Health and Safety in Childcare

Health and Safety in Childcare is a fundamental duty of every person involved in a preschool service. All adults caring for children have a responsibility to keep them safe. In addition, employers are responsible under Health and Safety legislation for providing safe systems and place of work to their staff.

 

Occupational Health and Safety in Childcare

The childcare service’s responsibility is to provide a safe working environment and work practices for its staff. This is a requirement under the primary piece of legislation impacting childcare services; the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.

Providing a safe and healthy environment that promotes the wellbeing of all involves a co-operative approach. This approach involves the management, staff, parents, children and visitors. It means involving parents by informing them of policies and encouraging their participation. For staff it can involve, among other things, information, training and consultation. For example, it can include health and safety as a regular item for discussion at team meetings.

To help your employees adopt safe working practices, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Workplace Safety course.

 

Fire Safety in Childcare

Managers of childcare services have a duty to implement an effective fire safety management policy. This policy should minimise the risk of fire occurring. If a fire or other emergency does occur, ensure rapid and safe evacuation. For example, ensure that children and staff on the premises are evacuated safely and without delay. In addition, a member of staff should be assigned responsibility for the implementation and overseeing of the fire safety programme.

The Child and Family Agency (Tusla) has prepared A Guide to Building Safety – Fire and Planning Requirements. The purpose of this document is to help early year’s services ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place.

In addition, to help your employees manage fire safety issues, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Fire Safety Awareness course.

 

Health and Safety in Childcare – Internal and External Environments

An internal and external environment in a childcare service must cater for child’s need to explore their world. In addition, it must provide a safe environment in which to do so. The flow of children and adults in the building should be considered. Access issues can impact on the service in terms of disruption. In addition, it may lead to health and safety incidents and accidents.

To help your employees maintain a safe internal and external environment, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Slips, Trips and Falls course.

 

Hygiene and Infection Prevention Control

Hygiene is essential in maintaining a safe and healthy childcare service. For example, daily cleaning routines and proper hand washing procedures. In addition, promotion of oral health and policies to deal with infection and exclusion are crucial.

Good hygiene practices and effective hand washing are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection among children. In childcare services, infections can be spread due to the presence of large numbers of people in close proximity over a number of hours. Germs thrive in warm, moist environments that are poorly ventilated. Germs do not survive well in dry, clean conditions. Childcare management and staff should be familiar with common infections. Furthermore, they should be aware of how to prevent the spread of infection.

To help your employees implement infection prevention control measures, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Infection Prevention and Control course.

 

Food Safety and Safe Food Handling

In common with other food operations, pre-schools are subject to the provisions of a number of pieces of food safety legislation. These set down the obligations on the owners of food businesses to ensure that the business is operated in a hygienic way.

The rules of hygiene cover a number of requirements. For example, rooms where food is prepared, foodstuffs, transportation, equipment, food waste, water supply, personal hygiene and training. Owners are also obliged to identify steps in the activities of the business that are critical to ensuring food safety. In addition, they must ensure that adequate safety procedures are identified, implemented and reviewed.

To help your employees ensure safe food handling, the eLearn Safety has developed a number of fully online Food Safety and HACCP courses.

 

Child Protection

Child protection should promote the overall welfare and development of the child. This in turn will contribute to the growth of their self-esteem and personal autonomy. Consequently, this is achieved by creating a safe and sound environment. Furthermore, a safe environment is where trust, respect, equity and, in particular, a real willingness to listen to children is established. Undeniably, a focus on what is in the interests of the child must be the guiding principle.

To summarise, it is the shared responsibility of the manager and the staff members to ensure that children are kept safe.

Tusla has worked with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the HSE to develop a universal e-learning programme. This programme is called Introduction to Children First. The programme has been written to support people of all backgrounds and experience. To this end, the course will help them recognise concerns about children and report such concerns if they arise.

