Health & Safety Update - March 2021

Health & Safety Update | MARCH 2021

Industry News - Safety & Security - PPE - Tools & Equipment

High-Performance Jackets – Workwear – Protectivewear – Performancewear – Leisurewear.

Snickers Workwear

see page 10...

WELCOME March 2021

Contents

Health & Safety Update | MARCH 2021

Industry News - Safety & Security - PPE - Tools & Equipment

44

High-Performance Jackets

Arco Professional Safety Services support Jubilee Sailing Trust

– Workwear – Protectivewear – Performancewear – Leisurewear.

Snickers Workwear

see page 10...

11

Engel high-viz workwear helps save the environment

18

Safety Footwear That Creates A Positive Footprint.

4 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Arco Professional Safety Services support Jubilee Sailing Trust with the safe operation of the only sea-going tall ship designed, built and sailed by a mixed-ability crew.

Arco Professional Safety Services has supported the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) with free consultancy on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training since 2017. The Trust runs inclusive adventures at sea, including day sails and voyages from its tall ship, SV Tenacious, the only sea-going ship in the world designed, built and sailed by a mixed-ability crew. As a charity, the JST is reliant on donations to run its uniquely accessible ship that can be sailed by a truly diverse crew, including those with disabilities, mental health conditions, long-term health issues and the socially isolated.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 5

Arco Professional Safety Services, like the JST, places the wellbeing and safety of its people at the forefront of its culture and is delighted to help facilitate such a laudable mission by sharing expertise and equipment. Arco Professional Safety Services has focused on essential working at height training for the charity’s permanent crew, as well as consultancy on the equipment used, storage, inspections and rescue provision. Arco Professional Safety Services has adapted its service to cater for the unique features of the ship that make it accessible to all, from the wheelchair lifts and wide decks to guidance tracks for people with visual impairments.

Ben, a member of JST’s voyage crew who is paralysed from the chest down feared the journey would be too much. “That all changed when I hoisted myself out of my wheelchair up the main mast to the lookout point.

When I got to the top absolutely shattered, I heard the whole ship cheer and when I sat there taking in the breath-taking view everything suddenly seemed to click.

Gone was the negativity and the constant “I can’t do this” rattling around my head.”

Sally, a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist and member of JST voyage crew, said, “For me physically climbing the mast, jumping off the side of the ship, negotiating the top bunk, and human guiding in sometimes exceptional circumstances; pushed me to extend my own ideas of what I thought I could manage.”

Mike Clayton, Equipment Department Manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said, “Everyone deserves a safe place to live and work. Arco Professional Safety Services will continue to support the safe operation of the world’s only sea-going accessible tall ship, crucial for delivering inclusive adventures that leave attendees feeling liberated to explore their ability, potential and place in the world.”

For further information on Arco Professional Safety Services, visit: https://www.arcoservices.co.uk/

“Gone was the negativity and the constant ‘I can’t do this’ rattling around my head.”

6 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

A GUIDE TO HOME WORKING Many businesses have begun to embrace the idea of flexible working and working from home and, in the current climate, more and more of us may find ourselves plunged into doing so for longer than the one to two days a week, which employers and employees adapt to fairly easily.

It is predicted that half of UK’s workforce work from home, but for those that don’t, this has meant adapting. This hub has been put together by SHP, Barbour EHS and The Healthy Work Company to provide research, case studies, videos and resources to enable you to lead this transition in a way which safeguards the wellbeing of your teams and maximises the opportunity to embrace new ways of working for the future.

In an age where work and life need to integrate much more successfully, remote working can be a wonderful thing. But it is also full of pitfalls for both managers and employees. Our hub will help your organisation to navigate those.

‘Return to working from home,’ says PM On 4 January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson again urged people to work from home wherever possible, as large parts of the UK entered a new

lockdown. The restrictions came into effect from 5 January and are expected to last until the middle of February if the situation in hospitals improve.

WHO EURO has released a guide on how to stay physically active during self-quarantine.

UK workers ‘more productive’ working from home Survey of 1,481 UK workers carried out

by Cartridge People between June 2nd and June 18th , 2020 has found that 40% of UK workers have been more productive when working at home, claiming it gives them a lot more flexibility with their time. Respondents said home working has helped to provide a much better work-life balance giving them more time to spend with family.

