Issue 10 • Summer 2022 In this issue... Driver and pedestrian safety Near misses – you said, we did Employee and contractor health and safety Chance to win £30 Defibrillators installed at all Homes sites
If a colleague or visitor has a health emergency, contact 999 in the first instance. There are first aid trained colleagues at every Hills site. Trained colleagues are listed at each site office or reception area.
2 Homes’ has installed defibrillators at all its sites to provide a potentially lifesaving tool to be used on anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest. The defibrillators provide clear audible and visual instructions enabling people who haven’t been given any training to use them. Defibrillators are located at some of Hills’ other sites: • Quarry Products’ Shorncote and Woodsford sites • Waste Solutions’ Northacre Resource Recovery Centre in Westbury and Sands Farm in Calne, Lower Compton and at Purton Household Recycling Centre • County Park office in Swindon. Lifesaving investment Learn CPR in 15 minutes You never know when you'll need to give someone CPR – it may save the life of a friend, family member or a colleague. Administering CPR can more than double the chance of survival. The British Heart Foundation is offering a free 15 minute training session you can do from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop. To join a session, visit: bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-tosave-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in15-minutes
Anthony Shirley, Site Manager Homes, pictured with a defibrillator on site.
Near miss reporting remains one of the strongest tools we have to help maintain high standards of health and safety across our work places. Our newly designed near miss booklet and updated online reporting system now includes a risk score to help focus on the potential harm that could have resulted if a near miss had not been identified. Don’t walk on by if you see a potential hazard or near miss incident STOP work, TAKE ACTION to mitigate the immediate risk if safe to do so, and REPORT to the site manager or your line manager. Then complete a near miss report so your experience can be recorded and shared to keep our work places SAFER FOR ALL. Mike Hill, Chief Executive 3 RIDDORS and Near Misses Near Misses (per financial year 01 May to 30 April) 2019/20 2020/21 1 RIDDORS (per financial year 01 May to 30 April) 2 2021/22 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 6 2 221 41 361 There were a total of six RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) incidents across the Group during the 2021/22 financial year with Waste Solutions, Quarry Products and Homes each reporting two incidents.
Contractor management for safer working A contractor is anyone the company asks to do work on its behalf, typically in construction, maintenance or service repairs
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Hills sources appropriate contractors to work across all its sites. Paul Elling, Compliance Manager Waste Solutions said: “As part of our ‘Safer for All’ culture, the safety and health of contractors working on our sites is of the utmost importance. We carefully select and work closely with our contractors to ensure they are suitably competent and have relevant processes and procedures in place so we can be assured of their commitment to health and safety.” If you see a contractor working unsafely, ask them to STOP, inform the site manager and report it as a near miss.
. Both Hills and its contractors have responsibilities under health and safety law to manage the risks of workplace dangers to employees and the public.
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1. Identifies the job and all aspects of the work we want the contractor to do. Consider the health and safety implications. Provide potential contractors with this information.
5. Consults employees on health and safety matters. Discussing how the contractor’s work will affect their health and safety and how to raise any concerns they may have about the contractors and their work.
3. Assesses any risks of the planned work to employees and members of the public by having contractors on site. Agrees the measures needed to control risk with the contractor before work starts.
4. Cooperates and coordinates with the contractor to make sure the work can be done safely and without risks to health.
2. Selects a suitable contractor who can do the job safely. Ensuring the competence of the contractor for the complexity of the job.
6. Manages and supervises contractors’ work regularly. Measures are put in place to be consistent with the level of risk, ie the greater the risk the more checking of work needs to be done. What does Hills do to minimise risk in contractor management?