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established eLearn Safety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

eLearn Safety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

Fire Extinguishers and How to Use Them

This article will look into fire extinguishers and how to use them. A fire extinguisher is a portable device that discharges a jet of water, foam, gas, or other material to extinguish a fire. Usually, fire extinguishers are red with a coloured label to indicate its type. In addition, they must be accompanied by a sign giving details of its type and use. This sign must be placed by the extinguisher.

Extinguishing Fires

To extinguish a fire, one or more of the elements in the fire triangle has to be removed or reduced to a level where it will no longer support combustion. Furthermore, most extinguishers work by smothering or cooling the fire (or a combination of both methods). Employers and those responsible for premises must provide appropriate firefighting equipment for the risk and make sure sufficient people are trained in its use.

 

Fire Extinguisher Checks

A trained fire extinguisher engineer should inspect and service all extinguishers annually. Extinguishers should be suitable for the risks assessed and highlighted in the Fire Safety Risk Assessment. In addition, it is also important that extinguishers are checked regularly throughout the year to make sure:

• The pressure gauge needle is in the correct position (in the green zone).
• There are no signs of tampering and the safety pin is in place.
• It has been serviced within the last 12 months (a test label should be visible)
• There are no signs of rust, corrosion or leaks.
• It is sited correctly in an easily accessible position, ready to be picked up and with a sign indicating its type placed next to it.

 

Commonly Used Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are red with a coloured label to indicate its type. A sign giving details of its type and use must be placed by the extinguisher.

 

Water Extinguishers [RED LABEL]

Only suitable for use on solid materials such as wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal etc.

 

Foam Extinguishers [CREAM LABEL]

Can be used on flammable liquids and the same type of fires that water extinguishers can be used on. Particularly suitable for petrol and diesel fires. Do not use on cooking oil, fat pan fires or flammable metal fires. Do not use on electrical equipment (unless stated otherwise).

 

CO2 (carbon dioxide) Extinguishers [BLACK LABEL]

Suitable for fires involving electrical equipment (even when live). Can also be used on flammable liquids, e.g. paint, petrol etc.

Note:

• Do not use on cooking oil, fat pan fires or flammable metal fires.
• Should not be used in confined spaces.
• The fire may re-ignite as it does not cool very well.
• The discharge horn and hose may freeze and could cause cold burns if in direct contact with the skin.

 

Dry Powder Extinguisher [BLUE LABEL]

Can be used on most types of fire, including fires on electrical equipment (but it could damage the equipment).

Note:

• Do not use on cooking oil, fat pan fires or flammable metal fires.
• Not suitable for confined places (can affect visibility and people with breathing problems).

 

Wet Chemical Extinguishers [YELLOW LABEL]

The only extinguisher that can be used on cooking oils and fats (e.g. lard, butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc.)

Note:

• Should not be used on petrol, spirits or mineral oils. Check manufacturer’s instructions for other uses.

 

Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are made of a fire retardant material and are used to smother small fires. Generally, they are most commonly found in kitchens. In order to extinguish the fire, where it is safe and quick to do so, you should turn off the heat (e.g. the gas or electric supply to a cooker). However, if the fire is bigger than the blanket, you should not attempt to smother it.

Using a fire blanket:

• Pull it out from the case.
• Hold it in front of you, gripping it near the top corners.
• Protect your hands by making sure the blanket covers them.
• Place the blanket over the fire.
• Leave the fire covered for 30 minutes to prevent re-ignition (hot liquids and oils are particularly likely to re-ignite if oxygen becomes available again) Some fire blankets are designed for single use, so the manufacturer’s instructions should be checked following a fire.

 

Using a Fire Extinguisher

You should only ever attempt to fight a fire if it is safe to do so! You should only fight a fire if:

• Someone has already raised the alarm.
• The emergency services have been called.
• The correct type of extinguisher is available.
• You are competent and have been trained to use the extinguisher.
• A safe escape route is available.
• The fire is smaller than a waste paper bin.

Do not fight a fire if:

• The room is filling with smoke or the fire is spreading.
• Other hazards are present (such as chemicals or gas cylinders).
• The fire is not reducing or more than one extinguisher is required.