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regulations, are approved by the BBA, LABC registered and classified as fire resistance class REI 120.

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8 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Hydroblast Goggle – Reliable, comfortable sealed eye protection...

As experts in the field of protective eyewear we pride ourselves on our range of safety glasses, goggles and face visors, available to all within a competitive price range.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 9

The Hydrobast goggle is the latest addition to our goggle range.

Designed and manufactured by MCR Safety, this is a premium product without the premium price tag.

It’s a sealed unit eye protector, a form of eye protection which is becoming increasingly popular throughout the industrial sector. The onset of COVID19 has also played its part in highlighting a need for more fortified face coverings.

Functionality and Comfort The Hydroblast® HB3 goggle fits perfectly to your face to give you supreme comfort along with secure and reliable protection. It’s able to do so because of it’s unique, super-soft TPR seal. We use TPR where the safety goggle meets your skin because its soft, supple and extremely resistant to every-day wear and tear.

Summary of key CE standards ‘3’ Withstands liquid splash ‘4’ Prevents the penetration of dust over 5 microns ‘9’ Resistant to penetration by hot solids ‘F’ Withstands impact from an object travelling at 45 metres per second ‘1’

Optical Class 1 indicates a high-quality lens for all day use

The Goggle features a 7-point ratchet action on the strap fastening so you can adjust it to the optimum fit for you.

‘N’ Anti-fog, will not become clouded by condensation

The indirect vented air flow allows air to circulate reducing clamminess, but still protecting you from splash hazards and larger dust particles.

Find out more

The lens is optically clear and coated with our premium MAX6 Anti-Fog (N) coating to withstand extreme stresses in your working environment, free from unwanted distraction.

And if you’re a prescription wearer, a prescription insert can simply be added to the goggle.

These carefully considered features teamed with refined ergonomic design ensure that the safety goggle is perfect to wear all-day.

Protection Assurance Hydroblast® HB3 has been tested in accordance with CE EN166, with grade F impact protection. The dielectric construction means there are no metal components and therefore the goggle is a non-conductor, ideal in hot or electrical environments. It’s ability to withstand liquid splash and dust penetration is particularly useful in these times of COVID19 when face covering as a barrier is of utmost importance.

The Hydroblast goggle is a great piece of safeguarding eye protection for industrial environments spanning a wide cross-section of industry.

You can find out more about the Hydroblast® HB3 Goggle by visiting the Product Profile page on our website or you can make enquiries by phone or via email at: +44 (0) 1922 457 421 sales@mcrsafetyeurope.com

10 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Workwear – Protectivewear – Performancewear – Leisurewear.

With street-smart designs for men and women, all Snickers Workwear jackets include must-have features that focus on fit and freedom of movement as well as using innovative fabrics that deliver long lasting protection and stretch comfort.

Snickers Workwear High-Performance Jackets Whatever you need – if it’s for work, play or protection against hazards – Snickers Workwear has Jackets that will work on site, are ideal for leisure, always ensuring optimal performance, comfort, good looks and visibility.

ALLROUNDWork Jackets are just what the name suggests, delivering a great all-round performance. There’s also FLEXIWork Jackets that provide superb comfort and weather-proofing

if you’re always on the move and LITEWork Jackets that keep you feeling cool and looking good whatever you’re doing in warm weather.

So check out the performance, comfort and protection features of Snickers Workwear Jackets, there will be one to suit you - wherever you are, whatever you need, whatever you’re doing.

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear jackets range ks easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out https://www.snickersworkwear.co.uk/products/93 and download a digital catalogue or email

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 11

Called ‘Safety Light’, each item of clothing can be verified to consist of regenerated polyester fibres ultimately spun from a specific number of plastic bottles to make up 50% of its content. This is combined with 40% cotton and 10% standard polyester (245 g/m2) to produce a cool-to-wear, durable fabric. By using regenerated polyester which is equally as efficient as new, there are also significant consumption savings on energy, water and C02.

