Category: Health & Safety

All employers must protect staff from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE).

The HSE has provided guidance featuring a step-by-step guide to working safely with DSE and covers a range of topics, from workstations and assessments to eyesight testing.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN WITH INCORRECT USE OF DSE:

Incorrect use of DSE or poorly designed workstations or work environments can lead to pain in necks, shoulders, backs, arms, wrists, and hands, as well as fatigue and eye strain.

In addition, the HSE also have guidance on what you and your staff need to know about working with DSE from home.

WORKING WITH DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT AT HOME:

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations can apply to staff who:

• work at home on a permanent or long-term basis
• routinely split their time between their workplace and home (sometimes called hybrid working)

Your staff are display screen equipment (DSE) users if they work on DSE daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more.  If you aren’t sure, you can check here if the DSE regulations apply to your staff.

The regulations don’t apply to staff who use DSE occasionally or only for short periods of time at home.

DSE RISK ASSESSMENT

Where the regulations do apply, you should carry out a DSE assessment for individual staff. In most cases you do not need to visit them to carry out the assessment, unless you decide there is a need to do so. Your staff may complete a self-assessment provided they have been given suitable training, for example by explaining how to use an ergonomic checklist or self-assessment tool.

Where staff use DSE in the home and office, the assessment should cover both situations.

Make sure those working at home can achieve a comfortable, sustainable posture. They may not need office furniture or equipment at home to achieve this. But you should check if their own equipment is suitable.

MANAGING THE RISKS

Make sure that you can implement the findings of your assessments for your staff using DSE at home.

Reduce the risks identified by your assessment so far as reasonably practicable. This means balancing the level of risk against the measures needed to control the real risk in terms of money, time or trouble.

Where your DSE workstation assessment indicates you need to take some action, for example providing a piece of DSE equipment, your staff cannot be charged for this.

Keep your DSE arrangements under review, particularly if there have been significant changes.

Check if your existing control measures are sufficient or whether additional steps are needed, for example where your staff report aches, pains or discomfort.

Additional DSE equipment needs

Use your assessment to decide if people need any additional equipment when working at home.

Alongside information provided by the worker, you may need to ask for competent advice. For example, from:

• a suitably trained DSE assessor
• suitable occupational health professional

You should meet additional individual needs so far as reasonably practicable.

TRAINING

You must provide staff with training in the use of their workstation and DSE equipment. This should include advice on achieving good posture, and on good working practices.

Further information:

Working with display screen equipment 

Workstation checklist

The Stress Indicator Tool has recently been updated and expanded to take account of significant changes to working practices, including technical innovations that have altered the ways people work.  The purpose is to explore stress risks that are of most relevance in the context of modern working practices, and to understand how these might be related to mental health outcomes and workforce engagement.

What is the Stress Indicator Tool 2.0

The Health and Safety Executive’s Stress Indicator Tool (SIT) has been updated and expanded in collaboration with the University of Hull. This is to take account of significant changes to working practices, including technological innovations that have altered the ways people work.

The purpose of this development is to explore stress risks that are of most relevance in the context of modern working practices, and to understand how these might be related to mental health outcomes and workforce engagement.

The Stress Indicator Tool is an online survey designed to gather data anonymously from employees, which can be used in the risk assessment element of HSE’s Management Standards approach.

Obtaining and understanding this information helps identify areas to improve to prevent and manage work-related stress.

The reporting functionality is automated, so you don’t have to spend time collating data or inputting the results manually. This helps avoid data entry errors, making the information collected more accurate and reliable. The report then summarises the views and experiences of employees and provides recommendations for future improvements.

The Tool now includes:

• Home/remote working survey: an optional extra to explore stress risks for these workers
• Mental health outcome questions: items from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4)
• ISA employee engagement scale: questions to measure workforce engagement levels
• Exclusive benchmarking: measure performance against the sector average

More information can be found here

From April 2022, HSE Inspectors will be visiting woodworking businesses across Great Britain to ensure duty holders know the risks associated with woodworking, including wood dust, and have adequate controls in place to keep workers safe and protect their respiratory health.

Around 12,000 people die every year in the UK from lung diseases linked to past exposure to hazardous substances at work. 

This includes inhalation of wood dust that can cause occupational asthma and, in the case of hardwoods, Sinonasal cancer.

Inspectors will be looking for evidence that employers have considered the control measures required to reduce workers’ exposure to wood dust; workers understand that exposure to wood dust can damage their long-term respiratory health; and that adequate and effective control measures are in place to protect workers from harm.

