Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace. Injuries stemming from slips, trips and falls can cause anything from minor bruising to fractures and serious injuries resulting in time off work.

 

Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls

Most common causes of slips, trips and falls are:

• Wet floors.
• Floors of floor coverings in poor conditions.
• Damaged stair treads or loose stair carpets.
• Inappropriate footwear.
• Carrying items that obstruct the person’s view.
• Trailing electrical cables.
• Blocked route ways.
• Poor lighting.

However, it should be mentioned that the majority of all slips, trips and falls accidents are caused by poor housekeeping. Many of these housekeeping problems can be easily solved. For example, ensuring all walkways are kept clear at all times and suitable for purpose. All work areas should be regularly inspected by supervisors.

 

Some of the Controls for Slips, Trips and Falls

Undoubtedly, the best way to deal with any hazards is prevention. For example, to prevent slips, trips and falls we can implement some of control measures:

• Good housekeeping.
• Safe systems of work and effective supervision.
• Good maintenance and repair.
• Using non-slip flooring and footwear.
• Providing suitable located sockets to avoid trailing cables.
• Using safety signage. For example, wet floor signs.

In short, the above control measures may prevent, or at least reduce injuries caused by slips and falls. Equally important is to include slips, trips and falls in the workplace risk assessment. This is not only a legal requirement but also common sense. Assessing slips, trips and falls hazards will help to systematically approach risk mitigation and monitoring. Without doubt, this will reduce the risk to the minimum.

 

Training Requirements

Slips and trips account for a significant amount of workplace injuries. As a result, the most common injuries of slips and trips are injuries involving arm, wrist and ankle fractures. However, they can result in more serious injuries or fatalities. For example, falls specifically are a major cause of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Slips, trips and falls can affect you regardless of the industry you work in or whether you work indoors or outdoors.

To help with raising awareness about Slips, Trips and Falls, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Slips, Trips and Falls course. This course is ideal for every employee in any workplace that’s subject to Health and Safety Legislation. Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. It provides all employees who participate in this course essential information on how to identify and prevent these hazards. For this reason, eLearn Safety has a limited offer on Slips, Trips and Falls course. The usual price for this course is €25 but using SLTRFLOCT1825 discount code at the check-out will allow a €10 price reduction. The price you pay is €15! This offer is available until 25th October 2024.

 

Further Reading

The HSA has published a range of useful information about Slips, Trips and Falls. This information can be accessed via their web page title Slips, Trips and Falls.

In addition, the Health and Safety Executive (UK) has published a number of useful information about slips and trips. This information can be accessed via their webpage Slips and trips.

 

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

 

Cyberbullying Awareness

Raising Cyberbullying Awareness is an important factor in preventing cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies.

 

What is Cyberbullying

The HSE defines cyberbullying as ‘[…] a form of bullying. It happens on social media, online forums, text and email.’

Cyberbullying usually involves offensive emails or text messages. These usually contain jokes or inappropriate wording towards a specific individual race, gender, nationality, or sexual preference. The words have a direct effect on the bullying target. Another example is an intended personal email response forwarded without permission for the whole office to see. However, most common examples of cyberbullying nowadays are:

• Abusive messages or slagging on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram.
• Offensive comments on videos or posts.
• Spreading rumours online.
• Hacking into your online accounts.
• Posting offensive or intimate images.

 

Raising Cyberbullying Awareness

By raising cyberbullying awareness we can learn to avoid cyberbullying.

For example, some precautionary steps are straightforward, such as never giving out your passwords to anyone, or picking your social friends carefully. Other steps get easily ignored or overlooked since unintentionally we can also be a source of cyberbullying. Always be polite to other people. Think about your words, what you are saying and whether it might be hurtful or embarrassing to other people and their loved ones. For example, think about some of the accidents recorded by someone on their phone and then shared online. It might be a ‘light accident’ such as someone tripping and falling, which might raise a few ‘innocent’ laughs. It might not be so amusing to the person who fell. In addition, think about some recent road fatalities which were recorded and shared online. In most cases, this is how the victim’s family found out about these accidents.

The internet does not forget, and it is often that these harmful comments, if made, will be available online for a long time, if not forever. Even if they are deleted, online posts can be screenshot and kept in circulation for a very long time.

Lastly, it is good practice, in personal and professional communication to not send any messages when you are chafed. With this in mind, wait until you have calmed down and had time to think.