The Danish firm has worked closely with Unifi, one of the world’s most advanced recycling centres which transforms the recycled bottles into a polyester yarn called ‘REPREVE©’ The smart, mix-and-match range includes boiler suits (containing 37 plastic bottles), work-jackets (20 bottles), trousers (19 bottles) with Cordura kneepad pockets and elasticated waistband, bib-overalls (23 bottles) and shorts (14 bottles).

All have many practical pockets and comfort-design features. There is also a specific selection especially for women called ‘Ladies Light’, all with the same benefits.

Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of Engel Workwear, John Engel said: “We are delighted to be able to make a positive contribution in helping to reduce the impact of the single-use global plastic waste crisis by putting many thousands of otherwise discarded bottles to further practical purpose. By doing so, we are able to not only do our bit to help improve the environment, but also be the first to use this versatile fabric to produce a unique range of lightweight, hardwearing and comfortable high-visibility clothing which will help keep our customers safe” For more information contact Gareth Bladen – email: gbl@f-engel.com Telephone: +44(0) 7759 520034 or visit: www.engel.eu/en Click here for more information.

Engel high-viz workwear helps save the environment A brand-new range of high visibility protective safety clothing with 50% of the material made from recycled plastic bottles has been introduced by workwear manufacturer Engel Workwear.

12 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

PIXA Z1: the new lighting standard for hazardous areas Compact, rugged headlamp for use in ATEX hazardous areas The PIXA Z1 headlamp meets the requirements of the ATEX zone 1/21 (II 2 GD Ex ib IIB T4 Gb IIIB T135° C Db) certification. Designed to keep the hands free for work in ATEX areas, it is rugged and versatile. The multi-beam makes the PIXA Z1 suitable for any situation: close-range work, movement, and long-range vision. 100 lumens.

May be worn on the head with the headband, attached to a helmet with the included mount or with the PIXADAPT (sold separately), or placed on the ground.

Several lighting modes adapt to each situation: • for close-range work: uniform flood beam • for movement: mixed beam includes focused lighting for moving around easily • for long-range vision: focused beam Lighting for professionals that is reliable, practical and durable: • storage position helps protect the headlamp lens and prevents inadvertently turning it on • automatically switches to reserve mode when batteries are almost drained (signaled by blinking light and red indicator) • rotating knob that is ergonomic, even with gloves • excellent resistance to falls (2 m), impacts, and crushing (80 kg) • comfortable and washable elastic headband • resistant to chemicals

Multi-beam: multiple lighting modes available for close-range work, for movement or for long-range vision.

Excellent fall, impact and crush resistance.

Knob can be handled with gloves to facilitate use of the headlamp under any conditions.

For more information CLICK HERE

© 2019 - Petzl Distribution - Rémi Flament - SAS Michel Besson

PETZL LIGHTING SOLUTIONS When the specialists from the SAS Michel Besson Company dig underground galleries, they know they can count on Petzl’s advanced headlamp technology to provide lighting that is best adapted to their work.

The Petzl headlamp range covers the full spectrum of professional needs, from intensive to occasional use, and for different work environments that require varying degrees of brightness. www.petzl.com

14 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

SAFETY FOOTWEAR THAT CREATES

A POSITIVE FOOTPRINT. Nick Thorpe, Safety Footwear Product Specialist for the Hultafors Group UK writes:

Just as the effects of plastic waste on the environment has been brought to the centre of consumer consciousness in recent years, so the problems caused by the disposal of shoes and clothing are also coming to the fore.

Images of ‘ragpickers’ on our waste clothing mountains in Africa are an increasing cause for concern as landfill sites become overwhelmed and we dispose of our waste on someone else’s doorstep.

It’s not just consumer waste that’s causing problems.

Used clothing and footwear from corporate users also end up in landfill or on waste mountains overseas and therefore need to be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner so that ‘footprints’ can be maintained at levels that benefit everyone, not just the environment.

That’s why the sourcing of sustainable and environmentally responsible safety footwear and workwear is becoming key parts of companies’ corporate sustainability policies. Added to which, without responsible management, pressure will grow on raw material sourcing, manufacturing costs will increase and working conditions will deteriorate.