 

Whilst different extinguishers should have their instructions for use on the cylinder, the general advice for operating a fire extinguisher can be remembered as PASS:

• P – Pull Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
• A – Aim Aim low, pointing the extinguisher (nozzle, horn or hose) at the base of the flames.
• S – Squeeze Squeeze the handle until the extinguisher discharges.
• S – Sweep Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire reignites, repeat steps 2 to 4.

 

REMEMBER

Do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been trained to do so.

 

Training Requirements

The eLearn Safety fully online Fire Safety Awareness course is designed to help employers meet their legal requirement to provide information and training to staff regarding specific hazards. Without doubt, fire safety is an essential part of any safety management system. This course, along with regular fire drills, will help ensure regulatory compliance.

 

Further Reading

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) provides a wealth of useful information about fire safety on their website pages. Fire safety awareness training should form part of a good fire safety management system. However, training alone should not substitute for active monitoring and involvement from management. Regular drills should be carried out to ensure regulatory compliance.

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established eLearn Safety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

eLearn Safety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

Fire Safety Awareness

Fire safety awareness is important since fire in the workplace can have massive effects on both businesses and individuals. A serious fire can often result in a company closing down for good. Unfortunately, the cost to individual workers can be far greater. Indeed, they can lose their life.

 

The Cost of lack of Fire Safety Awareness

It is often found during fire investigations that human behaviors have played a significant part in injury or loss of life. Without regular training, fire drills and raising awareness about fire, individuals usually underestimate the danger the fire can cause. For example, workers usually underestimate how quickly fire and smoke can spread and the time it takes to get out of a building. In addition, and quite surprisingly some workers don’t know their evacuation route and/or assembly point. Some research has suggested that when a fire alarm sounds, a significant number of employees choose to ignore the alarm and wait until someone else reacts. This is because they do not want to be in the ‘spotlight’ and first to react.

 

The Legislation

Under legislation, employers and persons in control of work areas have a legal obligation to manage fire safety in accordance with the law. However, responsibility for managing the risk of fire rests on everybody in the organisation, not just employers but employees as well.

There are number of legislative documents that cover Fire Safety in Ireland:

• Fire Services Act 1981-2003
• Building Control Act 2007
• Building Control Regulations 1997-2009
• Building Regulations 1997-2010
• Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
• Common Law

 

Fire Development

To understand how a fire develops, the following “Fire Triangle” shows the three necessary ingredients that are required for a fire. These elements are oxygen, heat and fuel. In summary, for a fire to start and grow all three elements of the fire triangle are required to be present. A key strategy to prevent a fire from starting or growing or to extinguish any fire is to remove one or more of these elements.

 

Basic Fire Control Measures

Some basic control measures include establishing emergency exit routes and implementing fire detection and fire fighting equipment. All equipment must be supplied by a reputable supplier, and must be safe to use according to Irish and EU product safety laws. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as Radio Kerry reports: ‘Gardaí in Skibbereen are investigating multiple reports of allegedly inappropriate or insufficient fire safety equipment being sold in rural areas of South Kerry and West Cork. Accounts suggest business people, farmers and individuals in the area are being targeted.’

It is important to note that all exit routes must be clear of obstructions at all times! In addition, an emergency fire and evacuation procedure must be continuously reviewed and updated as required. Likewise, emergency evacuation drills must be regularly reviewed and practised. Finally, records of routine fire inspections, maintenance and testing of fire fighting equipment and fire safety training must be maintained.

 

Training Needs

Training and instruction in fire safety and evacuation procedures must be provided to all employees. To help with raising fire safety awareness, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Fire Safety Awareness course. The course is designed to help employers meet their legal requirement to provide information and training to staff regarding specific hazards. Fire safety is an essential part of any safety management system. This course, along with regular fire drills, will help ensure regulatory compliance.