With this in mind, eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Cyber Bullying Awareness course. This cyberbullying awareness course, developed in partnership with CyberSafeIreland, is suitable for any parent or adult who would like to know more about this area, and particularly does wondering what is the right thing to do if someone they know is either experiencing cyberbullying, or is the one cyberbullying.

 

What to do if You are Cyberbullied

Without a doubt, it is beneficial to raise cyberbullying awareness. However, we still might become a victim (or unintentional source) of cyberbullying. There are a number of things that you can do to deal with cyberbullying. Such as with any bullying, do not rise to take the bait. The bully will want to know that they’ve got you worried and upset. If you never reply, they will probably get bored and leave you alone. In addition, you can block people from phoning or sending texts. You can and should also report them. By reporting a cyberbully you could prevent a cyberbully from bullying other people. If the messages are extremely offensive and intend to cause harm, tell the Gardaí. It’s against the law to threaten people and the Gardaí can put a stop to it. They are there to keep you safe.

 

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 Myelearnsafety 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

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Display Screen Equipment (DSE), also referred to as a Visual Display Unit (VDU), may cause a number of health problems. Display screens cause many instances of eye strain, wrist strain, back problems and headaches. When seeking solutions to address these issues, a common mistake is to look into display equipment and the technology associated with it. However, to adequately address the issue of health problems associated with the use of DSE, we must understand common work activities ergonomics and the ill-health conditions associated with inadequate ergonomic design.

 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) and the Relevant Legislation

The main legislation that addresses Display Screen Equipment (DSE) is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The main purpose of this legislation is to ensure and promote a preventive approach to occupational health and safety. However, a specific piece of legislation covers use of DSE specifically. The Safety, Health and Welfare at work (General Application) Regulations 2007 Chapter 5 of Part 2: Display Screen Equipment outlines the responsibilities of the employer with regard to the workstation of employees.

 

What the Term Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Covers (and What Does Not)

Schedule 4 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 sets the minimum requirements for all Display Screen Equipment (DSE) that should be in place for workstations. The Schedule covers a number of elements, such as:

• Display Screen Equipment.
• Keyboard.
• Work Desk and/or Work Surface.
• Work Chair.
• Environment (such as space requirement, lighting, radiation, heat and humidity, noise).
• Employee Computer Interface (software should be suitable for the task and easy to use).

The following are not covered by the regulation:

• Drivers’ cabs or control cabs for vehicles and machinery.
• Computer systems on board a means of transport.
• Computer systems mainly intended for public use.
• Portable display screen equipment not in prolonged use at workstation.
• Typewriters of traditional design, of the type known as “typewriter with window”.

 

Basic Health Hazards Associated with Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

The basic health hazards associated with the use of DSE are:

• Musculoskeletal Problems (e.g., tenosynovitis).
• Visual Problems (e.g., visual fatigue, eye strain, sore eyes, headaches, and in extreme cases skin rashes and nausea).
• Psychological Problems (stress-related problems, often caused by environmental factors such as noise, heat, humidity and poor lighting, and poor managerial practices such as poor staff training, poor workstation design, high-speed working and lack of breaks).

 

Addressing the Issue – Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

To address the staff knowledge gap issue when working with Display Screen Equipment (DSE), eLearn Safety developed a fully online VDU/DSE training course. On completion of this VDU training course, participants will be provided with the information necessary to ensure current legislation is complied, risk assessments are carried out and all employees are competent to adjust their work stations to provide a safe place to work in.

All employers and staff who use VDU workstations for any length of time should do this course to learn how to avoid the range of adverse effects on the arm, hand and shoulder (WRULD’s) and other parts of the body.

Another useful course is Workplace Safety – Level 1. This course is ideal for every employee in any workplace that’s subject to Health and Safety Legislation. Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. It provides all employees who participate on this course with information on how to identify hazards and carry out simple risk assessments.

For additional information about workplace ergonomics, please see eLearn Safety blog entry from 23rd June 2023 titled Ergonomics in the Workplace. In addition, Display Screen Equipment – (DSE/VDU) – Frequently Asked Questions by the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) provides useful information to tackle the issue of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) use.

 

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

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics is the study of working interactions between humans and machines/workstations and the factors that affect those interactions. Stemming from the Greek words ‘ergo’ & ‘nomus’ (workflow) it is in simple terms ‘fitting’ the job to the person as opposed to fitting the person to the job.