Some working clothes and protective wear – such as some of the Snickers Workwear range – is now being manufactured from specialist textiles that feature recycled polyester. Snickers Workwear is also a member of The Better Cotton Initiative, the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world which aims to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it as well as for the environment it grows in. Going forward, Snickers Workwear has committed itself to sourcing 80% of its cotton fabrics as ‘more sustainable cotton’ by 2023, that is, cotton sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative, organic cotton or recycled cotton.

We’ve all seen how quickly clothing and footwear containers at waste disposal centres fill up almost as quickly as any other, which is why corporates not only have to source effectively but also ensure that footwear and garments are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.

The Hultafors Group’s latest brand addition to its market-leading PPE portfolio – EMMA Safety Footwear - has the solution. It’s a policy of ‘100% Circularity’ in all its products. Every product in the EMMA range is made entirely from recycled or recyclable materials. It’s a 100% ‘circular’ manufacturing, usage and recycling process for every shoe and boot it produces.

Critically, it’s complimented by a service that takes back used shoes and boots for recycling when they’re replaced by new EMMA products, therefore enabling environmentally responsible companies and individuals to make a positive footprint in their workplaces.

With a 90-year pedigree, EMMA Safety Footwear is a fully EU-accredited range of excellent value shoes and boots that satisfy a wide range of user needs and workplaces - including light and heavy industry, chemical and construction, facilities and logistics sectors plus office and retail environments.

Complementing the Solid Gear and Toe Guard range, EMMA safety footwear includes all the Hultafors Group hallmarks of hi-tech designs that combine top quality materials for ultimate comfort, maximum safety and wellbeing at work.

Continuous improvement in an ever-changing world.

As we’ve seen with the effects and consequences of the Covid-19 crisis, the PPE world is changing faster than ever, creating new demands on corporates and individuals when it comes to everyone’s safety, personal wellbeing and individual responsibility.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 15

Having therefore made the conscious choice to make such a significant step forward in its corporate and product development philosophy four years ago, EMMA has now become the pioneer innovator in sustainable safety footwear. It’s a product range that doesn’t compromise on product quality, value for money and corporate social responsibility.

So, how does ‘100% Circularity’ in a safety shoe work? Take for example EMMA’s ‘Amazone’, the world’s first ever ‘100% Circular’ safety shoe which is typical of every other product in the range. Its design and development provide the guiding principles for the rest of the EMMA product range.

Whilst it’s principally designed for fully accredited for safety, comfort and wellbeing, its construction

also ensures that it can be disassembled and recycled easily. The shoe is partly made from recycled materials. 70% of the insole is produced from PU foam filling from old car seats and furniture, while the laces are made of used and fully recycled PET plastic bottles.

However, with the fundamental philosophy of ‘safety first’ to the fore, ‘100% Circularity’ features are combined with ‘100% Safety and Comfort’ features such as the TPU Counter which prevents moisture penetration. Also, stitching is below the surface of the footwear, which means that it cannot be damaged by sharp and hard objects. The product remains intact for longer and dirt and moisture are unable to penetrate the surface.

Innovation That Never Stops Every pair of EMMA safety shoes and boots is fitted with a unique QR code. This allows us to link each piece of footwear to the user, paving the way for new services and information flows to help improve our products and services.

When users scan the QR code with the special EMMA app they’ll see a ‘components passport’ with a summary of all materials that have been used in the product. All these materials have been chosen for their durability and environmental safety, with multiple life-cycle usability of each material and component already set out after the shoe or boot has completed its first life cycle.

Reverse logistics that make ‘Circularity’ work for you.

The Hultafors Group is working with its chain partners on an agreed basis to take care of the returns logistics to ensure that every used part of a shoe or boot can be put to good use and save you the problem of sustainable and environmentally responsible disposal: • Customers collect used Emma safety footwear to be exchanged for new Emma products.

• Collection of gathered shoes on-site.

• Transport to Emma safety footwear for further processing.

• Footwear dismantled, components recycled and redistributed as raw materials

That’s how the EMMA philosophy and safety and sustainability are combined, each aspect reinforcing each other very effectively in the continued search for better safety shoes.

