the
environment as well as engaging
in discussion to obtain feedback,
thus helping to maintain and
improve standards.

Good communication is essential for the The Benefit of Toolbox Talks:
management of health and safety in the
workplace. Allow you and your team to explore the
To deliver a good toolbox talk you don’t risks of specific health and safety issues
need to be an expert, but someone who is
serious about health and safety and and think about ways to deal with them.
confident when standing up in front of a Help inform inexperienced team
group of workers. members and provide reminders to
experienced workers of correct control
measures.

SSG can provide a range of resources and services to help you successfully deliver a toolbox talk. This calendar along
with the supporting videos (www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy) will help you ensure your safety message
is received.

Toolbox Talk: Top 5 Tips

Keep it Brief Authority

Toolbox talks should be interactive Talks should be held by supervisors in
and last a maximiun of 15 minutes. a position of authority to ensure
concerns and ideas are properly
Relevance reported and escalated if necessary.

Toolbox talks should not replace Clarity
general safety training. They should
focus on the tasks or features specific Toolbox talks should start by clearly
to the job. defining what the topic of the talk is.
Typically each talk should cover one
Accountability topic, hazard or job.

Establish clear task roles and
responsibilities that are essential to
safe working practices.

Stress and Mental Health

What are the HAZARDS?

• Work-related stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work. The HSE has identified six
primary sources of stress at work which need to be effectively managed and controlled:
Demands: this includes issues such as workload, work patterns, work environment, tight deadlines
Control: how much say a person has in the way they do their work
Support: this includes the encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues
Relationships: this includes promoting positive working to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour e.g. bullying / harassment
Role: whether people understand their role within the organisation and whether the organisation ensures that they do not have conflicting roles
Change: how organisational change (large or small) is managed and communicated in the organisation

• Anxiety and depression are the most common forms of mental health problems (CMHPs).
• Stress and CMHPs affect people in different ways - we all have different means of coping.
• It can be hard to distinguish when ‘stress’ turns into a ‘mental health problem’ or when existing mental health problems become amplified by stress at work.

What HARM could they cause?

Work related stress and CMHPs currently account for 40% of work-related ill health cases. Figures for 2016/17 show that:
• 0.5 million workers suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety. Rates are highest for workers aged 35 to 54.
• An estimated 12.5 million working days were lost, 49% of all lost time due to ill health.
• There is a higher prevalence of stress in large workplaces (>250 employees) and in public service industries.
• It is estimated that one person in four will have a mental health problem at some point in their life. While mental health problems are common, most are mild.
• Stress and CMHPs can have a financial impact on business due to staff absence and loss of productivity.

What should we DO to reduce work-related stress and support staff?

• Promote well-being in the organisation.
• Understand the difference between stress and CMHPs. Stress at work is a reaction to events or experiences at work. CMHPs can arise through causes outside

work, e.g. bereavement, divorce, postnatal depression or a family history of the problem.
• Be aware that work-related stress may trigger or amplify an exsisting mental health problem.
• Be able to identify the signs of stress and CMHPs in yourself and others. React promptly and appropriately to signs of distress.
• Adopt a risk assessment approach - identify the extent and causes of employees’ stress within an organsiation, work with employees to identify interventions to

prevent and manage their stress more effectively. Balance job demends and pressures with capabilities.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress/
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Bank Holiday

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Stay Connected 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Head Office: 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk 29 30 31

Inspiring people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

Health Surveillance

What are the HAZARDS?

• Health can be affected by exposure to a wide range of hazards such as noise, vibration, ionising radiation, solvents, fumes, dusts, biological agents and other
substances hazardous to health, as well as work with asbestos or lead, or work in compressed air.

• Health surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks and is an important tool in detecting both acute and chronic health effects, enabling early detection of
emerging symptoms such as:
- Hearing damage
- Hand arm vibration syndrome / vibration white finger
- Respiratory problems / lung diseases - silicosis, mesothelioma, COPD
- Skin conditions - dermatitis, skin cancer
- Sensitisation

• Health checks are a legal requirement in many cases. Companies who fail to carry out necessary health surveillance may be subject to enforcement action and
potential prosecution.

What HARM could they cause?