In addition, the HSA has published a range of useful information about fire safety. This information can be accessed via their web page titled Fire. In addition, Dublin City Council has published a range of fire control strategies. These strategies can be accessed via their webpage Fire Safety at Work.

Some additional reading is available in our blog entries about fire safety and fire safety awareness titled Fire Safety and Why is it Important (20th January 2023) and Fire Extinguishers (19th May 2023).

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established eLearn Safety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

eLearn Safety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

Pressure and Gas at Work

Pressure and gas at work from a mains supply can be very dangerous. Gas from mains is an explosive hazard if not used correctly. In addition, poorly maintained systems can cause death from carbon monoxide poisoning. It is important to make sure anyone employed to work on gas appliances is a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). According to Gas Networks Ireland:

“A Registered Gas Installer is an installer or service engineer who has completed the required gas installation safety training, who has the necessary insurance to carry out gas installations to the legal standard and who is registered with the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland.”

You should never use an unregistered gas installer to carry out work on your gas appliances, such as gas boilers, no matter how seemingly convenient or tempting it may be. Not even if this unregistered engineer is Daniel O’Donnell.

Even if it’s Daniel – Registered Gas Installers 30 second TVC. Run time 30s.

 

Pressure Systems

A pressure vessel is a container that holds a liquid or gas under pressure. A pressure system is one or more such vessels including associated pipework. Examples of pressure systems include compressed air systems, boilers, steam heating systems and autoclaves. If a pressure system fails during operation it can kill or injure people in the area. In addition, a significant damage to the property can happen due to impact from the blast, debris from the explosion and fire from escaping flammable gases or liquids.

 

Gas Cylinders

Gas cylinders can cause the same injuries as pressure vessels should the cylinder fail or be damaged. In addition, they can cause manual handling injuries from lifting and carrying heavy cylinders and crush injuries should cylinders fail.

Basic handling precautions include:

• Securing cylinders upright so they do not fall.
• Keeping cylinders away from fire.
• Making sure cylinders are not dropped or banged.
• Moving larger cylinders with a special hand truck rather than dragging or rolling them.
• Always checking the identity of the gas before using it.

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) has a useful information page about gas titled Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Storage.

General Pressure and Gas at Work Controls

General controls when pressure and gas at work are in question include:

• Regular maintenance and correct repair from a competent person.
• Safe systems of work.
• Training and supervision.

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established Myelearsafety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

Myelearnsafety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

Fire Extinguishers

You should  only ever attempt to fight a fire with the Fire Extinguisher if it is safe to do so. The purpose of Fire Extinguishers is not to save the property. Their purpose is to assist people escape the fire and save lives. Never use Fire Extinguishers if not trained to do so.

The workplace must be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishers. The type, number and exact location of the Fire Extinguishers will depend on the Fire Risk Assessment and the risk of fire and type of fire that might develop. Fire Extinguishers are one of the most common types of fire fighting equipment. They are, however, not the only fire fighting equipment. Other examples of firefighting equipment are fire blankets, fire hose reels, sprinkler systems, etc.

Firefighting equipment must be in place for employees to use, without exposing themselves to danger, to extinguish a fire in its early stages. All firefighting equipment provided and put in place must be suitable for the risks and all staff must be trained in its proper use.

Fire safety is extremely important. Fire poses a serious threat to the safety of employees and members of the public. The Health and Safety Authority will issue notices to any business that falls short of the requirements. Employers should make every effort to abide by the law. They must assess risks and provide access to training which informs on the importance of fire safety. You can read more about the importance of fire safety in our article Fire Safety and Why is it Important.

 

Extinguishing Fires

To extinguish a fire, one or more of the elements in the fire triangle has to be removed or reduced to a level where it will no longer support combustion. Most Fire Extinguishers work by smothering or cooling the fire (or a combination of both methods). Employers and those responsible for premises must provide appropriate firefighting equipment. In addition, they must make sure sufficient people are trained in its use. To learn more about fire safety, please check out our Fire Safety Awareness fully online course.