6 Near miss reporting book updated The company’s near miss reporting book and online form now requires the user to state the potential risk of injury or damage that could have occurred by using three risk categories : Low, Medium and High : Low: Could have resulted in a minor injury or surface damage to property or equipment. Medium: Could have resulted in a serious injury (more than first aid) or moderate damage to property or equipment resulting in repair. High: Could have resulted in loss of limb, bone fracture or death or damage to property or equipment meaning suspended operations or damage beyond repair. 37501 Near Miss Report Form Ref no: Unsafe fcondition ety eEnvironment ntial risk of injury or damage that could have occurred:/ High . . . Operation: . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . Time of incident: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ken / any recommendation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Signed: . . . . . . AKING THE TIME TO REPORT A NEAR MISS taken: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. upervisor): . . . . . . e. following Action taken’ to addressMedium / HighNEAR MISS REPORTING What is a near miss? Any event, act or condition present in the workplace that has the ability to: • Cause harm or put a person’s health or safety at risk • Cause damage to property or machinery • Pollute the environment • Disrupt operations. If you witness one of the above, report it using this book This book is made up of a top white form and one carbon copy (pink) Complete the form and return both copies to your Line Manager / Supervisor The pink copy once signed by your Line Manager will be returned to you for your records Request your copy of the near miss reporting book from your manager.
7 S E E I T, R E P O R T I T, P R E V E N T I T h i l l s - g r o u p . c o . u k / n e a r m i s s Your near miss booklet and hand it to your line manager. The near miss report webpage. Search “hills group near miss”. The icon on your company mobile or laptop. NEAR RMISS EPORTING What s a near miss?Any event ac or cond tion present n he wo kp ace hat has he ab ty to Cause ha m or put a pe son s hea th o safe y at r sk Cause damage to prope ty or mach nery • Po u e the •environment D s upt ope a ons f you witness one of the above repo t us ng th s bookTh s book s made up of a top wh t o m and one ca bon copy (p n Comp et he fo m and e u n both cop s t you L ne Manage S pe v sor The p nk opy on e s gned by you n Manage w be re u ned o you fo ou ec rds How to report a near miss If you have seen something that isn’ t safe, tell us about it . All near misses can be reported using any one of these :
Near Miss Reporting You said, we
Reported by Lynette Hemming Senior Accounts Clerk, Homes Email sent to remind County Park based employees of the site rules and speed limit on the estate road and around the building, the one way system and marked pedestrian areas.
Reported by Neil Luce Area Depot Manager, Waste Solutions I spoke to the individuals and reminded them of the requirement to smoke in the site's designated smoking area only.
300 unsafe acts or conditions 29 minor accidents 1 major accident
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Action taken Hills' driver outside of cab not wearing a hard hat when required to do so.
Incident Incident Incident Action taken While walking along the pedestrian area within the Wiltshire House car park, a car cut across in front of me into a parking space at great speed.
Heinrich’s Accident Triangle theory predicts that for every 300 near miss incidents there will be 29 minor and one major accident . Preventing unsafe acts and unsafe conditions will lead to fewer accidents. Here is a selection of recently reported near misses and the actions taken. All near miss incidents can be viewed on eTouch. did...
Reported by Dave Meakin Site Manager, Waste Solutions I reminded the driver of the requirement to wear PPE when instructed to do so. Action taken Several colleagues were smoking near the exit doors of tipping hall at recycled materials facility and not in the designated area.
Incident Incident Action taken
Action taken After delivery, a Hills driver left a concrete plant site with part of his vehicle tailgate open, causing some remaining product in the vehicle trailer to be deposited in the site entrance and along a public road.
Action taken
Reported by Darren Cawkwell, Assistant Site Manager, Homes Checked nobody was hurt and then closed the access hatch and repositioned the support leg, visually inspected other crash decking. Reported to line manager. 9
Someone had opened an access hatch in crash decking which dislodged one of the supports. A roofing joiner stepped on this unsupported corner. He lost his balance and fell onto supported sections of crash decking.
Reported by Nathan Carr Divisional Fleet Manager, Waste Solutions I reported this to the driver's line manager and the vehicle was cleaned the same day.
Reported by Stephen Cope, Concrete Operations Assistant, Quarry Products Informed plant manager of unsafe act. Any product left inside vehicle trailer and close tailgate should be removed prior to leaving site. Road sweeper sent out.
A manhole cover around the back of concrete plant was not put back in place properly causing a trip hazard.
Reported by Peter Robinson, Concrete Plant Manager, Quarry Products Made safe. This is a reminder to make sure all covers are replaced where they should be after working.
Incident Incident Action taken The front of a Hills lorry was extremely dirty and all headlights/sidelights and indicators completely covered which is illegal.
10 Dangers of driving whilst dehydrated Research* ha s shown that 55% of motorist s drink less than the recommended 1 .2 litres of water per day and that driving while dehydrated ha s the potential to be a s dangerous a s drink-driving . In the study: • 59% of dehydrated drivers reported loss of concentration • 47% reported loss of focus • 42% reported slower reaction times Stay hydrated with the following tips: 1 Bring enough fluids to stay hydrated during your journey (one glass of water for each hour in your vehicle). 2 Avoid excessive amounts of caffeinated drinks as these can contribute to dehydration 3 Keep the vehicle interior cool as a hot environment can accelerate dehydration. *from vehicle leasing company Leasing Options. 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 HYYDRATE NOWREHYDRATE D ATE
11 Beat the heat Working outside in direct sunlight and extreme heat could damage your health and precautions should be taken. During heatwaves and working in hot environments you may get dehydrated which can lead to two forms of heat stress: ‘heat exhaustion’ and the more severe disorder ‘heat stroke’. Symptoms to look out for Heat exhaustion Heat stroke • Fatigue • Hot skin • Giddiness • Confusion • Nausea • Convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness • Headache • Can result in death if not detected early • Moist skin Precautions to take • Cover up by wearing issued PPE and seek shade when possible especially during your breaks and lunchtime • Apply a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF30 on potentially exposed skin 30 minutes before exposure.
To promote safer driving across the business Hills partnered with the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) to deliver the hard-hitting ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive’ campaign. The Safe Drive Stay Alive presentation was attended by almost 400 employees across the company. It covered what is commonly referred to as the Fatal Four: The distraction of mobile phones drink and drugs speed and non-use of seatbelts. Here is a reminder of the law and dangers of the Fatal Four while driving… Mobile phone and handheld devices: It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any handheld device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. Offenders can be banned from driving and receive a maximum fine of £1,000 or up to £2,500 for LGV drivers. 1
Safer driving 12 1 2 3 4
Drink and drugs: You could be imprisoned, banned from driving and face a fine if you ’ re found guilty of drink or drug driving. There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, but it’s impossible to say exactly how many drinks this equals it’s different for each person. The company reserves the right to request that you undertake testing in circumstances when they believe either alcohol or drugs have played a contributing factor in an accident or near miss. Speed: The speed limit is the absolute maximum it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions. Drive to the conditions not the
The importance of wearing a seatbelt: One click could change your life. You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you ’ re using. Find out more at gov.uk/seat-belts-law 2 4 3
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14 Pedestrian safety Remember ‘thumbs up’ • Pedestrians should give a thumbs up sign to LGV/plant drivers before they attempt to walk past the vehicle or enter the working area of the vehicle • Drivers should visually acknowledge the pedestrian and return a thumbs up only when it is safe for them to pass the vehicle or enter the working area of the vehicle Giving and returning a thumbs up takes no effort, but can have life-saving consequences for you and other colleagues on site. Wait for driver’s thumbs up before you pass. . . Remember the importance of wearing the correct high-vis PPE and following designated pedestrian routes on all sites!
15 Fire and emergency evacuation procedures You should regularly familiarise yourself with the fire escape routes, the location of fire alarm points and where to assemble in the event of a fire, at your place of work. Fire plans and named fire marshalls can be found on health and safety notice boards. In the event of an emergency the company will tr y to contact you directly or by posting information on The Hills Group website. You may call the emergency phone line 020 8242 6094 for up-to-date employee information . If you discover or suspect a fire: • operate the nearest fire alarm call point • never put yourself at risk • leave the building by the nearest available exit • do not stop to collect personal belongings • do not use a lift • go to your assembly point. If you hear the fire alarm: • leave the building by the nearest available exit • do not stop to collect personal belongings • go to the assembly point • you must not go back into the building until the Fire Service, or an appointed fire marshal say it is safe to do so.
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Pictured left to right: Paul Bower (Trainer, Gravitas) with Frank Rodriguez – Quarry Manager, Anthony Booth – Concrete Plant Manager, Olly Thompson – Quarry Manager, Mick Chivers – Quarry Manager, Tony Stepp – Foreman and Jim Reed – Concrete Plant Manager.
Pictured left to right: Paul Bower (Trainer, Gravitas) with Ben Hinton - Foreman, Cameron Purcell – Graduate Trainee Manager, Kevin Hester Foreman, Daniel Houghton – Quarry Manager and Andrew Dyer – Rail Depot Manager.
Risk assessment training Quarry Products’ employees have recently undertaken risk assessment training provided by an external trainer from Gravitas . The training covered: 1 Risk assessment policies and procedures 2 Legal requirements 3 What is a risk assessment and its benefits? 4 Five steps to risk assessment 5 Identifying measures to help reduce risk
Pictured left to right: Paul Bower (Trainer, Gravitas) with Ben Hinton Foreman, Cameron Purcell Graduate Trainee Manager, Kevin - Foreman, Daniel Houghton Quarry Manager Andrew Dyer Rail Depot Manager.
A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards and evaluating any associated risks within a workplace, then implementing reasonable control measures to remove or reduce them.
Pictured left to right: Paul Bower (Trainer, Gravitas) with Frank Rodriguez Quarry Manager, Anthony Booth Concrete Plant Manager, Olly Thompson Quarry Manager, Mick Chivers Quarry Manager, Tony Stepp Foreman and Jim Reed Concrete Plant Manager.
which you are
Connect with people A good support network can help you to see things differently. Work smarter, not harder Prioritise your work by first concentrating on the tasks that will make a difference. Challenge yourself Learning a new language or sport can build confidence and reduce stress. Try to be
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18 Exercise and diet can help reduce stress • People who exercise regularly also have a lower risk of developing many long term health conditions. • For any type of activity to benefit your health, you need to be moving quick enough to raise your heart rate, breathe faster and feel warmer. Avoid unhealthy habits Do not rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. It might provide temporary relief, but it won't make the problems disappear. Why not try… • brisk walking, cycling, spinning, dancing, sports, gardening, hiking, running, swimming, skipping, gymnastics, martial arts, weight lifting, interval and circuit training, yoga, pilates… • Or NHS Couch to 5K – a running plan for absolute beginners to work towards running 5km in just nine weeks. Download the free app to start. Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life. Adults should try to be active every day and aim to do at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week, through a variety of activities.
19 All Hills employees have access to one of two employee assistance programmes, Simplyhealth or Health Assured, which offer a wide range of confidential services for health and wellbeing, such as FREE counselling and advice. Both services provide 24/7 telephone assistance. FREE employee assistance Financial and legal advice : • Moving house • Neighbour disputes • Tenancy concerns • Debt advice Relationship advice : • Childcare • Eldercare • Separation • Bereavement support Medical information : • Talk to qualified nurses for advice on health issues • Addiction issues • Medical advice for travel Counselling & Support • Face to face counselling • 24/7 telephone counselling • Cognitive behavioural therapy and self help modules Both schemes offer: Simplyheath www.simplyhealth.co.uk 0800 9753 347 HealthAssured (for Wiltshire Council and FCC transferred employees only) www.healthassured.org 08000 305182
Complete the wordsearch Win one of three £30 Tesco vouchers Name: Location: Find ten words and phrases which are included in this issue of Safer For All. All correct answers go in to a blind draw to win one of three £30 Tesco vouchers so don’t delay. Add your name and site location, then either: • cut off this back page and hand it to your line manager; • send it via the internal post to the Communications department at County Park, Swindon • or take a photo on your mobile and email to info@hills group.co.uk. Your entry must be received by 31 August. Good luck! 1 DEFIBRILLATOR 2 NEAR MISS 3 SAFER FOR ALL 4 DON’T WALK BY 5 THUMBS UP 6 HEALTH 7 SAFETY 8 ACCIDENT 9 RISK 10 WORKPLACE 20 FSAFERFORALLCE OERRSEHITHYTDY ORASCTIESERCOT XOYERNTLAIEANE REEDKERLALEITF WILDVDRDFTTRWA NEARMISSOAEHAS ELNSRCVAALOALD RLHBACRAIREKKA ENLMRAAADRSABR THUMBSUPIIDDYI EPMNCEFRRHDFOR WORKPLACESRRKR MDEFIBRILLATOR
