Office Safety Archives

Bullying in the Workplace

Bullying in the workplace is a serious moral, ethical and a legal issue.

According to the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA), bullying in the workplace can be defined as:

“… repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could be reasonably regarded as undermining the individual’s right to dignity at work…”

Occupational Health

Occupational health is the promotion and maintenance of not only physical well-being of all staff but also mental wellbeing. Bullying at work impacts performance and productivity at work as well as a person’s mental wellbeing. The best way of dealing with bullying in the workplace is prevention. Bullying can have serious negative effects for all those involved. This might include not only the person being bullied, but also the person being accused of bullying. It is important to distinguish bullying from other inappropriate situations or appropriate workplace engagement.

Examples of Bullying in the Workplace

Behaviour which makes for a bullying in the workplace pattern will likely include not just one but a range of the following behaviours:

Exclusion with negative consequences.
Verbal abuse/insults.
Being treated less favourably than colleagues in similar roles.
Belittling a person’s opinion.
Disseminating malicious rumours, gossip or innuendo.
Socially excluding or isolating a person within the work sphere.
Intrusion – pestering, spying or stalking.
Intimidation/aggressive interactions.
Excessive monitoring of work.
Withholding information necessary for proper performance of a person’s job.
Repeatedly manipulating a person’s job content and targets.
Blaming a person for things beyond their control.
Use of aggressive and obscene language.
Other menacing behaviour.

What is not Bullying in the Workplace

Bullying does not include (non-exhaustive list):

expressing differences of opinion strongly,
offering constructive feedback, guidance, or advice about work-related behaviour which is not of itself welcome, ordinary performance management,
reasonable corrective action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of employees (for example managing a worker’s performance, taking reasonable disciplinary actions, or assigning work), or
workplace conflict where people disagree with or disregard the others’ point of view.

Bullying in the Workplace – Stress and Violence

Bullying in the workplace can quickly escalate, introducing other unwanted hazards such as general stress that can lead to alcohol and drugs abuse and violence.

A large percentage of sick leave is due to stress. Employees should be encouraged to report stress and management should be trained to recognise the symptoms and causes of stress such as inability or reduced ability to cope with normal tasks and situations, increased sick leave and/or poor time keeping.

Violence abuse, threats, bullying or assault can cause stress and concern as well as a physical injury. Staff should be encouraged to report all occurrences to their supervisors who should record and investigate the details and if necessary report to the relevant authorities.

Preventing and Dealing with the Bullying at the Workplace

eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Bullying Awareness course. Bullying Awareness course is for all employees. It provides practical steps and conscientious guidance to help prevent, identify and confidently confront bullying and harassment at work.

If you feel you are being bullied at the workplace, the HSA has a useful information page What to do if You Feel You are Being Bullied. Additional useful resource is Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work.

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.

Workplace Safety – Level 1

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

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

Working at Height

Working at height and falling from height is one of the biggest causes of death in the workplace and one of the main causes of major injury. Such injuries do not necessarily involve falls from very high scaffolding. They can be caused by any fall above or even below ground level such as an access ladder to an inspection chamber or sewer.

Working at Height Hazards

There are many hazards associated with working at height. The most common hazards include:

Using stepladders or unsuitable alternatives such as chairs or climbing on racking.
Working on scaffolding and other access equipment with inadequate fall arrest controls.
Falling through fragile roofs or skylights.
Objects such as tools falling from height and injuring those below.

Preventing Working at Height Accidents

Preventing working at height accidents is important on many levels. It can avoid costly legal costs but more importantly it can prevent human suffering and in the worst case scenario – human fatality. Preventing accidents is everyone’s duty, from employer to employee. Accidents most often occur:

People taking shortcuts and not using the correct equipment.
Equipment is not available or in poor repair.
Complacency, perhaps over-familiarity with the job.
Lack of awareness of the risks of working at height.
Inadequate training and supervision.

Managing and Selecting Equipment for Working at Height

There are a few simple – but important steps:

Carry out a risk assessment of tasks that are at height. Include in the risk assessment any fragile surfaces that might break if someone worked on it or fell onto it, e.g. fibre and asbestos cement roof sheets and skylights.
If at all possible, avoid working at height and consider if the task can be done in another way, for example using a sponge on an extendable pole to clean windows instead of climbing a ladder.
If working at height cannot be avoided, use equipment or other measures to prevent falls, e.g. guard rails, work platforms, podium steps, tower scaffolds, cherry pickers or scissor lifts.
When the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, use equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, e.g. harnesses, netting and airbags.
Avoid working on, near, or passing across, fragile surfaces, e.g. repair skylights form underneath or provide fixed walkways with guard rails.

Additional measures to reduce the risk of a fall when using equipment for working at height include making sure:

The people have been trained to use it safely.
It is well maintained and regularly inspected.
There is adequate supervision to ensure people are working safely.