 

Origins of the Ergonomics

Ergonomic practitioners draw upon a number of different disciplines. Some of these are ‘biomechanics’ (the study of human movement and the associated laws) and ‘anthropometry’ (the study of human measurements). These disciplines assist ergonomic practitioners in identifying ergonomic risk factors.

 

Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace

Failure to apply the principles of ergonomics within the workplace i.e., a busy office environment or warehouse can result in chronic or acute musculoskeletal injuries. If left unchecked can result in functional limitations. Employees working in such environments are also susceptible to RSI ‘repetitive strain injuries’ and WRULD ‘work related upper limb disorders’.

When designing workstations ergonomic considerations are of significant importance. An ergonomic risk assessment can help to identify issues with existing workstations. However prior to conducting a risk assessment a task analysis should be conducted. A task analysis is conducted in order to get an appreciation of an employee’s daily routine. A task analysis will highlight current or potential issues for the employee, time spent at the work station, breaks, and shift work. All these should all be taken into consideration. In addition, biomechanics and anthropometrics will also play a part at this point.

 

Ergonomic Tools

Ergonomic practitioners can utilize a number of tools in order to assist them in rating the risks accordingly:

• Rapid employee body assessment (REBA) tool.
• Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) tool.
• Assessment of repetitive tasks (ART) tool.

In addition, eLearn  Safety offers a full online VDU/DSE course. This course is fully online and can be taken 24/7. On completion of this VDU training course, participants will be provided with the information necessary to ensure current legislation is complied, risk assessments are carried out and all employees are competent to adjust their work stations to provide a safe place to work in.

Furthermore, a task analysis will help to identify if an employer is compliant with current legislation under the SHWW Act 2005. An office employees’ display screen is in essence a visual display unit. Therefore an employer must adhere to the guidance document within the general application regulations pertaining to VDU’s and display screen equipment.

 

Ergonomics in the Workplace Recommendations

Where office workers should be afforded the option to conduct his/her work both in the seated and standing position, employers must ensure chairs and VDU’s have the ability to be adjusted to suit all employees and consider frequent breaks and job rotation where practicable. Employers should also promote good working practices. For example, encouraging staff to make recommendations based on their working environments. If working in a warehouse or on a manufacturing line, workers should use appropriate equipment. A proper equipment will aid them in their jobs. Some of the examples are foot stools, foot rests, anti-glare eye protection, etc.

Employers should always be cognizant of the fact that ‘one shoe does not fit all’ when it comes to ergonomic assessments. For example a tall employee may feel cramped in a small area whereas a short employee may be uncomfortable if constantly reaching for items or if their feet are not supported when sitting.

Thus, structuring the working environment in order to suit the user is a step away from Taylors’ method of ‘scientific management’. Such a method, regardless of body shape and size or indeed the work being undertaken, was standardized across the board and the worker had to adapt him/herself to the factory conditions or face the prospect of dismissal and future injuries as a result.

 

Ergonomics Assessments

Ergonomic assessments are not difficult to undertake, and when carried out effectively can help to reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries and pain. In turn, this will help to motivate employees, allowing them to be more productive and happier in the working environment. Employers should always be aware of their responsibilities to their employees under the SHAWW Act and take the necessary steps to create risk free working environments where possible. Employees must also be aware of their rights and support any safety initiatives the employer wishes to implement, as the saying goes, ‘the rising tide floats every boat’.

 

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

Equipment in the Workplace

Equipment in the workplace can be a cause for a serious accident. Unfortunately some of these accidents can be fatal. According to the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) work equipment can be described as ‘any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work‘. This description is very broad and it demonstrates that the scope of work equipment is very extensive.

eLearn Safety offers a list of relevant courses that look into equipment in the workplace and its use. A solid starting course is Workplace Safety – Level 1. This course is ideal for every employee in any workplace that’s subject to Health and Safety Legislation. Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. It provides all employees who participate on this course with information on how to identify hazards and carry out simple risk assessments.

 

Equipment in the Workplace and the Law

The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007 sets out the requirements with regard to equipment in the workplace. It is impossible to list all the equipment that might be used in a workplace setting, but it generally includes the following:

• Plant – large fixed or mobile equipment such diggers, forklift trucks, tractors, cranes, etc.
• Machinery – seemingly harmless equipment such as printer machines, cookers, but also meat slicers, band saws, circular saws, etc.
• Tools – simple tools such as screwdrivers, knives, pliers, etc.