• Although gradually improving, historically, health in the workplace has had lesser focus. As a result, ill health caused by work costs individuals, business and
public services billions of pounds a year. The hidden costs for the individual who has been made ill by work are incalcuable - not being able to play with their
children or grandchildren; not being able to walk to the shops; and potentially a slow and painful death.

What should we DO?

• Occupational disease and illness can be prevented, provided risks are effectively eliminated, managed and controlled.
• Risk assessments and CoSHH assessments should be used to identify any need for health surveillance and specific requirements. Bear in mind that not all

employees may need health surveillance - only those exposed to certain hazards.
• Involve employees in setting up health surveillance. Raise awareness of the risks to health and the need for health surveillance, ensuring that employees also

understand their own duties, such as recording time on tools / exposure times and attending appointments.
• Engage a suitably competent occupational health provider to deliver health surveillance services.
• The health surveillance process itself can also be used to help highlight where more needs to be done to control risks i.e. where early signs of work-related ill

health are detected, action should be taken to prevent further harm and protect employees.
• Keep health surveillance records for 40 years.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/health-surveillance/what/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Stay Connected 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Head Office: 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk

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Inspiring people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

Accidents and Near Misses

Why REPORT and INVESTIGATE?

According to the HSE statistics, in 2016 / 17, a total of 137 workers were killed at work, with a further 70,116 workers injured.
• There is a legal duty to report all accidents to your employer.
• Certain types of accident have to be notified to the HSE under RIDDOR. The HSE can then use this information to target their work and provide advice on how to
avoid work-related deaths, injuries and ill health.
• If we don’t report accidents how can we learn from our mistakes?
• Some companies carefully monitor their accident trends so they can take necessary action if they see opportunities to prevent recurrence.
• We all have a moral duty to look after each other and reporting accidents and near misses helps us to do this.
• Near misses are an opportunity for us to take action to prevent future accidents - serious harm may occur next time if we don’t act now.

What do you need to REPORT?

Accidents to report include:
• Cuts to the skin, falls, sharp pains when lifting.
• Broken bones, crush injuries, illness / injury from working with substances.
• Any event that required first aid or the use of a first aid kit.

Near misses to report include:
• Dropping objects close to other people, tripping over things.
• Being nearly hit by a fork lift truck or vehicle.
• Anything that could have been a more serious accident if it hadn’t been for luck.

How should we REPORT?

• Ask to see company accident / near miss forms.
• Ask a supervisor to talk you through how to report accidents and near misses.
• Everything is of interest - so report even minor accidents / near misses.
• Don’t be afraid of reporting accidents and near misses.
• Remember - you are the eyes and ears of health and safety in the workplace.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/managing/reporting.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Stay Connected 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Head Office: 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk

26 27 28 29 30 31

Bank Holiday

Inspiring people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

Fire Safety

What are the HAZARDS?

• The effects of accidental fires or explosions can be devestating in terms of lives lost, injuries, damage to property and the environment, and to business continuity.
• Many substances found in the workplace can cause fires or explosions. These range from the obvious e.g. flammable chemicals, petrol, cellulose paint thinners

and welding gases, to the less apparent - engine oil, grease, packaging materials, dusts from wood, flour and sugar.
• Some substances can self-combust; others that form vapours and dusts can explode.
• Fires can also produce toxic smoke, including carbon monoxide and cyanide compounds.
• Tackling a fire with the wrong type of fire extinguisher can make it worse and increase the risk of injury. Never put water on an oil or electrical fire!

What HARM could they cause?

• Fire generates heat and can spread fast - as a result it can destroy property very quickly.
• Fire & Rescue Services attended 162,000 fires in 2016/17. During the period there were 261 fire-related fatalities and 3133 casualties required hospital treatment.
• Fire causes obvious burns injuries; however, smoke is the biggest killer.
• Injuries to the lungs and airways from smoke inhalation are often less apparent and may not always be present until 24-36 hours after exposure. It is estimated

that being overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes is partly or wholly the cause of death in 53% of fatalities.

What should we DO to stay safe?