All Fire Extinguishers must have instructions for use attached on the cylinder. The general advice, however, for operating a Fire Extinguisher can be remembered using the acronym PASS.

In short, the acronym stands for:

• Pull – Pull the pin.
• Aim – Aim low, pointing the extinguisher (nozzle, horn or hose) at the base of the flames.
• Squeeze – Squeeze the handle until the extinguisher discharges.
• Sweep – Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire reignites, repeat steps 2 to 4.

Remember – the fire extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. The majority of portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds.

 

Classes of Fire

How a fire should be extinguished depends on what type of material is burning. Therefore it is important to know the different types of fire so they can be extinguished safely. The types of fire are split into six different classes:

• Class A – Fires involving wood, paper and textiles.
• Class B – Fires involving flammable liquids, petrol, oil, alcohol, and organic solvents.
• Class C – Fires involving flammable gases, methane, propane, hydrogen, acetylene, butane.
• Class D – Fires involving metals.
• Electrical – Fires involving electrical equipment.
• Class F – Fires involving cooking oils such as deep fat fryers.

 

Commonly Used Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are almost always red with a coloured label to indicate its type. Some fire extinguishers are silver in colour. All fire extinguishers must have a sign giving details of its type and use.

Types of Fire Extinguishers:

• RED LABEL – Water Extinguishers. Only suitable for use on solid materials such as wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal, etc. Some water extinguishers contain additives to make them more effective. They should NEVER be used on electrical equipment, cooking oil or fat pan fires and flammable metal fires.
• CREAM LABEL – Foam Extinguishers. They can be used on flammable liquids and the same type of fires that water extinguishers can be used on. They are particularly suitable for petrol and diesel fires. They should never, however, be used on cooking oil, fat pan fires or flammable metal fires and electrical equipment.
• BLACK LABEL – CO2 (carbon dioxide) Extinguishers. CO2 Extinguishers are suitable for fires involving electrical equipment. They can be also used on flammable liquids, e.g., paint, petrol, etc. They should never be used on cooking oil, fat pan fires or flammable metal fires and confined spaces.
• BLUE LABEL – Dry Powder Extinguisher. They can be used on most types of fire, including fires on electrical equipment. They should not be used on cooking oil, fat pan fires and flammable metal fires.
• YELLOW LABEL – Wet Chemical Extinguishers. The Wet Chemical Extinguisher is the only extinguisher that can be used on cooking oils and fats. They should never be used on petrol, spirits or mineral oils.
• Fire Blankets – Fire blankets are made of a fire retardant material and are used to smother small fires. They are most commonly found in kitchens. They are used by placing the blanket over the fire. Whilst placing the blanket on the fire, the hands should be protected by making sure the blanket covers them. Once the blanket covers the fire, it should remain in place for at least 30 minutes.

 

Using a Fire Extinguisher

You should  only ever attempt to fight a fire with the Fire Extinguisher if it is safe to do so.

• You should only fight a fire if:
• Someone has raised the alarm.
• The emergency services have been called.
• The correct type of extinguisher is available.
• You are competent and have been trained to use the extinguisher.
• A safe escape route is available.
• The fire is smaller than a waste paper bin.

Never fight a fire if:

• The room is filling with smoke or the fire is spreading.
• Other hazards are present (such as chemicals or gas cylinders).
• The fire is not reducing or more than one extinguisher is required.

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established Myelearsafety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

Myelearnsafety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

 

Workplace Accidents and Their Prevention

Workplace accidents and their prevention are key priorities of anyone at work – employers and employees alike. Prevention of workplace accidents helps organisations prevent injuries and ill-health at work, damage to property, lost of productivity. In addition, workplace accident may cause significant legal issues. whilst accidents are usually regarded as unplanned and uncontrolled events, this is often not the case,. The truth is that many accidents can be avoided. An accident is an incident that may cause:

• Major or serious personal injuries or damage to the workplace.
• Minor damage or injuries.
• A near miss.
• Death.