 

Employer and Employee Duties in Regard to Equipment in the Workplace

Both employers and employees have a number of duties under the 2005 Act in terms of equipment in the workplace. For a more comprehensive list of employer and employee duties please see HSA page titled Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. In broad terms we can describe duties as follows:

• Employers – have the responsibility to provide and maintain suitable and safe equipment in the workplace. An employer is also responsible for providing training and information on risks and precautions associated with use of the equipment in the workplace.
• Employees – have the responsibility to select the suitable machine/tool for the work to be undertaken, make sure they are trained in its use and operate the machine/tool according to the safe working procedures.

 

Main Dangers arising from the Equipment in the Workplace

Some of the dangers of the equipment in the workplace are:

• Traps and Entrapment – Moving equipment, such as presses and hydraulic jacks can trap body parts.
• Contact – Abrasions, bruising or friction burns can occur when people accidentally come into contact with moving parts.
• Impact – Moving parts may hit operators or the public if unguarded or badly sited.
• Ejection – Some unguarded equipment, e.g. drills and saws, may throw off bits of metal or wood.
• Entanglement – Moving machinery such as rollers, cogs and conveyors that can entangle hair, jewellery and clothes, even pulling whole bodies into machinery.

 

Controls

There are a number of controls that can be used to minimise dangers associated with the use of the equipment in the workplace. For additional information about Hierarchy of Controls, please see eLearn Safety blog entry from 24th February 2023 titled Workplace Hazards.

Guarding is often used as a method of controlling the risks associated with moving parts and machinery. Some guards act as a permanent barrier to prevent people from gaining access to a dangerous area. Other moveable types will prevent the machine from operating unless the guard is in place. It is important that guards and other safety features, such as emergency stop buttons and alarms are working correctly. If they are not, the machinery should not be used.

When selecting equipment in the workplace, it is important to choose the safest possible option for a work activity. All equipment must be CE marked and suitable for the task to be used for.

Some general rules for using any workplace equipment apply:

• Select the right equipment for the right job.
• Make sure the equipment is maintained and in good condition.
• Report broke, damaged or worn equipment to a supervisor.
• Only use equipment you have been trained to use.
• Use all equipment correctly.
• All equipment should be stored correctly after use.

All equipment in the workplace must be well maintained to ensure it is in safe working order. The maintenance should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions by a competent person.

Equipment is only as safe as the person using it!

 

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

 

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics in the workplace is one of the most overlooked workplace related hazards. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the task to the person by designing equipment and apparatus that fits well with the human body and the way that it moves. People come in all shapes and sizes. This is why all workstations should be designed with adjustable features. For example, adjustable seats and work platforms. This will enable the worker to work comfortably. Uncomfortable workstation can result in people stooping, stretching, overreaching, twisting, etc. This can cause muscle fatigue and strain. In addition, it can possibly cause longer term damage or deformation.

 

Risk Assessing the Ergonomics in the Workplace

Some of the factors that should be considered when risk assessing the ergonomics of work activities are:

• The degree of force that is needed to do the job.
• The environmental conditions – lighting and temperature.
• Adequacy of rest periods.
• The repetitiveness of the task.

Any machine expected to carry out repetitive motions must be regularly maintained and parts replaced as they wear out. Failure to maintain machinery may result in breakdown. People may also be expected to carry out similar repetitive tasks and suffer wear and tear as a result. This can cause them to suffer permanent damage and being unable to work. Any activity involving high repetitions should be looked at carefully and redesigned to avoid this as far as possible.

 

Enabling Ergonomics in the Workplace

Some of the effective measures to enable good ergonomic practices in the workplace are:

• Alternating tasks and work breaks to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
• Providing comfortable working temperatures and adequate ventilation.
• Providing sufficient lighting and minimising glare by glazing windows or supplying blinds.
• Minimising vibration.
• Mechanising the task.
• Regular health tests may be necessary and should be promoted by employers.
• Training will also help employees to be more aware of good practice.

Occupations commonly associated with musculoskeletal problems are computer users, checkout operators, dentists and workers on production lines. One of the preventive measures that should be taken to prevent injuries at work is Manual Handling training. The eLearn Safety provides blended learning Manual Handling course has been designed by our qualified tutors to assist the employer to comply with current legislation.