• Remember - most fires are preventable!
• Conduct a fire safety risk assessment for both premises and work sites - identify fire hazards (including ignition sources, combustible materials) and who may be

harmed. Consider measures to reduce risk and protect persons from harm in the event of a fire.
• Provide adequate means of detection, alarm and fire-fighting, as well as escape to a place of safety. Do not block fire exits and wedge open fire doors designed

to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Ensure suitable fire extinguishers are available at appropriate locations.
• Consider if there are any dangerous (flammable) substances present in the workplace, or explosive atmospheres generated by work activites and assess these.
• Keep fuel and ignition sources apart. Store flammable sustances safely.
• Maintain good levels of housekeeping. Don’t let waste build up - make sure it is disposed of frequently.
• Establish a safe system of work for all hot works and implement a ‘hot works permit’ system when welding, cutting or burning.
• Ensure that Fire Marshalls are aware of their duties and use of fire extinguishers. Run fire drills to practice different fire scenarios.
• When attending a site or client premises ensure that you are aware of local fire procedures and escape routes.
• Report any fire safety concerns to management at the earliest opportunity.
• Take prompt action on hearing an alarm - evacuate to a muster point. If you discover a fire, raise the alarm and ensure the fire brigade is called.
• Take the message home - install smoke alarms.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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23456 78
Bank Holiday

Stay Connected 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Head Office: 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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Working at Height

What are the HAZARDS?

• Work at height is work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance, from a higher level to a lower one, liable to cause
personal injury.

• You are working at height if you are working on a ladder, scaffold or platform, or a flat roof or a fragile surface, or could fall into an opening in a floor or a hole in
the ground.

• Walking up and down a permanent staircase in a building is not considered work at height, nor does it include a slip or trip on a level surface.

What HARM could they cause?

• Falls from height remain the second major cause of workplace deaths resulting in 25 fatalities in 2016/17.
• Serious injuries such as fractures, broken bones, head injuries and disabling injuries are not uncommon.
• Common causes are falls from ladders and roofs and through fragile roofs / roof lights.
• Objects that are dropped or fall onto people below can also cause significant injury.

What should we DO to stay safe?

• Avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so. Extendable tools and drone technology now enable a number of tasks to be performed from
ground level.

• Prevent falls where work at height cannot be avoided e.g. by use of guard rails.
• Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall by provision of collective protection e.g. safety nets, air bags and / or appropriate PPE e.g. safety harness,

lanyard as necessary.
• Remember to apply collective protection measures (those that protect everyone at risk) before individual / personal protection measures.
• Provide suitable equipment (scaffold, MEWP, crawling boards) in good condition to access work at height. Inspect this in accordance with requirements.
• Train personnel in working at height and use of equipment, including inspection of PPE and anchor points.
• When planning the work, take into account weather conditions and other factors that could compromise worker safety. Arrange any required permits to work

and ensure that the work is adequately supervised.
• Store materials and equipment used at height safely to prevent them from falling. Provide suitable means of lifting / lowering these.
• Plan for emergencies and rescue for forseeable situations. Do not rely solely on calling emergency services! Ensure that workers are aware of emergency

procedures.
• There is a common misconception that ladders are banned under health and safety law, but this is not the case. There are many situations where a ladder is the

most suitable and practical option. Ladders can be used for access or low risk work of short duration (i.e. no more than 30 minutes at a time).

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Stay Connected 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Head Office: 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk 28 29 30 31

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Inspiring people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

Respiratory Protective Equipment

What are the ISSUES?

• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is used as a control measure to prevent the inhalation of hazardous substances whilst at work. These may include dusts,
fumes, vapours, mists and gases.

• Typical work activities which require the use of RPE include cutting materials such as stone or wood, handling asbestos containing materials, paint spraying and
using liquids containing volatile solvents.

• RPE is also required when working in areas where oxygen levels are low, for example a confined space, such as a chamber or tank.
• When worn and used correctly, RPE can prevent asphyxiation, occupational asthma and serious lung conditions such as asbestosis and silicosis.

What is the RISK?

• Respiratory diseases are serious illnesses that often result in early death.
• There are currently approximately 12,000 deaths each year due to occupational respiratory diseases, with an estimated 14,000 new cases identified.
• Nearly half a million working days are lost annually due to work-related breathing or lung problems - an average of 12.5 days is lost for each case.