Join us in taking a positive step forward EMMA’s ‘100% Circular’ product range has been created by thinking about the future of the environment and corporate responsibility from a new perspective This safety footwear allows you, as the customer, to make some positive choices for people and the planet by creating a positive footprint in everything we do in the workplace.

EMMA Safety Footwear is one of the founders and driving forces behind ‘The Positive Footprint’ which is a group of like-minded organisations and individuals that encourage transparent production, a circular economy to make a positive impact on people and the planet. Read more about The Positive Footprint and join in on thepositivefootprint. com.

To get more information on EMMA Safety Footwear, visit the website at www.emmasafetyfootwear.com , call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788 or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

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HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 17

EMMA Safety Footwear Will Improve Your Carbon Footprint Safety Footwear that’s a step ahead in taking the environment seriously.

EMMA is a socially responsible brand that delivers a 100% circular footwear offering that is set to change the way we buy and use safety footwear.

Businesses from all industry sectors, from construction to manufacturing, to logistics, warehousing, office and retail, are making huge strides in sustainability and making bold public commitments to improving their social impact and encouraging their supply chains to do the same.

As part of these efforts, many businesses are embracing the circular economy and looking for opportunities to eliminate waste and find ways to continually use resources. That’s where EMMA steps in to be an active part of the corporate sustainability programme.

Every piece of footwear in the EMMA range is made entirely from recycled or recyclable materials. They’re safe for the environment with a 100% ‘circular’ manufacturing, usage-mapping and recycling process for every shoe and boot produced under the EMMA brand.

Part of the Hultafors Group portfolio of market-leading PPE brands, EMMA complements the Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear ranges by including all the Hultafors Group hallmarks of hi-tech

designs that combine top quality materials for ultimate comfort, maximum safety and wellbeing at work.

So, to make a positive social impact in your workplace, if your ordinary safety footwear just isn’t contributing to your sustainability policy, you can be sure there’s an EMMA product that is.

To get more information on EMMA Safety Footwear, visit the website at www.emmasafetyfootwear.com, call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788 or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 19

50 Year old product makes dramatic comeback to help beat the virus When the Melaphone Speech Unit was

the UK have had these screens installed with

at British Rail stations, nobody could have

screens are individually made and every

predicted that half a century later it would

component is of the highest quality, giving a

suddenly be in such high demand.

clean, sleek and professional appearance in any

considerable success and approval. The

health-care environment.

The current Corona Virus Pandemic had created an urgent need for all protective

The Melaphone is still available as a stand-

equipment – both for personal use and in the

alone unit for installation into walls, glass or

working environment. This is the reason the

plastic screens, windows or doors. I can easily

Melaphone has come into its own again. Its unique design, with its resonating membrane

requires no special skill to install. The range

and air-sealed constructions, make it the

has been expanded to meet the growing

ideal device to install in any situation where

demand for the units. In addition to the original

face-to-face communication occurs. It not only

brushed aluminium model there is a stainless

offers protection from air-borne viruses and

steel model, a white powder-coated aluminium model and the newest and highly successful Himacs acrylic-resin model, which is at a very

through a screen. Its protective credentials

popular price. is very easy to keep clean and safe with an antiseptic wipe.

All of these models are available from stock and can be purchased from Melaphone VisAudio.

and designers for use in hospitals, laboratories and cleanrooms or anywhere hygiene is of

The Melaphone has now been built into the

paramount importance. It is a simple but

new Defender Virus Screens produced by the

Even after 50 years, we’re proud to still be

really ingenious invention which requires no

company and numerous doctors’ surgeries,

able to say ‘MADE IN THE UK’ at our London

servicing, wiring or electrical supply. And it

medical centres, clinics and pharmacies in

production facility.

WEBSITE: WWW.MELAPHONE.CO.UK

20 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

Why work-related stress is getting critical.

And what to do about it

Work-related stress is on the increase, but how do you strike a between prevention and paternalism? In this ‘how to’ style piec Laidler, Director of Wellbeing at Health Shield, focuses on how Risk and HR can better work together.