Working at Height – Ladders

Ladders are working at height equipment. Ladders may be suitable for light tasks of short duration, but suitable alternatives should be first considered. If ladders have been selected there are a few basic points to remember:

Always check ladders for damage before use.
Set them at the correct angle. The angle should be about 75° or the 1 in 4 rule, i.e., 1 unit out for every 4 units up. If they are at too steep an angle, the ladder could topple backwards and if too shallow an angle, it might slide down the wall.
The ladders must be secure. The ladders should be on firm, level, non-slippery ground. Ladders should not be leaned against plastic guttering. Ladders should always lean against a firm and resistant resting point.
Always grip the ladder and face the rungs when climbing. Try to avoid holding items when climbing but if you do need to carry something, have one free to grip the ladder.
Do not overreach. Keep your belt buckle within the stiles.
Keep both feet on the same rung throughout the task and don’t use the top 3 rungs of the ladder as this prevents a handhold.

Available Resources

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) has published a number of useful resources in relation to Working at Height. Some of these are:

Online Health and Safety Training

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

True Cost of Poor Workplace Safety

True cost of poor workplace safety can be significant and very harmful to everyone interacting with the business with poorly managed Health and Safety. It can be a reason for significant business costs. More importantly, it can have distressing human costs.

Implementing and managing Health and Safety procedures in the workplace is not an optional addon to regular business activity. It is a legal requirement. It is also a moral and ethical obligation. Excuses, such as ‘health and safety is not necessary in our case’, ‘it’s just bureaucracy and unnecessary paperwork’ and ‘we don’t need it – we know what we are doing’ are not acceptable. All workplaces should strive to achieve a workplace which is a safe workplace as much as it is feasible. All work related injuries should be brought as close to zero as possible.

It is sometimes that employees themselves approach Health and Safety procedures lightly. Even if warned about dangers, they might abandon correct Health and Safety procedures to ‘speed up’ or avoid doing ‘extra work’. This is often guided by the misconception that they will be able ‘to see’ if anything dangerous starts developing and adjust themselves to avoid disaster’ – which is almost never true. In fact, danger started to develop the moment Health and Safety policies were ignored.

The Ultimate Price of Poor Workplace Safety

There is no such a thing as ‘light’ work-related injury. All injuries can take a heavy toll to everyone involved. Unfortunately, some injuries could be fatal. Sadly, this is the ultimate true cost of poor workplace safety.

In 2022 there were 26 workplace related fatalities in Ireland. 26 people left their home, their families never to return home. You can read more about Workplace Fatalities from 2017 to 2022 in our blog entry from 30th June 2023 Health and Safety in the Workplace.

Workplace accidents and their prevention are key priorities of anyone at work. This is not only true for employers but employees as well. You can read more about Workplace Accidents and Their Prevention in our blog entry Health and Safety in the Workplace from 21st April 2023.

From the PRESS

The following contains few of countless examples that demonstrate true cost of poor workplace safety:

Man, 20s, dies in Carlow road tragedy after reportedly falling from truck

A man in his 20s has died following a road traffic accident in Carlow when he reportedly fell from a truck.

The tragic incident took place in the College Green area of Carlow town on 16th August 2023 at 1:30pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the man’s death to determine the exact cause.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Irish Mirror: “It’s reported that a male in his 20s received fatal injuries after falling from a truck during the course of his work.

Taken from The Independent.

Male worker, 26, dies after suffering ‘severe head injuries’ in ‘heavy machinery incident’ at construction site of Everton’s new stadium – the football club says everyone is ‘heartbroken’ by the death as investigation is launched (UK)

A 26-year-old construction worker has died after suffering ‘severe head injuries’ in an incident at site of Everton’s new stadium.

First responders were called to the site at Bramley Moore Dock around 12.32pm on 14th August 2023 following a ‘major incident’ that allegedly involved heavy machinery.

The worker was rushed to hospital but despite medics’ best efforts, he died.

Construction company Laing O’Rourke confirmed to MailOnline the man was carrying out work at the time of his death as Everton FC described the news as ‘heartbreaking’.

Investigators with Merseyside Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) remain at the scene as they ‘continue with the early stages of the investigation’.

Workers from the site at Bramley Moore Dock said they were informed of the incident and then asked to leave the area, but couldn’t share more details, The Liverpool Echo reported.

Local reports indicate the incident involved heavy machinery and the 26-year-old suffered head injuries.

Taken from The Guardian.

Farm Safety Week 2020 – Elizabeth’s story

Elizabeth Ormiston, a beef farmer from Co. Cavan suffered a farm accident in 2009 that resulted in her being placed in an induced coma. This is her story.

Farm Safety Week 2020 – Elizabeth’s story (YouTube Link). Run time 2m 19s.