What should we DO to stay safe?

• Consider whether the need for RPE can be engineered out. If not, use tools in conjunction with other means such as extraction systems and wet cutting
techniques to minimise dust generation.

• Choose RPE that is suitable for the job, with the required assigned protection factor (APF). Remember - one size does not fit all! Different sizes and designs may
need to be tested to find the best and most comfortable fit for each individual. RPE should also be compatible with other PPE e.g. eye protection, ear defenders,
hard hats.

• Train those who use RPE in its use, as well as how to check, maintain and store it.
• Replace disposable dust masks at least daily. Change filters in reusable masks as and when necessary, before they become clogged.
• Many common types of RPE comprise of a tight-fitting mask. Effectiveness of protection relies on achieving a good seal between the mask and wearer’s face. To

achieve this the wearer must have no facial hair in the region of the face seal, i.e. they should be clean-shaven. If this is not possible on medical or religious
grounds, alternative RPE that does not rely on a tight seal e.g. battery powered or compressed air supplied loose-fitting facepieces should be provided and worn.
• The right to have facial hair is often cited as a reason for not being clean-shaven at work. However, this needs to be balanced against the requirement under the
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires employees to follow the training they have received, take care of their own health and safety and co-operate
with their employer on health and safety.
• Each person who is required to wear RPE with tight-fitting facepieces should undergo a fit test for each type of RPE worn, prior to first use and at suitable
intervals thereafter.
• Remember - your mask can protect you - stay healthy!

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Stay Connected 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Head Office: 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk

25 26 27 28 29 30

Inspiring people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

Noise

What are the HAZARDS?

• Sources of hazardous noise in the workplace include hammering, power tools, roadworks, machinery, vehicles, and resonating materials like glass bottles, sheet
metal and so on.

• It’s the duration of exposure to noise that increases the risk - a short burst of 5 seconds at 90 decibels might seem OK, but being exposed to that level for 8 hours
a day, every day could result in hearing damage.

What HARM can be caused?

• Sudden, high-volume spikes of noise, such as loud bangs, can cause physical damage to the ears.
• Prolonged exposure to levels of noise above 80 dB(A) can cause cumulative hearing damage.
• Noise can cause temporary hearing damage, such as when you hear your ears ‘ringing’ after going to a nightclub or using noisy power tools for long periods.

This is known as temporary threshold shift and can become permenant if it happens regularly.
• More serious conditions include tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss - permanent effects we understand as forms of deafness.
• We only have one set of ears - once they are damaged the harm cannot be reversed!

What should we DO to prevent damage?

• Look out for signs which indicate a high noise level may be present and / or use of hearing protection is recommended / mandatory.
• Don’t rely on PPE - this should be a last resort after other factors have been considered.
• Identify the exact source of the noise (e.g. a rattling machine conveyor, or use of a power tool).
• Investigate whether noise can be controlled at source using engineering controls (e.g. sound absorbing materials, rubber mounts / linings, silencers, etc.).
• Consider changing the layout of the area so that noisy tasks are done away from other people.
• Consider purchasing quieter tools - some older tools are much noisier than new ones.
• Ensure that hearing protection provided is appropriate for the task and personal requirements.
• Wear the hearing protection provided EVERY time you do noisy work.
• Attend hearing tests to assess / monitor effects of noise exposure, if risk assessments specify this.
• Tell your supervisor if you think your work is affecting your hearing and report any problems with hearing protection.
If you think you may be exposed to significant levels of noise in your workplace, or you would simply like to know more, further information is available in the following
guidance documents:
HSE - INDG 362 Noise at Work - A brief guide to controlling the risks
HSE - INDG 363 Noise: Don’t lose your hearing!

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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23456 78

Stay Connected 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Head Office: 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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Inspiring people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

Solar Radiation / UV Exposure

What is the HAZARD?

• Solar radiation is the radiant energy emitted by the sun - it is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
• Sun exposure is the main cause of both malignant melanoma / non-melanoma skin cancer.
• UV should be considered an occupational hazard for those who work outdoors. It is estimated that 5.5 million people have been exposed to solar radiation

through their work - mainly in the service industries, construction sector, manufacturing and agriculture.
• Skin type is genetic and affects how skin reacts in the sun and how likely an individual is to develop cancer. In general, the darker the skin, the lower the risk.