UPDATED WOODWORKING GUIDANCE AND TOOLS TO MANAGE THE RISK IN YOUR BUSINESS

The HSE released new or revised limits for 13 substances in Jan 2020, and more information can be found here.  

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS – Employers have a legal duty to ensure they comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to control exposure to wood dust and protect worker’s health.

Further guidance on health and safety in the woodworking industry can be found on the HSE website.

What are HSE Inspectors typically looking for: found out here You can also find out here

It is important to know the HSE are continuing to run their campaign and are following up with checks or site inspections to identify if organisations are controlling the risk from metalworking fluids; the information below will increase your awareness and give you a better understanding of what is required to comply with the guidance.

This hot topic and subsequent checks are anticipated to continue into the New year, as a direct result of increased numbers of associated ill health conditions being recorded. 

What are metalworking fluids and oil mists?

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) – sometimes referred to as suds, coolants, slurry or soap – are water-based fluids used during the machining of metals to provide lubrication and cooling, and to help carry away debris such as swarf and fine metal particles.  They can also help to improve machining performance and prolong the life of the cutting tool, as well as providing corrosion protection for workplace surfaces.

Oil mists form when high pressure fuel oil, lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, or other oil is sprayed through a narrow crack, or when leaked oil connects with a high temperature surface, vaporises, and meets low air temperature. This can happen while the fluids interact with the moving parts during the machining processes. Some oil mist particles are smaller than the eye can see but the danger is still as big!

Health risks of MWFs & Oil Mists

If the mist from oil or MWFs (applied by continuous jets, sprays or via a hand dispenser) are either inhaled, touch unprotected skin, enter wounds or broken skin, or get access to the eyes or mouth – they could affect employee health and lead to several varying illnesses.

Exposure to such fluids can cause irritation of the skin, occupational asthma, bronchitis, irritation of the respiratory tract, general breathing difficulties or in extreme cases, can see individuals develop a serious lung disease called extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

Metalworking fluids that contain water or water-mixes are particularly vulnerable to becoming highly contaminated with harmful bacteria and other micro-organisms.

What precautions should be put in place?

Before any precautions are put in place, a suitable and sufficient survey of mental working fluids must be undertaken. This will detail current and safe exposure levels alongside any cause for concern in relation to staff health and safety.

Other areas to consider:

• Use splash guards, to control splashing and misting.
• Minimise the production of mist and vapour by controlling the volume and rate of delivery of the fluid to the cutting edge of the tool.
• Install enclosures or ventilation to remove / control any mist or vapour produced.
• Inform staff of a recommended time delay before opening the doors on machine enclosures – to ensure that all mist and vapour has been removed by the ventilation before exiting.
• Ensure employees know the reporting process for any damaged or defective splash guards, ventilation hoods or other control equipment.
• Open workroom doors and windows to improve natural ventilation.
• Don’t use compressed air to remove excess fluids from machined parts, plant or other equipment.
• Conduct regular health surveillance checks.

Exposure Limits

In 2005, the Health & Safety Executive withdrew the exposure limit for Metalworking Fluids (set at 1.0mg/m3) due to outbreaks of ill health at a manufacturing facility within the UK. It was found that exposures were successfully being controlled below the exposure limit set at the time, however, workers were still experiencing occupational ill health.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) have set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.5mg/m3, however, levels of exposure below this standard have been found to cause ill health which means that the standards set by various bodies have no relevance to the risk of health.

In the absence of a relevant exposure limit, more emphasis should be put on controlling exposures to MWF’s via good controls and working practices which minimise exposures as low as is reasonably practicable.

It should be noted, that although there may not be a specific exposure limit for the MWF itself a review of the datasheet for the specific product being used should be carried out to identify the need to conduct exposure monitoring for any harmful ingredients with published exposure limits e.g. 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy) ethanol, Monoethanolamine etc

Oil mists are much more straight forward and have an exposure limit currently set at 5mg/m3.

Routine exposure monitoring can ascertain current exposures, identify where further control measures are necessary and allow for comparison against previous assessments to identify improvements.  

Ongoing Biological Monitoring Requirements

The bacterial contamination of fluids and associated machinery and pipework should be monitored and controlled. Direct means of measuring bacterial contamination should be used in conjunction with other checks on fluid quality, e.g., fluid concentration and ph.

Microbiological dip slides are a simple way of checking bacterial contamination. Dip slide checks should be carried out once a week and the frequency reduced only when it can be demonstrated that your fluid quality management is effective.