Work-related stress is on the increase and it’s only going to get worse as the economic crisis deepens and employees go in and out of lockdown, according to Employment Lawyer Vanessa Latham, who expects to see work-related stress claims related to redundancies and burnout increase. This brings with it potentially high costs to business, both financially and reputationally speaking. The time is ripe for a more proactive approach, especially considering the pandemic has made leaders focus squarely on employee wellbeing as the key to business recovery. So, what should businesses be doing now? And what nationwide solutions are being mooted for the not-too-distant future?

It’s telling that nearly half of employees (47.6%) say their employer hasn’t asked about their health and happiness since the initial lockdown, according to a recent social poll of over 3,000 individuals by Health Shield.

Clearly, proactivity needs a helping hand. And quickly, considering the current landscape.

Vanessa Latham, Employment Partner at BLM Law, speaking as part of a recent webinar, reports seeing an increase in Employment Tribunal and Personal Injury claims related to work-related stress over recent months.

Such claims come with high costs attached: anything from £1k to £100k or more. But, of course, the financial cost could pale into insignificance in comparison to the reputational cost once word gets out (and it will) that work-related stress is a problem in your company.

Added to this is the issue of burnout, says Vanessa, which results from chronic work-related stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. New research shows that online searches for the term “burnout symptoms” have increased by 24% this year. This is leading to predictions of a January 2021 “burnout spike”.

Burnout was added to the World Health Organisation (WHO) international classification of diseases (ICD) last year. Although not a medical condition as such – right now at least – claimants could argue that the signs of burnout were obvious to the employer, thereby triggering an obligation on the employer to prevent injury occurring.

Its classification might soon change though.

Vanessa adds: “It [burnout] has not hitherto been formally recognised as a condition in its own right, as opposed to an aspect of others, but I understand there is now a suggestion that the WHO classification of mental health diseases contained in ICD 10 is due to be replaced in January 2022 by ICD 11, which does introduce “burnout” as a separate classification.”

Burnout, stress and being human Underlying drivers When you consider the year so far, the mounting problem is clear to see.

Latest labour market statistics show that the annual increase in redundancies reported in the quarter July to August represented the largest increase for over a decade (April to June 2009). At the same time, the pool of available jobs is shrinking. Job vacancies are below the pre COVID-19 pandemic levels and 40.5% less than a year ago.

For those lucky enough to be still in work, seven in 10 say that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their overall wellbeing. In separate research, the same ratio of employee respondents (seven in 10) say the loneliness they experienced during the last lockdown was having a negative effect on wellbeing and productivity.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 21

It was also recently reported that 20% of adults are suffering from some kind of depression. That’s doubled from 10% since before the pandemic.

industry body GRiD formed a new public policy committee in response to the consultation to help positively influence policy making.

The impact of the latest lockdown could further compound all of these problems.

They said it failed to look at ways in which an employer’s existing employee benefits and services could be better used to help in a preventative context – things like group income protection, private medical insurance, health cash plans and wellbeing platforms: all of which include valuable services, from virtual GPs, physio triage and diagnostics to counselling support and health screening.

Some also already offer access to OH support.

All in all, it’s a pretty bleak picture. And this is just the psychological impact. The physical impact of COVID-19 itself, not to mention countless other conditions that are going undiagnosed and untreated, is also taking its toll.

From reactive to proactive So, what can employers realistically do to help tackle work-related stress, especially when workers are now so remote – literally speaking.

Current Health & Safety Executive guidelines make clear that if an employee tells you about a mental health related issue, or you’ve noticed a problem – generally indicated by a change in behaviour – there’s a responsibility on you to do something about it. This involves discussing solutions with the employee to help prevent the situation getting worse. Everything must be documented, actioned and regularly reviewed.

a balance ce, Carl w OH,

The problem with the above approach is that it is very reactive. Employers are now being encouraged to be much more proactive in their approach, nurturing a culture of openness and self-care to help prevent problems occurring in the first place.

That’s all well and good but there’s no ‘out of the box’ one-size-fits-all solution to this, which probably explains why many employers are struggling to get on top of it.

In overlooking this vast area, the consultation failed to consider the integrated and cost-effective care pathway approach that employers require, according to GRiD. Your business: right here, right now So, where does all of this leave us? What we do know for sure is that one-size-fits-all rarely brings results when it comes to the wellbeing of people.