 

Main Factors That Cause Accidents in the Workplace

Each workplace has certain hazards associated with its operation. Being aware of these hazards and the control of associated risks is essential for accident prevention. You can find out about workplace hazards in our Workplace Hazards blog entry form 24 February 2023.

There are three factors that can cause problems in the workplace:

• Occupational – injury or illness directly connected to work related tasks such as lifting and carrying or using tools and equipment.
• Environmental – conditions in the workplace such s heating, ventilation, lighting and space that can affect the safety of workers.
• Human – lack of training, inexperience, complacency, disregard for safety rules, haste, distraction and tiredness are examples of human factors that can contribute to accidents, Unfortunately many human hazards are very difficult to control. This is why relevant training and prevention is extremely important. For training courses to that might help with Human Hazard prevention, please check our online training school eLearn Safety.

 

Investigation of Workplace Accidents and Their Prevention process

It is vital that all managing staff creates a positive attitude to health and safety matters and to make sure all members of the team take health and safety seriously. Everyone in the workplace must follow safe working procedures and must report safety issues and defects.

Employers need to be made aware of occurrences so they can be prevented from happening again. All accidents, including near misses and all incidents and ill-health must be reported. This is so these events could be investigated and corrective action  taken. This is however not to ‘punish’ anyone involved, but to prevent the accident happening again and to learn from it. Employees have a legal duty to report occurrences to their employer.

Accidents and incidents can be reported in the form of of an Accident Book, which should contain, for example, the following information:

• Date and Time of Injury.
• Name of the Injured Person.
• A description of the accident and Nature of the Injury.
• What Action was Taken and by Whom.
• Final Outcome (e.g., employee sent home, hospitalised, etc.).
• Person reporting an Injury (if it is not the injured person).

 

Accident and Dangerous Occurrence Reporting

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2016 all employers and self-employed persons are legally obliged to report the injury of an employee as a result of an accident while at work. Injuries must be reported if an employee is unable to carry out their normal work for more than three consecutive days, excluding the day of the accident.

 

How to Report an Injury

The injury at the workplace can be reported:

• HSA Online Reporting Platform
• By filling Schedule 7 Notifiable Incident Form and sending it by An Post.

 

Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (2020–2021)

The number of fatal incidents for 2020 was reported as 54. There were 38 work-related fatal incidents in 2021.

In 2021, 8,279 non-fatal injuries were reported to the Authority, an increase of 8% from the 7,652 reported in 2020. This may be due in part to revived economic activity in 2021 following the partial relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Of the 8,279 non-fatal injuries reported in 2021, 97% related to workers. The highest number was reported in the NACE economic sector of Human Health and Social Work Activities, which accounted for over 22% of all incidents. For non-worker incidents, the highest number was reported in Wholesale and Retail Trade (118) representing 46% of all non-worker injuries.

Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (2020–2021) – Full Report.

 

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established Myelearsafety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

Myelearnsafety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment, or short PPE, is according to the Hierarchy of Risk Controls the last control method used to control risk. According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA):

“Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) means any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards. Respiratory Protective Equipment Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a particular type of Personal Protective Equipment, used to protect the individual wearer against inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace air.”

In other words, PPE includes any equipment or clothing intended to be held or worn by people at work to offer protection against identified problems.

Where more than one item of PPE is required to be used simultaneously, e.g. hearing defenders and safety helmet, the items must be compatible and must not interfere with the level of protection offered by the individual items. Many manufacturers offer integrated systems which might be used provided they abide to certain rules.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE ) must be provided free of charge by employers – employers cannot pass on to employees any financial costs associated with duties relating to safety, health and welfare at work. 

 

Personal Protective (PPE) Rules

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 , Part 2 Chapter 3 covers Use of Personal Protective Equipment at work. Broadly speaking all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must:

• Be suitable to protect against the risk and fir properly.
• Give adequate protection.
• Be compatible with other equipment worn.
• Carry a CE mark.
• Be cleaned and maintained regularly and be replaced if worn or broken. This includes changing filters, eye shields, etc. as necessary.
• Be thoroughly cleaned or washed, before removal if contaminated to avoid accidental contact by user.
• Be correctly stored in a well ventilated and clean area.
• Be worn (employers may take disciplinary action against employees who do not wear required PPE).