 

Ergonomics in the Workplace and Display Screen Equipment

Display screens cause many instances of eye and wrist strain, back problems and headaches. Some additional insights into problems caused by use of display screens can be found in our blog entry Prolonged Static Sitting at Work from 26 May 2023.

Many of the problems associated with the use of display screens can be mitigated by implementing effective measures to enable good ergonomic practices as listed in the previous paragraph.

Some additional measures should be provided/enabled:

• Eye tests for regular users of display screen equipment.
• Sufficient desk space to provide support for the forearms and at a height where they are parallel to the surface of the desk.
• Height adjustable seating with back support and footrests available if necessary to facilitate correct posture and comfort.
• Height adjustable display screens to enable them to be positioned so the eyes are level with the top of the screen. They should have filters (if older models to minimise flicker and glare), screen controls and be placed to avoid reflections on the screen.
• Adequate work space under the desk to allow the operator to change positions.
• Regular training in recognising the adverse effects that incorrect use can have on the body and how to correct incorrect postures. eLearn Safety offers a fully online VDU/DSE course.

Staff experiencing discomfort and pain whilst using display screen equipment should report these issues to their employer as soon as they become aware of them. To help understand the use of VDU/DSE, the Health and Safety Authority has published useful Display Screen Equipment – (DSE/VDU) – Frequently Asked Questions.

 

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

 

Asbestos in the Workplace

A number of Laws and Regulations have been made to ensure that workers are protected from risks related to exposure to Asbestos in the Workplace.

Asbestos is a name for a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibres. They are very strong and corrosive resistant material. However, it is now recognised that asbestos exposure can have serious health consequences.

Asbestos was extensively used as a building material in the Irish construction industry up until 1999. The majority if not all of the buildings built between 1940 to 1985 contain asbestos in some form. This is the time in which asbestos production peaked.

Asbestos has been widely used in construction for a variety of purposes. It was ideal for fireproofing and insulation, but its use was wider than this.  Asbestos was used in:

• Fireproofing
• Thermal Insulation
• Electrical Insulation
• Sound Insulation
• Decorative Planters
• Roofing Products
• Flooring Products
• Heat Resistant Materials
• Gaskets
• Chemical resistance

 

Dangers of Asbestos

Exposure of workers and the occupier to asbestos in the workplace can occur during uncontrolled asbestos removal or disturbance. Asbestos is the greatest single work-related cause of death from ill health. Past exposure is now responsible for thousands of people dying from asbestos related cancers every year.  This is expected to increase because it can take 15-60 years for the disease to develop and there is no cure.

According to the HSE Asbestos Fact Sheet, it is now recognised that the short-term high level inhalation exposure to asbestos has been associated with lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural disorders. Further asbestos studies have shown that chronic inhalation is similarly detrimental to human health. The chronic exposure to asbestos is associated with asbestosis, pleural abnormalities, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

When materials containing asbestos are distributed, damaged or allowed to deteriorate, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Asbestos fibers are potentially fatal if they are breathed in. Asbestos can also enter the human body through ingestion, though this is less common. The fibers can enter the lungs and damage them causing scars that stop the lungs working properly or even causing cancer.  According to the World Health organisation, asbestos is a proven carcinogen for which a safe air concentration cannot be established.

Anyone who disturbs asbestos containing materials, e.g., by working on them or near them, can be exposed to asbestos fibers. Those most at risk are those who carry out building maintenance and refurbishment work, e.g. electricians, joiners and heating engineers.

 

The Law and Asbestos in the Workplace

Duty holders need to manage the risk from asbestos in the workplace and make sure an assessment is made as to whether asbestos is, or may be present in the building. This includes where the asbestos is, or is assumed to be and what condition it is in. It should always be assumed that asbestos could be present until a full survey is done.

As with any work activity the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 (S.I. No. 10 of 2005) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007 as amended (S.I. No. 299 of 2007 & S.I. No. 732 of 2007) apply and must be considered with respect to the protection of workers at the place of work. In addition, as regards specific work activities involving working with materials containing asbestos, particular attention must be taken concerning the requirements and control measures as outlined in the relevant asbestos related legislation. Such additional regulations are the Carcinogens Regulations, the Construction Regulations and Other Regulations (such as Confined Space, Work at Heights, etc).

 

Asbestos Awareness

According to the HSE Asbestos Public Health Advice, asbestos is present all around us. Traces can be found in small quantities in urban and rural air samples. We are all breathing in small amounts of asbestos fibers over our lifetimes.