What HARM does it cause?

• The UV element of solar radiation can lead to premature ageing, wrinkles, sunburn and skin cancer if precautions aren’t taken to protect skin when outside.
• Symptoms associated with skin cancer include a scaly patch of hard skin, a red lump / spot, an ulcer, a new mole or area of skin which bleeds / oozes / has a crust.
• Getting sun burn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma.
• It is estimated that malignant melanoma kills nearly 50 people each year in the UK as a result of exposure to solar radiation at work.
• By contrast there are around 1,500 cases of work-related non-melanoma skin cancer registered a year, with 12 deaths.
• Although non-melanoma skin cancer is less commonly fatal, treatment / minor surgery can be disfiguring, particularly on the head and neck.
• Those who have been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer are 9 times more likely to get it again.
• 55% of work-related non-melanoma skin cancer cases and 42% of malignant melanoma cancer cases involve construction workers.

What should we DO reduce exposure?

• Be aware of solar radiation / UV exposure issues.
• Check the UV index on a daily basis - take an appropriate action if the index is 3 or above.
• Avoid outdoor work / minimise exposure to direct sunlight in the middle part of the day (60 per cent of UK radiation occurs between 10am and 2pm)
• Provide shade - take rest breaks in shaded areas or indoors - regularly rotate job tasks to ensure everyone can spend some time in the shade / indoors.
• Keep your top on when working outdoors and use a high-factor sunscreen. Wear a hat that covers the ears and back of the neck. If safety helmets are worn, use

those fitted with Legionnaire-style neck flaps.
• Bear in mind - 90% of skin cancer deaths could be prevented by controlling UV exposure.
• Regularly check skin for changes to moles or other changes. See a doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/skin/sunprotect.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Head Office: 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk

27 28 29 30 31

Bank Holiday

Inspiring people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

Asbestos

What is the HAZARD?

• Asbestos can be found in any building built or refurbished before 2000, including houses, factories, offices, schools and hospitals.
• Common materials that may contain asbestos include ceiling / floor tiles, lagging, spray coatings, asbestos insulating board, asbestos cement products, roofing

felt and rope seals / gaskets.
• As long as the asbestos is in good condition and it is located somewhere where it can’t be easily damaged then it shouldn‘t be a risk to you.
• When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. You can’t see or smell asbestos fibres in the air, but when these

fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases.
• Workers involved in refurbishment, maintenance and other similar trades, could be at risk of exposure to asbestos during work activites.
• People who smoke, and are also exposed to asbestos fibres, are at a much greater risk of developing lung cancer.

What HARM could it cause?

• Asbestos can cause fatal and serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening.
• These diseases will not affect you immediately as symptoms take some time to develop, often appearing many years (usually more than 10) after exposure.

However, once disagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. This is why it is important that you protect yourself now.
• Asbsetos-related cancer is estimated to account for around 36% of all deaths due to work-related diseases.
• In 2014 there were 2,515 mesothelioma deaths, with an additional similar number of lung cancer deaths linked to past exposure to asbestos - over 5,000 in total.

This rate is projected to continue for the rest of the decade, before numbers begin to decline.
• Those who worked in the building industry when asbestos was used extensively are now among those most at risk of mesothelioma. Around 20 tradesmen die

each week as a result of past exposure.

What should we DO to avoid exposure?

• If available, review Asbestos Survey Reports / Management Plans prior to conducting work on site, to identify the location, type and condition of any asbestos
containing materials.

• Undertake a risk assessment for asbestos and communicate this to all persons who may be at risk of exposure. Include appropriate measures for the disposal of
asbestos waste (e.g. double wrap and label).

• Apply all controls measures as specified in the risk assessment, including use of PPE and face-fitted RPE - don’t cut corners to save time.
• Undertake annual asbestos awareness training in order to know how to recognise and work safely with asbestos. Only carry out non-licensed work in asbestos if

you have been provided with the appropriate information, instruction and level of training.
• Stop work immediately if you come across potential asbestos containing materials that have not previously been identified - report the issue to your supervisor /

manager.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Head Office: 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Valley House, Valley Road, Plympton,
Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1RF

Tel: 01752 201616

www.ssg.co.uk

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Site Welfare

What are the HAZARDS?

