Getting in and getting out

You often take getting in and out of buildings, work sites and other types of workplaces for granted. Don’t – many people get injured doing exactly that!

Before going into an area, be aware of what hazards you may face both at the opening itself and on the other side. If in doubt, stop and think before you enter. If you are still
in doubt – don’t use the door, go another way round and report the problem. NEVER take safety at doors and other openings for granted.

Signs are there for a reason. Don’t

ignore them – they are there to help
you! Heavy doors, unsecured doors, rising/falling
openers and barred gates, doors near steps,
openings shared with vehicles, doors where there
is two-way traffic, plastic room separators which
are so scratched that you can’t see through them
any more – ALL present hazards if they are
damaged or misused.

If you block doors or openings you’re the one

that causes the problem!

ALWAYS keep entrances and exits clear –

particularly main ‘in and out’ routes. Anyone
who blocks a fire exit is playing with other
people’s lives – it’s that serious.
Transport safety
When people and vehicles operate together, there is the potential for serious accidents. The only truly effective solution is to keep them entirely separate and ensure that
they can’t operate in exactly the same space at the same time – this can be done by physically separating them with barriers, or by timetabling vehicle and pedestrian work
at different times.

If people do work where there are vehicles, then physical separation by barriers is
better than having marked walkways – and well-marked walkways are far better then
letting people choose for themselves!

In all cases, signs and warnings – and ensuring people take notice of them – will be
very important additional measures to reduce the risk of collision. It’s no good having
a line to mark a walkway if people don’t know which side of the line means ‘safe’.

If you work in an office environment, don’t think this isn’t about

you. Lots of people get injured in car parks or on approaches
to office buildings because they are often off public roads and
think they are safe – they’re not!
Certain vehicles also have specific risks associated with
them and you should know what these risks are before
driving. For example, forklift trucks have a range of
specific risks, including the risk of overturning.

The key things to remember with moving vehicles are:

There are particular problems with reversing vehicles, especially if the
• DON’T walk or stand in areas or roadways designated for vehicle use. driver has a restricted view of the back of the vehicle. To reduce the risk of
• DO use pedestrian routes when these are available. injury:
• DO treat vehicles using on-site roadways as you would vehicles on the public highway.
• DON’T ride in or on a vehicle unless it is designed to take passengers. • minimise the need for vehicles to reverse
• NEVER drive a vehicle you have not been trained to drive. • get someone to watch the vehicle back
• look out for reversing vehicles.

ALWAYS follow site safety procedures if you’re a driver. Nothing that you need to do is worth killing or maiming somebody. Be particularly aware of site rules, speed
restrictions, one-way systems, pedestrian areas and required safe practices in loading/unloading areas and for refuelling/recharging of vehicles.
Fire
Fires happen when three things are present:

• oxygen
• heat When oxygen mixes with fuel, and a spark or other source of ignition is present, a fire will start.
• fuel

A fire will only go out when there is no oxygen, the fuel runs out or the heat is removed by cooling with water or another firefighting measure. To prevent fires, you must:

• Never leave sources of heat unattended

–unless they are designed to work in this
way, for example pilot lights on gas boilers.

• Make sure that all sources of heat are

properly put out – remember to check
later that there is no smouldering.
• Don’t allow possible sources of fuel to
build up – remove waste materials such as
cardboard boxes to a proper storage area.

• Pay particular attention to flammable liquids

and gases – some substances can be ignited
with a single spark. • Keep heat sources and fuels apart – don’t store
waste paper near a heater.

If a fire breaks out, the first thing you MUST do is:

• sound the alarm – make sure you know where the fire alarm points are and what the alarm sounds like.
If you haven’t been trained to use fire extinguishers, leave the building immediately or move to a safe area.

Smoke from a fire can make it difficult to find your way

out, especially if the lights have gone out.

Therefore, fire escape routes should have

emergency lighting and fire exit signs should be
illuminated.
NEVER block fire exits and escape routes.

Remember: fires injure and kill people because of:

• heat and flames

• smoke, which can suffocate or poison them
• collapse of buildings.

The best way to reduce injury or death is to get people away from the fire and out
of reach of the smoke.

DON’T tackle a fire unless:

• you have been trained to use fire extinguishers

• the fire is small
• it is safe to do so.
Remember:

• Fire practices are there to test the emergency systems before a real fire occurs – they are not a game.
• You MUST participate in any fire practice procedures as if they were real.
• Always report any problems with fire procedures to your supervisor.
Harmful substances
Harmful substances can cause you injury or ill health. They can be found in the home and at work – examples include adhesives, paints, cleaning agents, fumes from
soldering and welding, grain dust and bacteria.

Symbols are used to identify different types of harmful substances:

Dangerous Explosive (Very) toxic Corrosive Irritant or Highly or Oxidising

to the harmful extremely
Chemicals can come into contact with your bare environment flammable
skin and eyes.

Some substances, such as fuels and oils, can pass

through your skin, while others get into your body via
cuts and grazes. You can breathe in chemicals.
Chemicals can also get into your body by deliberate If you breathe in harmful gases and dusts, such as asbestos,
or accidental injection – through contaminated they can stay in your lungs and cause a variety of diseases,
syringes, for example. such as asbestosis.
ALWAYS use gloves, goggles and other protective ALWAYS use the correct mask or breathing apparatus to
equipment to prevent contact with harmful prevent breathing in chemicals. Make sure you have:
substances.
• a clean and undamaged mask
• a mask that fits properly
• appropriate training in its use.

You can swallow chemicals.

This happens most often when you swallow contaminated

food or drink – DON’T eat or drink in workplaces where
hazardous chemicals or substances are being used. The best workplace precautions are those Remember:
which prevent chemicals getting into the
ALWAYS take personal hygiene precautions, such as atmosphere, as this protects everyone, • some substances are more harmful
washing your hands and changing your clothing, before including yourself. These sorts of than others
eating, drinking or smoking. workplace precaution include: • some will harm you quickly
• some require large doses before
• enclosure and ventilation they cause harm
• using the smallest possible amount • some may take years of exposure
• using appropriate work methods. before any effects are seen.
Electricity
The main type of harm from electricity is electric shock, caused by coming into direct contact with an electrical conductor, such as
the bare wires of an appliance while it is live. You can also be injured as a consequence of an electric shock: for example, if you get
a shock while changing a light bulb, you may fall off your ladder.

Always remember: don’t touch the victim of an electric shock until you are sure that the electricity has been switched off, or the
victim is no longer in contact with the live conductor.

Electric shocks occur because of incorrect wiring, damage to cabling or equipment, or misuse of electrical equipment.

All workers in all workplaces can suffer an

electric shock, but those working close to
overhead power lines are particularly at risk.
This is because the very high voltage carried by
overhead power lines can form a short circuit
with another conductor, such as an aluminium Underground cables:
ladder or the arm of a digger.
If you are digging or disturbing the ground, you
should take care to avoid damaging underground
electrical cables. Often these look like pipes and it
isn’t obvious that they are carrying electricity.
Sometimes there are signs warning of underground
services, such as electricity, but make sure that a
competent person finds out all necessary
information on these services before you start work.

Remember – electricity can also cause:

• electrical burns – the heating effect of electricity passing through the body can cause burns
• fire – electrical fires are caused by faulty equipment or overloaded electrical sockets that overheat or spark and ignite nearby materials.
 To avoid overheating of electrical equipment:

• where possible, switch off electrical equipment when it is not in use

• do not use adaptors
• do not cover electrical equipment which may get hot
• do not use fuses higher than the recommended rating
• do not use damaged electrical equipment

Remember:

• NEVER misuse electrical equipment

• DO check daily that the electrical equipment you use looks OK (no cracked plugs, worn or loose cables, damaged casings)
• ALWAYS report any damage to electrical equipment to your supervisor as soon as you notice it
• DO NOT use damaged equipment until it has been repaired
• DO NOT test electrical equipment unless you are competent.
Violence
Work-related violence occurs when someone is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work. Violence (which includes verbal abuse, threats or
physical attacks) can come from people you know, as well as from strangers.

If your work brings you into contact with the public, you are at a higher risk of attack, especially if you:

• handle money – security and protective services

• work with violent people – prison officers
• deal with complaints – receptionists
• have the power to act against the public – police
• provide care, advice or information – nurses/care workers
• work alone – bus drivers, ticket collectors
• work unsociable hours – catering staff.

Psychological symptoms can include:

• insomnia
• stress
• anxiety
• irritability
• loss of confidence
Physical attacks and verbal abuse
• agoraphobia
• thoughts of self-harm
Physical attacks are dangerous, but serious or persistent verbal
• guilt.
abuse can be a significant problem too, as it can damage an
employees’ health through anxiety and stress.

Verbal abuse is more common than physical attacks and can

cause psychological symptoms which can lead to physical
symptoms.

Remember:

• if you think your work or your workplace puts you at risk of violence then tell your supervisor
• discuss workplace precautions with your supervisor
• if you are subject to an attack, however minor, report it to your supervisor immediately.
Bullying
If you feel you are being singled out for unfair treatment by a boss or colleague, you are probably being bullied. There is no comprehensive list of bullying behaviours and
no one type of person who is likely to be a bully.

Examples of bullying behaviour include:

• constantly criticising competent staff, removing responsibilities from them, or giving them trivial tasks
• shouting at staff
• persistently picking on people in front of others or in private
• blocking promotion
• regularly and deliberately ignoring or excluding individuals from work activities
• setting a person up to fail by overloading them with work or setting impossible deadlines
• consistently attacking a member of staff in terms of their professional or personal standing
• regularly making the same person the butt of jokes.

Symptoms of bullying include:

• anxiety
• headaches
• nausea
• ulcers
• sleeplessness Take these steps if you think you are being bullied at work:
• skin rashes
• irritable bowel syndrome • speak to the bully – tell them you find their behaviour unacceptable
• high blood pressure and ask them to stop
• tearfulness • tell a friend or work colleague
• loss of self-confidence. • keep a record of events
• tell your supervisor – if they are the bully, tell their manager.
Stress
Stress is an individual’s reaction to excessive pressure and other types of demands placed on them. Pressure can keep you motivated, but too much causes stress. Non-
work factors can also contribute to your levels of stress and this will affect your ability to ‘bounce back’ and could leave you more vulnerable to work-related stress.

Work factors that create stress can Non-work factors that create stress can include:
include:
• family life
• excessive work demands • financial worries
• not enough work • divorce
• fear of failure • birth of a child
• bullying • bereavement.
• poor job design.

Common signs of stress can include:

• lowered performance
• lack of concentration
• poor timekeeping
• increased absence (from sickness)
• irritability
• panic
• change of sleeping or eating habits
• reliance on drugs and alcohol
Remember: • arguing or actively withdrawing from group
situations.
• seek help early
• report any problems that might be stress-related to your supervisor.
Temperature

Temperature in workrooms should provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing. Where
such a temperature is impractical because of hot or cold processes, all reasonable steps should be taken to
keep the temperature as close as possible to ‘comfortable’.

Generally, the temperature in workrooms should be at least 16 degrees Celsius. If the work involves physical
activity, the temperature should be at least 13 degrees.

Remember:

• if you have concerns about the temperature in your work environment, discuss them with your supervisor.

Lighting
The key safety issues with lighting in the workplace are:

• too little or too much lighting – this could cause shadows in the wrong places
• glare and reflections – areas where the light is ‘too bright’ or where reflections cause
problems (maybe because of glare, but also sometimes because they interfere in
other ways with what you’re trying to do)
• significant differences in lighting levels between different areas (so your eyes don’t
adjust fast enough when walking outside on a bright day and you can’t see the traffic).

Different types of lighting can also be a problem – but it’s important that you can tell the difference between
lighting that you just don’t like and lighting that poses a real safety concern.

Remember:

• if lighting is a safety concern, report the problem to your supervisor.

Noise
Protecting yourself from hearing damage while you are at work (and at home) really matters. There are two main causes of hearing damage:

1. The long-term, cumulative effect of exposure to loud noise. This isn’t about simply being in a room where there are loud noises (for example, from noisy machinery or
music) but is about a slow effect that will build up over time and is irreversible.

2. Exposure to one-off loud bangs or extreme noise that may cause permanent deterioration in your hearing or may even deafen
you. For example, quarry workers, mine workers and the military can be at risk from exposure to sudden blasts.

As a rough rule of thumb, it should be possible to have a normal conversation with people who are about 1 metre away. If the general
noise is so loud that you can’t reasonably hear a normal conversation at a distance of 2 metres, then action is probably required.

Action to take to avoid long-term damage to your hearing:

• reduce your exposure time – DON’T work in a noisy environment for longer than you have to. Take your
breaks in a quiet place
• reduce the level of noise you are exposed to – keep as far away as possible from the source of the
noise, wear ear plugs or ear defenders, work with your employer to tackle the source of the noise by using
quieter machinery or soundproof enclosures
• check your noise exposure away from work – noisy hobbies can damage your hearing as much as
noisy work
• have your hearing checked from time to time – signs of hearing damage can be detected at an early
stage and action can be taken to prevent it getting worse
• wear hearing protection – ear plugs or ear defenders are the least satisfactory form of workplace
precaution, but when they do have to be used, it is essential that:
♦ they are worn
♦ they fit properly
♦ they are appropriate for the type of noise you are exposed to
♦ they are clean and undamaged.

Remember:

• report any issues or concerns to your supervisor.

Slips and trips
Slipping and tripping are often seen as humorous events not worthy of attention, but this is far from the truth. Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at
work. They occur in almost all workplaces and 95 per cent of major slips result in broken bones. They can also be the initial cause of a range of other types of accident,
such as falls from height.

One of the least understood but most significant causes of slips in the workplace is not the obvious wet or greasy floor – it’s moving from one
kind of surface to another. We aren’t too good at adjusting when moving from a relatively non-slip surface to a more slippery one or vice versa.
As a result, we slip or trip over and fall, often hurting ourselves in the process.

Other causes are much more obvious – the floor may be wet, greasy or icy, you may be wearing inappropriate footwear, you may be carrying
something large or heavy so you’re not concentrating, can’t see, or haven’t prepared a safe route first, there may be poor lighting so you can’t
see where you’re going, or there may be shadows or areas of gloom exactly where you don’t want them.

The main workplace precautions for slips and trips include:

• walk on designated walking routes where these are available – it’s often tempting to take a short cut, but
these rarely have adequate surfaces
• always wear appropriate footwear at work – it is not only high heels that create a risk; shoes with smooth
soles can also cause problems
• avoid walking on uneven surfaces, even if this means going a longer way round – if you spot any
defects in a surface, eg loose finishing, holes, cracks or worn rugs/mats, report them to your supervisor
• avoid areas where there are, or may have been, spillages – this is particularly important if the spillage is of
materials which would cause you to slip, such as oil. Small particles, especially if they are smooth, can be
equally risky. Report any spillages to your supervisor or, if appropriate, clean them up
• avoid poorly lit areas – it’s more difficult to see a slipping or tripping hazard if the lighting is poor. Report any
lighting defects in pedestrian areas to your supervisor
• keep work areas tidy and free from obstructions – if obstructions cannot be avoided, ensure that people
are warned of the hazard with signs or barriers.
Working at height
Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injuries to employees.

The main causes of falls from height are:

• failure to recognise the risk

• failure to ensure that a safe system of work is followed
• failure to use appropriate equipment properly – or sometimes, failure to
use it at all
• failure to understand when your own capabilities or those of the
equipment are exceeded
• failure to understand that it’s OK to stop.

The solutions are:

• understand that ALL instances of working at height can be potentially

dangerous – appreciate the risk being taken
• avoid, if possible, having to work at height in the first place
• ensure that safe systems of work for all working at height are followed
• use appropriate equipment for working at height – and use it properly
• be aware of your own capabilities and those of the equipment
• understand that it’s OK to stop
• report any problems that you can’t solve safely to your supervisor.
Manual handling
Manual handling covers a number of activities, such as lifting and lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling. These activities
are a major cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – lower back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries.

The following factors affect the risk of injury from manual handling:

• the weight of the load – generally, the heavier the load, the higher the risk of back injury from moving that load
• the size and shape of the load – loads which are small and easy to grasp are generally less of a risk than large, awkwardly shaped loads
• your posture during manual handling – if you have to carry out manual handling while in an awkward posture, or while seated, the risks of injury are greater
• the distance you have to lift the load – the higher, lower, or wider you have to reach to pick up or put down the load, the higher the risk
• the nature of the manual handling movement – if you have to twist your body, or reach over, during manual handling, the risk of injury is higher
• the frequency of the manual handling movement – having to carry out a manual handling operation more than 30 times per hour increases the risk of injury
• the working environment – anything which makes the manual handling more difficult increases the risk of back or other injuries, eg uneven floors, having to
carry loads from one level to another
• the capability of the person – people differ in physical strength, height and reach.

The four main considerations when thinking about any manual handling task (known as TILE) are:

T ask – look at the job you’re doing. Does it need to be done at all? Can it be made safer before you do it? Can you do the job
some other time? Can you split the load into easier handling tasks? Could you store this load at an easier height in future?

I ndividual – what is it about you that makes this job more or less safe? Are you fit and healthy? Even if you are – are you capable of doing this specific job
safely? Have you been trained to do this job? Do you have any existing back/shoulder/arm problems that might affect your ability to complete the job safely?

L oad – look at the load itself. Can you make it smaller, lighter or more secure? Can you make it easier to handle by having a better grip or providing it with
handles? Can you put the substance into a better container so that it is more stable?

E nvironment – look at the surroundings where the handling job is to take place. Can you clear the way of obstructions so you won’t fall while
carrying the load? Can you use a ramp rather than awkward steps? Can you provide a cloth so that you can wipe a slippery load before you
try to handle it?

Remember:

• ALWAYS do the job the right way.

• ASK for extra training if you don’t know or haven’t been trained at all.
• IF you can safely solve the problems yourself – do so. If not, report any problems to your supervisor.
Computer workstations
The main injuries associated with workstations occur after extended periods of work. They are:

1. Upper limb disorders (ULDs) – these include repetitive strain injury and
usually occur after using a keyboard or mouse.

To prevent them:

• when typing, sit in the correct posture – for example, without having
your wrists at an acute angle
• take frequent short breaks during extended periods of keyboard use
• look out for early symptoms of ULDs – such as tingling in the fingers
after keyboard use. Remember: report any symptoms you experience to
your supervisor.

2. Back injuries from sitting with an awkward posture.

To prevent them:

• use an adjustable chair that is set up properly for you

• get training in how to set up an adjustable chair to meet your
3. Eye strain from looking at the display screen. requirements.

To prevent this:

• position the screen properly – so that there is no glare or reflection, it is at

‘eye height’, it is not too far away, it is not too near. If you don’t know how to
set your screen up properly, ask your supervisor.
• wear the necessary glasses – if you need to wear glasses to see the screen
clearly, wear them all the time you are using the screen.
• have your eyes tested regularly – your employer will pay for this if you have
to use screens for most of your work.
Housekeeping
Poor housekeeping can result in dirty, untidy, overcrowded and obstructed workplaces and often present
hazardous situations.

Poor housekeeping creates hazards for you and other people; for example, failure to clean up spillages
and tidy away tools after use presents a slip and trip hazard. Poor storage of materials may also present
a fire hazard, not only because of the nature of the materials but because they block the path to a fire exit.

Welfare facilities
Your employer must provide you with a number of facilities to ensure your welfare and comfort at work.

Your employer must provide you with:

• toilets and washing facilities

• drinking water
• storage for clothing and changing You must ensure that you:
areas
• rest and eating areas • use toilets and washing facilities provided
including barrier/skin creams
• store your own and any special work
clothing in an appropriate storage area, for
example, a locker.
• use facilities provided for changing into
special work clothing, as appropriate
• use rest facilities provided
• eat your meal in an appropriate area in
order to prevent foodstuffs becoming
contaminated

Remember: if there are any problems with welfare facilities, report them to your supervisor.