Proactivity via a culture of openness and self-care is paramount. And this is something that employers of all shapes and sizes could be focusing on right now.

Business recovery rests on the health, happiness and motivation of your people and it simply cannot be left to chance, or to statutory guidance alone.

How to nurture a culture of self-care: top tips •

Get to know your people. It’s only by gaining employee insights, through various means from surveys, absence and employee benefit claims statistics to Glassdoor reviews, that you can begin to think about tweaking – or kickstarting – a fit for purpose wellbeing programme.

•

Join up your existing wellbeing benefits, services & initiatives. Chances are you’re doing a lot already and probably have access via products like group risk and health cash plans to a whole host of wellbeing services, maybe even OH resource. Work with your providers to ensure these are structured in a way that supports immediate-use care pathways. Also link all of this to other relevant HR policies, practices and initiatives you might already have in place such as mental health first aiders and wellbeing networks.

•

Communicate in a way that is insight-led and purpose driven. Gone are the days of ‘throwing mud at the wall’ style communication. If you want your employees to rationally understand the support and services you have in place (and they need to, otherwise they won’t use them) and the way in which the programme supports the company’s purpose, you need to communicate in a way that is much more structured and targeted. Use employee insights and think like a consumer marketeer.

All-employer solutions in the pipeline One of the main barriers to progress at the moment is a lack of joined up thinking across Occupational Health (OH), Health & Safety, Human Resources (HR), Risk Managers and Line Managers. There are currently a number of solutions being mooted – the key one from a UK government perspective revolving around OH. Right now, the government seems to view OH access as the primary answer to sickness absence issues in the UK. A Green Paper is expected to be published jointly before the end of this year by the Department for Work & Pensions and the Department for Health & Social Care in response to the consultation Health is everyone’s business: proposals to reduce ill health-related job loss (July 2019).

This consultation set out proposals to encourage all employers to take positive action to support employees who are managing health conditions in work, and to manage sickness absence more effectively.

Insurance industry respondents to this consultation, however, said the approach was too siloed. In fact,

22 HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE

CORONAVIRU FOR EMPLOY Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a national lockdown in England on 4 January, the government has published stay at home guidance which stresses that the single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

National lockdown: Stay at Home The only reasons for leaving home are set out as follows: • Shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person; • Go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home; • Exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area; • Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one; • Seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse); • Attend education or childcare – for those eligible.

Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings remain open.

The government is also advising the clinically extremely vulnerable to begin shielding again, and letters will be sent to individuals with advice on what this means for them.

Certain businesses and venues are permitted to stay open, following COVID-19 secure guidelines. These include: • Businesses providing repair services; • Banks, building societies, post offices, short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses;

areas of venues such as heritage homes and botanical gardens can remain open, to be used for exercise.

Playgrounds may also remain open.

Places of worship can also remain open, but you may only visit with your household.

Indoor and outdoor sports facilities including sports courts, gyms, golf courses, swimming pools, and riding arenas must also close. Elite sport and disabled sport can continue, as can PE lessons for those children attending school.

All non-essential retail, hospitality and personal care services must close, or remain closed. Restaurants can continue delivery, takeaway or click-and-collect of food and nonalcoholic drinks, but venues will no longer be able to serve takeaway or click-and-collect alcohol.

The restrictions came into effect from 5 January and are expected to last until the middle of February if the situation in hospitals improve.

By this point, the NHS hopes to have vaccinated everyone in the top four priority groups identified by the JCVI – including older care home residents and staff, everyone over 70, all frontline NHS and care staff and all those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Essential shops and garden centres can remain open. Entertainment venues and animal attractions such as zoos must close, but the outdoor

The guidance document setting out details of what you can and can’t do under the lockdown restrictions is available here.

• Medical and dental services; • Storage and distribution facilities.

HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE 23

US ADVICE YERS • For essential services, including services of a charitable or voluntary nature such as food banks, alcohol or drug support services.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): stay at home guidance (Scotland) This document sets out guidance on the new stay at home regulations which came into effect on 5 January 2021.

To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, the instruction is to stay at home as much as possible. By law, in a level 4 area, you can only leave your home (or garden) for an essential purpose. And although you can leave home for these purposes, you should stay as close to home as possible.