A dip slide consists of a plastic carrier coated with a sterile culture medium, which is dipped into the liquid to be tested. It is then incubated to allow microbial growth and the resulting colonies are estimated by reference to a chart to indicate the level of bacterial contamination. Results are expressed in terms of colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/ml) of fluid.

The following values indicate what can be regarded as good, reasonable and poor standards of fluid management, and what action should be taken. Monitoring should be used to confirm your standard of control, as well as indicating increased levels of bacteria at an early stage.

• <10×4 CFU/ml good control. Bacteria are being maintained at low levels. Regular checks and actions to maintain the fluid quality should continue. 
• ≥10×4 to <10×6 CFU/ml Reasonable control. Review and take action to check the quality of the metalworking fluid and adjust fluid parameters to those recommended by the supplier. If bacterial growth continues despite these adjustments, add biocide at the dose recommended by your supplier.
• ≥10×6 CFU/ml Poor control. Immediate action should be taken in line with the risk assessment. Normally draining and cleaning should take place

 In Summary

To ensure you are compliant with the guidance you need to implement the following actions: 

1. Carryout an initial assessment of potential exposure and review the current controls you have in place.
2. Implement any engineering and administrative controls.
3. Make an assessment of exposure levels as a baseline and for comparison against exposure limits where appropriate.
4. Implement a weekly monitoring regime to check the fluid quality (pH, concentration and temperature) is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance.
5. Carryout weekly biological contamination checks using dip slides

All test monitoring records should be kept for a minimum of 5 years.

7th December 2021

A recent HSE prosecution has taken place after a food manufacturing company has been fined for safety breaches after a hygiene operative suffered a serious injury when his hand came into contact with a mixer whilst cleaning the door mechanism, resulting in his index finger being severed.

The findings of the HSE investigation were that; They failed to adequately maintain guarding arrangements on the paddle mixer whilst also having deficiencies with training and supervision. Breaching Section 11 (1) Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The company was fined £93,000 and ordered to pay £769 in costs.

Comment made by HSE Inspector following were that “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply implementing the correct control measures and safe working practices.”

Worker injured finger in machinery

9^th December 2021

The director of an air conditioning company has been sentenced after a worker sustained a broken back when he fell five metres to the ground.

breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and received a six-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. Also required to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £4,886 and a victim surcharge.

HSE Inspector said “Roof work is a high-risk activity and duty holders must ensure they put measures in place to protect against this risk. “Falls from height often result in life-changing or fatal injuries.  In most cases, these incidents are needless and could be prevented by properly planning the work to ensure that effective preventative and protective measures are in place.”

Injury sustained from fall from height

13^th December 2021

A sawmill company has been fined for breaching Regulation 11 (1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, after a worker came into contact with the moving parts at the rear of a saw, sustaining injury to his finger.

The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £15,594.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector said: “This injury was easily preventable. Those in control have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers.”

Worker finger severed in machinery

13^th December 2021

A company has been fined for safety breaches after a worker’s hand was entangled and wrapped around the rotating shaft on a lathe.

Breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety Act 1974 and have been fined £530,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,548.20

The HSE inspector said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to assess risk and devise safe methods of working in which their employees should then be instructed and trained. Had effective managerial arrangements been in place for the task ensuring employees follow a safe system of work, based upon risk assessment and supervision, information, instruction, and training is provided the life changing injuries sustained by this worker could have been prevented.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards”.

Worker loses hand in lathe

HSE also continues to review & update guidance on control measures for Covid-19 & variants of the virus.

The HSE are carrying out spot check programmes ensuring business are working safely and continuing to reduce the risk posed by COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. Spot-Checks &  Stress and Mental Health

Other guidance to support the management of Covid-19 controls on your sites.

Coronavirus working-safely  

Coronavirus ventilation

Face coverings

Homeworking guidance

Risk Assessment

You can continue to reduce the risk of transmission during the pandemic by taking measures to limit the number of people your workers are in contact with, so each person works with the same, consistent group.

UK government guidance on working safely provides further information and advice on these measures covering a range of different types of work.

You should make sure the measures identified by your risk assessment take account of the public health regulations and guidance for the nation you are working in. Please refer to your relevant guidance:

• England
• Wales

Inspectors are also carrying out checks as part of their normal role in visiting workplaces to check people are working safely. To ensure we reach as many workplaces as possible nationally and support the core work of our inspectors, we are working with trained and approved partners to deliver the spot check calls and visits.