Managing Health and Safety in the Workplace

The role of the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) has an important role as they ensure that over 2 million workers (employed and self-employed) and those affected by work activity are protected from work related injury and ill-health. The Health and Safety Authority strategic priorities are to:

Regulate: Increase focus on compliance through risk based inspection and enforcement.
Promote: Support, educate and raise awareness to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health.
Accredit: Grow the national accreditation service to enable and support enterprises and public services.
Influence: Partner and collaborate in support of healthy, safe and productive lives and enterprises.

All workplaces, from one-person farms to multinationals with thousands of employees must implement Health and Safety procedures guided by legislation and best work practices.

The HSA exists to assist and support achieving a safe workplace. This support is available to employers and employees equally.

Don’t Become a Statistic!

Online Health and Safety Training

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

Electricity in the Workplace

Most people use some form of electricity in the workplace daily. It is this familiarity that leads to carelessness with electricity and a disregard for the risks associated with it. Common issues are overloading electricity outlets, maintaining electrical equipment while it is still connected to the power supply, using plugs fitted with the wrong fuse and using equipment that does not have a fused plug fitted.

The Main Hazards with Electricity

Electricity can affect the worker in a number of ways:

Burns – electricity invariably burns (both entry and exit burns) and serious injuries can take a long time to heal.
Flash – electrical flashes are extremely bright and can burn or damage the eyes.
Shocks – electricity passing through the body can affect the heart. The consequences can be fatal.
Fires – a significant percentage of fires in the workplace are caused by electrical faults.

The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used. In addition, there is greater risk in wet and/or damp conditions.

Once the human body comes into contact with the electricity, it can be impossible to let go of the source of electricity. If the person who is in touch with electricity gets touched by another person, the electricity will flow through the other person as well. The human body is a good conductor of electricity.

Every electric shock has the potential to kill!

Example of an Avoidable Accident

This incident was reported in the UK by the Health and Safety Executive.

Refrigerated display cabinet in a café

A 19-year-old man was electrocuted and killed when he touched a refrigerated display cabinet in a café. Investigation showed that the 13A plug had been incorrectly refitted to the cabinet’s main lead.

This meant the metalwork of the cabinet, which should have been safe to touch, was dangerously live at mains voltage. The man’s sister received two shocks from the cabinet before realising what had happened to her brother.

How to avoid similar accidents

You must ensure that your electrical installation and equipment is safe. Don’t cut corners – electrical installations must be installed by someone who has the necessary training, skills and experience to carry out the work safely.

Using Electrical Equipment Safely

To ensure safe use of electrical equipment:

ALWAYS – Check the equipment before use.
ALWAYS – Switch it off before unplugging the machine.
ALWAYS – Report all faults immediately and remove the equipment from use so no-one else can use it and get injured.
ALWAYS – Turn off the power when servicing electrical equipment.
NEVER – Handle the plug with wet hands.
NEVER – Use electrical equipment in wet conditions.
NEVER – Use electrical equipment unless you have been trained in its use.
NEVER – Overload electrical sockets.
NEVER – Overload extension leads (don’t plug in a combination of appliances that will exceed the maximum current rating for the lead).
NEVER – Attempt repairs unless qualified to do so.

Electrical Equipment Checks

Electrical cables, flexes, tools and equipment should be regularly checked and faults reported. Portable appliances should be checked periodically by a competent person.

A high percentage of faults with electrical equipment can be found by just looking at it. Everyone can play a role in improving safety by making quick visual checks of the equipment they use.

When carrying out preventive maintenance things to look for are:

Damage to cables, e.g. cuts and abrasions to the cable covering.
Damage to plugs, e.g. cracked casing or broken pins.
Loose cables, e.g. the outer covering of the cable not being gripped properly by the plug.
Signs of overheating, e.g. burn marks, staining or melted plastic.
Bare wires (none should be visible).
Coiled extension cables (make sure coiled extension cables are fully extended when in use).

If any of these faults, or any other unusual state of the equipment can be noticed, a qualified person should undertake any necessary repairs. No electrical equipment should be used if there is any sign of damage.

Additional information can be found on Health and Safety Authority website and their Electricity pages.

Dealing with Electrical Shock

A shock occurs when an electrical current passes through the body. This can interfere with the body’s own electrical impulses and may cause the heart or breathing to stop. Burns may be seen where the current enters and exits the body. There may also be deep internal damage which cannot be seen along the path of the current.

In the event of someone suffering an electric shock:

Seek help and do not put yourself at risk.
Make sure the contact with the electricity is broken before you touch the casualty. Turn off the power at the mains or unplug the appliance if possible. Do not touch anything that is metal or wet.
For high voltage supplies (such as overhead power lines) do not allow anyone within 18 meters of the casualty.
Once the power is disconnected safely, someone with first aid knowledge can give first aid. This may involve giving CPR or treating any burns or injuries.
Take the casualty to hospital for a check up (even if they have apparently recovered). Call 999/112 for emergency help if the casualty has been unconscious or has electrical burns.