Examples of reasonable excuses to go out: • For work or an activity associated with seeking employment, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home.

• For education including, school, college, university or other essential purposes connected with a course of study.

• For essential shopping, including essential shopping for a vulnerable person. You should use online shopping or shops and other services in your immediate area wherever you can.

• To obtain or deposit money, where it is not possible to do so from home.

• For healthcare, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

• For childcare or support services for parents or expectant parents.

• To access public services where it is not possible to do so, including from home (eg social care services) • To provide care, assistance, support to or respite for a vulnerable person • To provide or receive emergency assistance.

• To participate in or facilitate shared parenting.

• To visit a person in an extended household.

• To meet a legal obligation including satisfying bail conditions, to participate in legal proceedings, to comply with a court mandate in terms of sentence imposed or to register a birth.

This includes gatherings related to the scattering or interring of ashes, a stone setting ceremony and other similar commemorative events.

• If you are a minister of religion or worship leader, for the purposes of leading an act of worship (broadcast or online), conducting a marriage or civil partnership ceremony or a funeral.

• To donate blood.

• For activities in connection with moving home (including viewing a property), or for activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible for. Travelling for the purposes of undertaking essential work on a property other than your main residence should not be used as a pretext for a holiday.

You should not stay longer than for the length of time required to undertake the necessary work.

• For attendance at court including a remote jury centre, an inquiry, a children’s hearing, tribunal proceedings or to resolve a dispute via Alternative Dispute Resolution.

• To avoid injury, illness or to escape a risk of harm.

• For essential animal welfare reasons, such as exercising or feeding a horse or going to a vet.

• To visit a person receiving treatment in a hospital, staying in a hospice or care home, or to accompany a person to a medical appointment.

• For outdoor recreation, sport or exercise, walking, cycling, golf, or running that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area) as long as you abide by the rules on meeting other households • To attend a marriage ceremony or registration of a civil partnership.

• To attend a funeral or for compassionate reasons which relate to the end of a person’s life.

• For those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event.

• To register or vote in a Scottish or UK Parliament, Local Government or overseas election or byelection, including on behalf of someone else by proxy.

• To visit a person detained in prison, young offenders institute, remand centre, secure accommodation or other place of detention.

The full guidance can be found here.

Health & Safety Update Recommended Suppliers

SBS

- The Lone Worker Alarm Company

Our in-depth Knowledge of the issues surrounding lone workers and emergency response systems is based on many years of experience in consultation, research, design, implementation, management and support.

The unique SBES lone worker alarm systems have been developed over the last two decades, enabling us to provide the most expert service and system solutions available in today’s industries.

SBES’s commitment to lone worker protection is second to none.

We have systems to suit all sizes of companies, so whether you’re a single user or a global company, we have the best lone worker protection available

With over 30 years of experience, and installations in over 20 countries, PoolLock is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of automatic safety and slatted covers for swimming pools.

PoolLock Automatic Covers offer you the safest, most convenient, most reliable and energy-efficient way to cover your pool.e

> www.poollock.com

> www.sbes.co.uk

Redbacks Cushioning - Innovative products built to make you last Redbacks® was formed in 2011 in order to develop our cushioning invention for which we now hold a number of international patents.

> ww.redbackscushioning.com

Vicaima unexpected harmony Established in 1959, Vicaima have been supplying quality interior timber doors and door assemblies to the UK market for over 25 years. From its European HQ in Portugal, products are sent to be enhanced and distributed by the Vicaima Limited manufacturing and warehouse facility in Swindon, Wiltshire to developers, merchants and clients nationwide.

> www.vicaima.com/en-gb

Quirepace Engel Workwear - workwear for professionals

- innovation in vacuum and conveying technology

Our workwear is constantly adapted to the demands of the market. We sell the workwear that you need - whether it’s traditional or modern, or whether it needs to meet specific certifications.

We combine proven products with carefully designed solutions to deliver outstanding benefits to our customers. Our extensive experience enables us to best interpret our customers’ requirements and aspirations, in order to deliver first-class products, systems and services.

> www.engel.eu/en

> www.quirepace.co.uk