• The provision of adequate welfare arrangements is important both in terms of complying with the law and promoting good morale. Good facilities can positively
benefit health and well-being and can help to prevent conditions such as dermatitis.

• Site workers need adequate toilet and washing facilities, a place to warm up and eat their food and somewhere to store clothing. However, these basic
requirements are often neglected. A cold water tap and chemical toilet on their own are not adequate.

What HARM could they cause?

• Poor welfare facilities can lead to ill health and contraction of communicable diseases and can increase the risk of dermatitis.
• There is also a risk of contamination if workers are exposed to hazardous substances such as cement, lead or micro-organisms and washing facilities are not

suitable, or are insufficiently separated from eating and drinking facilities.
• Inadequate shelter from the sun and adverse weather conditions can lead to increased exposure to UV radiation, dehydration, heat / cold stress, hypothermia, etc.

What should we DO to stay safe?

• Clients and contractors have legal responsibilities for welfare facilities on constructions projects. Welfare facilities should be provided as set out in Schedule 2 of
the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The nature and scale of the facilities required will depend on the size, location and type of
project, but should include:
Drinking water - readily accessible.
Rest facilities - somewhere to shelter, take breaks and prepare and consume food, including hot drinks. In cold weather, heating should be provided. Rest
areas should not be used as additional storage space!
Toilets - sufficient for the number of persons on site. These should be kept in a clean and hygienic condition and well lit. Chemical toilets should only be
provided as a last resort where flushing toilets cannot be established (e.g. at the start / end of a project or on a temporary site).
Washing facilities - supplied with basins and sinks large enough to wash face, hands or forearms; hot and cold, or warm, running water; soap or other means of
cleaning; towels or other means of drying. Showers may be required where the nature of the work is particularly dirty or there is a need to decontaminate.
Changing rooms and lockers - to store / change into personal clothing / PPE. Separate storage arrangements should be made for any contaminated clothing.

• Work should not start on a project until adequate welface facilities are in place. Their location on site, installation / removal, maintenance and cleaning all need
to be taken into account at project planning / preperation. Facilities should be available throughout the project and subject to regular inspection and electrical
testing.

• If mobile teams work at a number of locations over a few days (e.g. road repair and cable-laying gangs), these facilities can be provided at a central location
accessible within a reasonable distance or time.

• Remember to take into consideration requirements for persons with disabilities.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/welfare/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Workplace Transport

What are the HAZARDS?

• Workplace transport is any activity involving vehicles or mobile plant (e.g. forklift trucks, MEWPs) used in a workplace. It does not include vehicles driven on
public roads, except where the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded on a public road adjacent to a workplace.

• Inadequate segregation between plant, vehicles and pedestrians on work sites / in the workplace can put persons at risk of serious injury, if not death.
• Typical hazards include speeding vehicles, blind corners, entry / exit points to buildings, poor lighting, poorly maintained / damaged or faulty vehicles, unstable /

insecure loads or loads obstructing drivers vision, working at height (e.g. on flat bed trailers), adverse weather conditions, terrain (e.g. pot holes, ramps, inclines,
inexperienced / untrained drivers).

What HARM could they cause?

• Vehicles at work continue to be a major cause of fatal and major injuries. Every year, there are over 5,000 accidents involving transport in the workplace.
• In 2016/17 the main cause of fatal accidents to workers was being struck by a moving vehicle, accounting for 31 deaths, almost a quater of all fatalities.
• These figures do not take into account road traffic accidents involving persons at work, which are estimated to result in an additional 600 fatalities a year.
• The main causes of injury are people falling off vehicles, or being struck or crushed by them.

What should we DO to stay safe?

• Safe Vehicle and Load:
- By law employers must ensure that work equipment, including vehicles, is fit for purpose and is maintained in good working order.
- Vehicles should be fitted with warning systems (e.g. horns, reversing alarms, lights and proximity sensors) and guards to prevent contact with dangerous parts.
- All loads should be anchored securely and stably, so as not to obscure drivers’ vision.