Personal protective Equipment (PPE) must meet certain EU requirements and standards which confirm it meets specified safety and various test criteria. Generally PPE that carries CE mark will meet these criteria.

European Union (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations 2018 provide that PPE may not be placed on the market or brought into service unless it complies with basic health and safety requirements. It is deemed to be in conformity with the Regulations if it bears the CE mark”.

It should always be remembered that PPE does not change the hazard in any way. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) offers protection for the wearer only.

 

Types of Personal protective Equipment (PPE)

When a Risk Assessment indicates that PPE should be used, it is important to choose the right type to protect different parts of the body.

Some of the types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are:

• Helmets – protects head. Usually used in construction, mining and other groundwork or work where there are risks of falling objects.
• Visors and face shields – protects face. Usually used by welding and foundry workers (molten metal splashes).
• Goggles and glasses – protects eyes. Usually used for welding work with lasers, woodwork, or all these activities where there is a risk of flying fragments or chemical splashes.
• Plugs, muffs and helmets – protects ears. Usually used for work in noisy environments, e.g. heavy duty drilling and/or hammering and noisy machine rooms.
• Gloves (rubber, chain mail) – protects hands. Used for work involving the handling of hazardous substances, chainsaws, knives saws, hot/cold items, rough wood, etc.
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) – used to protect respiratory system. Work in unhealthy atmospheres and/or involving exposure to hazardous substances and work producing substantial quantities of dust. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) not worn or selected appropriately is totally ineffective. In addition, it may give the user a false sense of protection. For further guidance or RPE see Health and Safety Authority – Respiratory Protective Equipment.
• Clothing (high visibility/thermal, cut resistant, safety harness, etc.) – protects the body. Usually used for work involving risks of splashing or other contamination. It is also used for work with chainsaws (arms and legs) or ionising radiation, etc. It is also used for work where there is a risk of falling.
• Safety boots and gaiters (toe protectors, insulating footwear) – usually used for work where there is a risk of splashing or of falling objects. In addition, it is used for work with live electricity.

Personal protective Equipment (PPE) should only be used if the hazard cannot be controlled any other way.

 

Training in Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All employees required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided with suitable information, instruction and training (including training in the use, care or maintenance of PPE) to enable them to make proper and effective use of any PPE provided for their protection.

 

Further Guidance on the Requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations

For additional guidance on the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations, please refer to the relevant Personal Protective Equipment Guidance to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

 

For online Health and Safety training solutions, please check our Online Health and Safety Training portal!

Myelearnsafety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

 

Fire Safety and Why is it Important

Research suggests that most fires are preventable and unsafe human behaviour is most often the cause of these fires. This is why employees should be encouraged to take responsibility and adopt practices which help prevent fire in the workplace. Fire safety is also enforced and employers are required to prepare plans and procedures to protect against the associated risks. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is proactive in monitoring how employers manage these risks and what they do to protect the health and safety of the public.

In this article, we provide some general information about fire safety and the practices which help protect against the potential damage caused by fire.

 

What is Fire Safety?

Fire safety is a set of measures which reduce the potential damage caused by fire. There are four common fire safety principles which are recognised around the world:

• Prevention: Avoid Risks and reduce potential fire hazards in the workplace.
• Protection: Identifying fire and notifying occupants/authorities.
• Containment: Limiting damage and spread of fire as much as possible.
• Extinguishment: Putting out the fire and protecting area.

 

However, there are three key actions which employees should know about that need to be taken in the event of a fire:

• Step 1 – Raise the alarm.
• Step 2 – Evacuate the building/area.
• Step 3 – Go to the assembly point.

 

Let’s take a look at the key elements which enable a fire to start and spread.