Online Health and Safety Training

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

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

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

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

First Aid in the Workplace

Under Irish Health and Safety Law (Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the General Application Regulations 2007), employers have a responsibility to make sure that the First Aid arrangements in the workplace are sufficient. First Aid can mean anything from providing a treatment of minor injuries (e.g., minor cuts) to treatment of life threatening injuries (e.g., heart attack). First Aid is immediate treatment given to save life and stop conditions getting worse. The First Aid in a workplace setting is usually referred to as Occupational First Aid.

When the First Aid is in question, the employer must:

Carry out an assessment to decide where, how many and what type of First Aiders are needed.
Provide First Aid training and refresher training where required.
Provide sufficient First Aid Kits and equipment for the workplace.
Make sure all staff are aware of how and where to get First Aid treatment.

The First Aid Risk Assessment will help to decide what type of First Aid materials and/or equipment is required. In addition, it will also tell us how many if any First Aiders are required. The number of the First Aiders will depend on the size of the organisation and any specific hazards in the workplace. In some cases, fully equipped and stocked First Aid rooms must be provided.

Assessing Needs for Provision of First Aid in the Workplace

All employers must carry out a First Aid needs assessment that should consider:

The nature of the work and workplace hazards and risks.
The size of the organisation.
The nature of the workplace.
The organisation’s history of accidents and illness.
The needs of travelling, remote and lone workers.
Work patterns such as shift work.
The distribution of the workforce.
The remoteness of the site from emergency medical services.
Employees working on shared or multi-occupied sites.
Annual leave and other absences of First Aiders
First Aid provision for non-employees (visitors, clients, etc.).

Considering the nature of the work and workplace hazards and risks can be complicated areas of the First Aid needs assessment. For example, the employer should evaluate risks associated with the workplace and possible injuries related to these risks. These should be then evaluated against type of First Aid treatment that may be required:

Manual Handling – fractures, lacerations, sprains and strains.
Slips, Trips and Falls – fractures, sprains and strains, lacerations.
Use of Machinery – crush injuries, amputations, fractures, lacerations and eye injuries.
Working at Height – head injuries, loss of consciousness, spinal injury, fractures, sprains and strains.
Chemicals – poisoning, loss of consciousness, burns and eye injuries.
Electricity – electric shock and burns.
Workplace Transport – crush injuries, fractures, sprains and strains and spinal injuries.

The completed Assessment will provide a broad indication of the numbers of Occupational First Aiders that should be provided in different circumstances.

Recommended Numbers of Occupational First Aiders

After the Risk Assessment has been completed (as a part of the Safety Statement), it will identify the need for the Occupational First Aiders. It is very rare that the Assessments identify that first aiders are not required. The exact numbers of First Aiders in majority of workplace settings can be determined as follows:

Up to 99 employees present at any one time – 1 First Aider present at all times if Safety Statement and Risk Assessment shows it to be necessary.
100 – 399 – 1 First Aider must be present at all times.
400 – 699 – 2 First Aiders must be present at all times.
More than 700 – 1 additional First Aider for every 300 employees or part therof.

These numbers should be doubled, however, if the workplace is more than 1 hour away from the professional medical assistance. In addition, some other workplaces such as factories, construction sites, surface mines and quarries, and underground mines have different First Aiders numbers requirements. These are outlined in Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 – Chapter 2 of Part 7: First-Aid.

It is important to remember that the First Aider must be present on site at all times. For example, if the First aider is on holiday, they must be replaced by another First Aider.

Training of First Aiders

The Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response (FAR) training standard is the recognised standard for Occupational First Aid in the workplace. Whilst the numbers of required First Aiders as listed in a previous section are recommended, the employers are always encouraged to train as many as possible employees in the First Aid. The initial First Aid training takes 3 full days classroom delivery and the Certification is valid for 2 years. After 2 years, a 2 day refresher classroom delivery can be completed. Successful completion of a refresher training is valid for 2 years. However, it is always recommended to refresh First Aid training knowledge on a more often regular basis.

There is a wealth of evidence on the severity of first-aid skill-fade. To prevent this, online training is a convenient and user friendly way to keep first-aid skill-memory up to date. eLearn Safety offers fully online First Aid relevant courses, such as Common Medical Emergencies: Asthma, Medical Emergencies: Heart Attack, and Paediatric First Aid just to name a few.

Whilst some workplaces require having fully trained Occupational First Aiders on site, other employees can be trained to a lower level of skill in first-aid (e.g. Basic First Aid, CFR-C, etc.).

Online Health and Safety Training

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