• Safe Driver:
- All drivers should be fit and competent to operate vehicles, plant and attachments, and be aware of and adhere to all site rules e.g. speed limits.
- Establish clear procedures for accessing / exiting and climbing onto vehicles. Avoid the need to work at height on vehicles where possible.
- Ensure seat belts are worn where fitted, unless a documented risk assessment process determines that these are not required.
- Ensure drivers have clear vision over the work area and access routes, providing aids such as mirrors and CCTV cameras where necessary for e.g. blind corners.

• Safe Journey:
- Prepare and display a site traffic management plan. Minimise vehicle movements by limiting site access and controlling entry to work areas.
- Provide separate entrances / exits for pedestrians, together with designated walkways and crossings. Barriers may need to be installed to protect these.
- Keep pedestrian routes clear of obstacles / obstructions. Ensure visibility of pedestrians e.g. by wearing hi-vis clothing.
- Provide adequate signage, instructions and lighting in all areas where vehicles / plant operate and along pedestrian routes.
- Avoid the need for reversing where possible, by means of one-way systems and turning circles.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/index.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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Electrical Safety

What are the HAZARDS?

• Electricity can kill or cause severe injury, as well as extensive damage to property. Faulty electrical installations and appliances can lead to fire.
• Electrical injuries can be caused by a wide range of voltages, but the risk of injury is generally greater with higher voltages. The exact effect is also dependant

upon which parts of the body are involved, how damp the person is, and the length of time the current flows for.
• The severity of the shock is greater in a wet environment than in dry conditions and is much more likely to result in death or serious injury. The use of electrical

equipment such as steam / water pressure cleaners is a particular hazard.
• Those working in and around overhead power lines are at risk of inadvertent contact. Just getting too close to a live overhead line can result in flashover.
• Digging can result in damage to buried cables, which may result in electrical arcs and flames, causing severe burns to hands, face and body, even if protective

clothing is worn.
• Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury e.g. as a result of falls from ladders, scaffolds and other work problems.

What HARM could they cause?

In the latest reporting period, there have been 8 work-related fatalities resulting from contact with electricity. Contact with electricity may result in:
• Electric shock / electrocution: may stop the heart beating properly, prevent the person from breathing and cause muscle spasms.
• Electrical burns: tissue is heated along the length of the current flow. This can result in deep burns that often require major surgery and are permanently disabling.
• Loss of muscle control: painful muscle spasms that can be strong enough to break bones or dislocate joints and may result in falls and additional injuries.
• Thermal burns: contact with hot electrical equipment or from electrical explosion e.g. of shorted vehicle batteries.
• Fire / explosion: caused by faulty electrical apparatus or static electricity igniting flammable dusts or vapours e.g. in a spray booth.

What should we DO to stay safe?

• Only allow work on electrical systems to be undertaken by suitably qualified electrical engineers (NAPIT / NICEIC / IET registered). Introduce an electrical ‘permit to
work’ system and lock-out / tag-out system to ensure that the power is off and stays off.

• Plan and manage work near electric overhead power lines so that risks from accidental contact or close proximity to the lines are adequately controlled.
• Always assume that cables will be present when digging. Locate, identify and clearly mark underground cables and implement a ‘permit to dig’ system.
• PAT test all electrical appliances as appropriate to frequency and environment of use. In general, equipment used in harsh environments such as building sites

and outdoors will need more regular testing than equipment used in an office environment.
• Visually inspect electrical equipment, including cables, plugs / sockets and RCDs, prior to use to check for signs of obvious damage / defects. Provide suitable

protection for trailing cables. Do not overload plug sockets or piggy-back extension cables. Switch off and unplug appliances before cleaning or adjusting them.
• Ensure any electrical equipment brought to work by employees, or any hired or borrowed items, are subject to visual checks and PAT test.
• Use a residual current device (RCD) between the electrical supply and equipment, especially when working outdoors or in a wet environment.

See our YouTube channel for the accompanying video* Further useful information on this subject: Download the accompanying poster for this
www.youtube.com/c/ssguktrainingconsultancy topic to display in your workplace:
www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/nearelectric.htm
* = Video released at the start of the month. http://www.ssg.co.uk/news_adv/?cat_id=6&search=

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