 

The 3 Key Elements which Enable Fires Start and Spread

Heat, fuel and oxygen complete the fire prevention triangle which explains how fires can start and spread. Fire needs all three of these elements to thrive and this is why removing one of these three can prevent a fire. This is also why a risk assessment needs to report on three different elements and consider how these elements might contribute to potential fire hazards in the workplace.

 

Heat

Heat is often generated through machines, systems and processes. Cooking is an obvious example in which heat is near constant and needs to be kept away from fuel. Let’s look at some examples of how employers can manage heat:

• No smoking signs in certain locations.
• Ensure kitchen and cookers etc. are never left unattended.
• Make sure work equipment is protected against catching fire.
• Service equipment on a regular basis.
• Clean ventilation points to ensure they are not blocked.

 

Oxygen

Oxygen is often used in manufacturing and creative processes. For example, oxygen gas is used for food packaging and food preservation. It is also used in flame cutting and welding and within decompression chambers as part of medical treatment. Pure oxygen can react fiercely with materials including rubber and textiles and then also the likes of grease and oil. In short, the presence of this oxygen makes it easier for a fire to start and grow and spread.

• Employees should always open oxygen valves slowly.
• No smoking signs where oxygen gas is being used.
• Oxygen equipment not to be used above pressure levels noted on equipment.
• Oxygen not to be used in confined spaces.

 

Fuel

Some workplaces will have more flammable materials than others and these environments can present a much greater fire hazard. Fuel essentially contains flammable material which burns naturally in a standard atmosphere. These flammable materials need to be clearly labelled. In addition, great care should be taken when handling or moving these flammable materials.

• Conduct fire safety assessment in areas with flammable materials.
• Ensure no timber features or lining in walls, staircases, ceiling etc.
• Use Health & Safety Acts as a guide for explosive atmospheres.
• Avoid noticeboards with paper or flammable material in common areas.

 

Establishing Fire Safety Principles in the Workplace

The Health and Safety Authority in Ireland enforces an act which holds employers responsible for educating staff about these principles. Employees must therefore know these practices and be able to put them into practice in the event of a fire. There is also a requirement for employers to appoint a competent person to this role who properly understands the risks, practices and tasks that relate to fire safety.

“Competent” implies this person must be able to demonstrate their knowledge and ability but this appointment does not mean the responsibility of fire safety is out of the hands of the employer. Employers must do everything reasonably possible to ensure their staff are not exposed to the risks associated with fire safety. For instance, employers must also ensure there is safe access, emergency exits and no unsafe substances or articles in the environment.

In case you might be asking yourself, action is taken whenever deemed necessary and government statistics show the number of fire safety notices issued by the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland. Safety notices can be costly for employers but they also point to a moral concern which suggests the business is simply not doing enough to protect the safety of employees and members of the public.

 

Employers Responsibility for Fire Safety in the Workplace

According to the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland, employers must not only train and educate employees about fire safety but also carry out regular risk assessments to ensure these measures are understood. This involves checking that all staff have sufficient knowledge, training and supervision to protect against the dangers of fire and then record the findings from this assessment in a Safety Statement. Employers are therefore required to provide relevant fire safety courses for their employees and produce certificates of completion in the event of an inspection by the authorities.

 

Final Thoughts

Fire safety is extremely important and an area which employers cannot ignore for both moral and legal reasons. Fire poses a serious threat to the safety of employees and members of the public and the Health and Safety Authority will issue notices to any business that falls short of the requirements. Employers should make every effort to abide by the law and assess risks and provide access to training which informs on the importance of fire safety.

 

Please Note – The Fire Services Act 1981-2003 specifies that it shall be the duty of every persons having control of premises (i.e. owner or occupier) to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such an outbreak has occurred or not.

Myelearnsafety offers fully online Fire Safety Awareness courses. The eLearn fire safety awareness course is designed to help employers meet their legal requirement to provide information and training to staff regarding specific hazards. Fire safety is an essential part of any safety management system. The course, along with regular fire drills, will help ensure regulatory compliance.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie