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Hot Desking

Thursday, 12 January 2017 10:50
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Health and Safety Issues with Hot Desking
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Hot desking is becoming more of a common feature in office based environments. The idea is to have workstations used to their maximum potential, especially in situations where employees are often out of the office, leaving workstations empty for periods of time. As there is with everything, pros and cons to having this in place. A number of health and safety issues may be related to the introduction of a hot desking system,
  • Employees may not set up the workstation for their own particular needs
Certain situations require specialist equipment for some individuals, either due to the work they undertake or due to medical or ergonomic requirements. Consideration for this would have to be given as to how this may be accommodated into the hot desking regime.
  • They may not be provided with the most appropriate equipment or equipment that could be adjusted for their requirements.
Every employee should set up their workstation correctly for their posture and to make it user friendly, a system must be introduced that enables employees to evaluate their workstation.
  • Hygiene and cleanliness issues, multiple employees using the same equipment.
A clear desk policy should be introduced, it may be advisable to provide antiseptic wipes/gel sprays for staff to use on telephones and keyboards.
  • Isolation from work colleagues or supervisors, difficulties with adapting to the new regime.
Introduce team zones that allow teamwork and a continuing of knowledge share, employees can then work with others that they are familiar with. A trade union has slammed the idea behind hot desking and says any money saved would be lost in higher sickness rates and lower staff morale. A source at the union said, “Forcing workers into a Ryanair-style dash for a seat in the office lowers morale and hits workers’ health. As utility companies and councils strive to make cuts, many call centre operations allocate desks on a first-come first-served basis, dehumanising workers. Packing up their space each evening and hot desking every morning, is the human equivalent of ‘battery hens’.” The union says that staff in call centres come under greater pressure because they are constantly monitored when they leave their desks — even to take toilet breaks. In addition, call centre workers have complained about the risk of infections, such as flu and other viruses spreading by constantly sharing equipment. 

Star Wars Production Fined by HSE

Tuesday, 01 November 2016 12:03
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The production company behind the new Star Wars The Force Awakens movie has been fined £1.6 million by the HSE. Back in June 2014 when the Star Wars movie was being filmed for release in December 2015, the actor Harrison Ford was injured on set of the Millennium Falcon spaceship by a metal door. This incident resulted in the actor who plays Han Solo being airlifted to hospital for surgery as he had a broken leg. Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, owned by Disney pleaded guilty earlier this year to two charges brought by the HSE.
In a court hearing, they were told that the actor could have been killed. The HSE said that the power of the rapidly closing door meant Ford was hit with a force comparable to the weight of a small car. The Judge said the firm had failed to communicate its risk assessment to the actor, he also said ‘The greatest failing of all on behalf of the company is a lack of communication, a lack because, if you have a risk assessment and you do not communicate it, what is the point of having one?’

Mesothelioma – Asbestos

Tuesday, 01 November 2016 11:09
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Mesothelioma is a cancer that is usually caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.  Asbestos exposure occurs when it is inhaled or asbestos fibres are swallowed. Everyone will breathe in asbestos from the outside air but these tiny amounts are unlikely to cause any future health problems. When asbestos products start to deteriorate, it is cut, sanded, drilled or disturbed in any way then microscopic fibres enter the air , these fibres can remain the air for hours, placing anyone nearby in danger. Once they have been inhaled, they become trapped in the respiratory tract and lungs, they then may stay there for life. Overtime, asbestos fibres will accumulate in the lungs and cause scarring and inflammation. This can cause breathing difficulties and lead to cancer and other illnesses. It may take between 10 to 50 years after the exposure for symptoms to manifest.  There are 4 types of Mesothelioma cancer:  Pleural Mesothelioma – this develops in the lining of the lungs. This is the most common type of Mesothelioma cancer which is found in 75% of all cases. Peritoneal Mesothelioma – this develops in the lining of the abdomen, approximately 20% of cases are peritoneal. Pericardial Mesothelioma – this develops in the exterior lining of the heart. This is a rare type of Mesothelioma and accounts for about 1% of all cases.  Doctors can offer three treatments to patients who are diagnosed with Mesothelioma: Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Overall, older Mesothelioma patients have a lower survival rate than younger ones. The reason being is that younger patients are eligible for more intensive treatment like surgery. Whereas the older generation may not be offered such treatment due to poor overall health or  a high risk of complications.  Mesothelioma Deaths by Age Range: 1999 – 2005
If you would like to know more information about Mesothelioma please visit https://www.asbestos.com

Not Skirting the Issue

Monday, 10 October 2016 12:41
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Consequences of workplace sexual harassment can be anything from low morale, depression, poor productivity to even leaving a job. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) have released two new infographics (details below) in a bid to spread awareness. Statistics show only 4 percent of victims, mostly being female, talked to an employer after being harassed. If you would like more information, follow the link https://osha.europa.eu/en/tools-and-publications/infographics/sexual-harassment-work image