Whilst we cannot always risk assess the environment around us, employers are required by law to identify all hazards in the workplace. This includes asbestos in the workplace. You can read more about workplace hazards in our Workplace Hazards blog from 24 February 2023. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 (No. 10 of 2005) imposes specific duties on employers to provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to their employees to ensure their safety, health and welfare at work.

The eLearn Safety online school offers a fully online Asbestos Awareness course. The aim of this course is to provide information on the identification and the prevention of occupational illness from exposure to respirable asbestos fibres.

 

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

 

Prolonged Static Sitting at Work

Prolonged static sitting at work has become a norm in the modern economy and the way many jobs are performed. The rise in home-working due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic has probably exacerbated the situation as many employees are not commuting to work anymore. Whilst commuting to work is generally considered a ‘lost time’, this is not the case if the commuting was done through walking, cycling or any other physical activity. In this case, the time spent on commuting counts towards personal physical activity which has numerous positive health effects.

Prolonged static sitting at work, however, brings numerous negative health effects.

 

What is Prolonged Static Sitting at Work

Prolonged sitting can be defined as being sedentary for 2 hours or longer at a time. This has three main characteristics:

• low energy expenditure;
• a seated body posture;
• static loading (physical exertion to maintain the same position).

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work published an insightful report Prolonged static sitting at work: health effects and good practice advice which delves into the issues associated with prolonged sitting at/for work.

 

Tips for Mitigating Prolonged Sitting Risks

To ensure a good sitting position at work, a number of factors must be looked at. These factors according to the Canadian centre for Occupational Health and Safety are:

• workplace design (including tasks, workstation, and chair design),
• job design,
• education and training.

None of these factors are more important than the other. To ensure a best possible sitting at work arrangement, all these factors must be looked into. The eLearn Safety VDU/DSE course provides invaluable employee training that explores issues arising from tasks related to sitting; and it looks into workstation arrangement and chair adjustment.

Some of the tips to prevent adverse effects associated with sitting at work are:

• Stand up and walk every hour for a few minutes.
• If there are sit-stand desks, alternate posture regularly between the two. A typical example is to sit for 30 minutes, stand for 25 minutes and walk for 5 minutes every hour.
• Try to change position frequently between sitting, standing and moving around.
• When sitting, change position frequently – so called ‘dynamic sitting’.
• Take your lunch away from your work desk.
• Provide high tables in meeting spaces and so people can stand for meetings or breaks.
• Create a climate and culture in the organisation that promotes more active working.
• Drivers should take plenty of short breaks.
• Drivers should step out of the cab or vehicle whenever possible, take a short walk during stops and do some stretches.
• Drivers, pilots and office workers should move their feet from heel to toe when sat down to encourage blood circulation.

 

The Law

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 5 of Part 2 outline the requirements that must be adhered to in relation to Display Screen Equipment and Workstation. According to the Regulations 2007, the workstation is defined as

an assembly comprising display screen equipment, which may be provided with a keyboard or input device or software, or a combination of the foregoing, determining the operator and machine interface, and includes—

(a) a work chair and work desk or work surface,

(b) any optional accessories and peripherals, and

(c) the immediate work environment of the display screen equipment.

The employer must carry out a Risk Assessment of employee workstations and implement relevant measures to mitigate risks. This information must be collated to employees. The Risk Assessment is an ongoing activity, and all workstations should be regularly assessed to reflect any change of equipment and/or emergence of new technologies and practices that might mitigate some of the risks associated with the use of workstations. In addition, the employer must provide relevant VDU/DSE training in the use of to them applicable workstations. This training must take place before the work commences and/or whenever there is a modification of the workstation.

 

Preventing Adverse Effects of prolonged Sitting

Risks associated with prolonged sitting are numerous. There is ample evidence that suggests that this can be prevented by light regular physical exercise. At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended. This can be any activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or exercising at home or at the gym.

Regular exercise can keep people fit and it burns calories. The majority of people with daily exercise routines also report improved sleep and feel more rested after waking up. In addition, regular exercise promotes a healthy heart and keeps weight down. This in turn reduces risk of a number of poor health conditions, such as various musculo-skeletal disorders (low back pain; neck and shoulder complaints, etc.), cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol and even cancer.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) published useful Physical Activity Guidelines to consider for getting healthy and staying healthy.

 

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