Stallard Kane supports the HSE’s new Metalwork Inspections
The HSE has announced that they will be carrying out inspections of manufacturing businesses that use metalworking fluids or coolants in their machining processes. Inspectors will focus on how employers are ensuring workers are protected from exposure to fluid or mist generated by computer numerical control (CNC) machines, and that regular health checks are in place.
Understanding the new Metalwork Inspections Initiative
Metalworking fluid is a hazardous substance that comes under COSHH regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002). Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause harm to lungs and skin through inhalation or direct contact with unprotected skin, particularly hands, forearms and face. Breathing in the mist generated by machining can lead to lung diseases such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers' lung and skin health, making it imperative to act promptly. These inspections have already begun, and will continue until March 2024.
There are three areas where manufacturing companies, particularly smaller companies, commonly fall down on compliance:
- Not having Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV): to reduce exposure you need control measures in place. LEV should be fitted on CNC machines to carry away any harmful metalworking fluid mist, which is difficult to see in normal lighting.
- Not completing regular fluid quality checks: fluid quality should be regularly checked, focusing on concentration, pH, bacteria and contaminants. Fluid systems can become highly contaminated with harmful bacteria.
- Not providing regular health checks for lung and skin conditions: where there is exposure to fluid or mist, it is a legal requirement to carry out health surveillance even when preventative controls are in place. You will need to involve an occupational health professional and workers should be encouraged to report any health symptoms that occur.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Control Measures
LEV Testing and Inspection
When correctly fitted and maintained, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems should prevent employees breathing in dangerous substances by carrying away any harmful impurities in the air; this must be tested on a regular basis, along with system inspections.
Find out more by visiting our LEV page.
Face Fit Testing
To optimise protection against hazardous materials, conducting face fit testing on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial. Our experienced trainers are competent in performing accurate and reliable RPE fit tests. By ensuring a tight fit of the facepiece, we help prevent leaks and guarantee the utmost safety for workers with diverse roles and physical characteristics.
Find out more by visiting our Face Fit Testing page.
Occupational Health Assessments
Early identification of ill-health effects is vital for implementing better control measures. Our comprehensive occupational health assessments help identify potential health risks in the workplace, provide a robust way of measuring the effectiveness of existing control measures, and offer tailored strategies for improvement. Spirometry, otherwise known as Lung Function Testing, carried out on a regular basis will give you the information you require about your employees’ lung capacity. Used on an ongoing basis it will help not only to diagnose but also monitor lung conditions and the impact certain exposures may have on your employees.
Find out more by visiting our Occupational Health Assessments page.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Knowledge
Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Compliance with regulations and protecting employees from hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dust and vapours, is essential. Our workplace exposure monitoring services assist you in mitigating risks and providing regulatory compliance. We also provide guidance on noise and vibration hazards, helping you prevent long-term health issues like noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Find out more by visiting our Workplace Exposure Monitoring page.
Equipping employers and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills is paramount to controlling exposure to metalworking fluids effectively. We offer various training courses designed to raise awareness and promote best practices, including a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) extended toolbox talk. We offer UK-wide training options that can be created bespoke for your business and delivered virtually, on site, or at one of our accredited course centres. Our expert trainers cater to the specific needs of different industries and roles.
Find out more by visiting our Training page.
The new Metalwork Inspections initiative highlights the critical importance of controlling exposure to metalworking fluids and protecting workers' lung and skin health.
Stallard Kane is a supporter of this initiative, and we provide essential services and courses to help businesses fulfil their legal obligations and create a safe working environment. By using our LEV, face fit testing, occupational health assessments, workplace exposure monitoring and training solutions, you can protect the wellbeing of your employees and contribute to a healthier future.
Act now to protect your future and ensure the safety of your workforce.
Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of services and courses. Together, we’ll build a safer and healthier workplace environment.
To find out more information or discuss your training needs, talk to our Training Team by calling 01427 420 405 or email training@skaltd.co.uk
To find out more information or to get a no obligation quote, call our Compliance Team on 01427 420 404 or email compliance@skaltd.co.uk / risksolutions@skaltd.co.uk
When running a business and employing individuals, there is a fundamental responsibility that should never be overlooked – health and safety.
From the moment you hire someone and assign them tasks or equipment, you become legally responsible for ensuring their safety. This responsibility covers everything from conducting risk assessments to establishing a safe system of work, and it's not just a formality; it's a critical aspect of being an employer.
In this blog, we'll explore the vital elements of health and safety in the workplace, highlighting the role of leadership, the importance of documentation, and the practical steps involved in creating a culture of safety.
Health and Safety is your legal responsibility.
As soon as you employ someone and give them a task (from basic movement of goods to working at height) or equipment to use (ranging from basic tools such as a hammer to machinery or a vehicle) you, the employer, become legally responsible for ensuring that everything is risk assessed and that your safe system of work is both communicated to, and understood by, the employee.
Responsibility for Health and Safety begins with the leadership team and should be communicated from the top down; anyone in a managerial position should be aware of this, and take it seriously. Health and Safety is an integral part of their role as a manager and will be part of their job description.
Robust documentation is key.
Employees may grumble that Health and Safety documentation is a chore, but the content is only there if absolutely required (and remember, your Stallard Kane Health & Safety Advisor is always there to help).
The detail needed for each procedure is assessed and tailored according to the tasks and environment; one size does not fit all.
Our content is taken from a range of sources, including HSE guidance, ACOPs (Approved Codes of Practice) and the current legislation, which we then interpret to ensure you are meeting all your legal and recommended requirements.
Obtaining the correct documentation is crucial but not the final goal. It must then be communicated to your employees, who should be given the opportunity to review the content and ask questions. Once communicated, you need to evidence this. A signature beneath the standard statement ‘I have read, understood and will adhere to the content’ will suffice.
Moving forward, it is your responsibility to ensure that employees adhere to the content, whether it be the controls stated in the risk assessment or the safe system of work. You should do this by regular auditing and recording those audits.
Plan, Do, Check and Act
Companies can fall at various stages of the process:
- No documentation in place
- Documentation in place but not communicated to employees
- Initial issuing of documentation but no refresher communications
- No auditing of the systems against the documentation
If information has been communicated, but the content is not being adhered to, then you need to find out why. Perhaps the employees have taken it upon themselves to do things differently; this could be because they want to save time, believe they know better or are simply resistant to change.
Alternatively, it may be that the process genuinely no longer works. At this point, communication is key. Take feedback on board and investigate.
If something needs to be changed, you should risk assess prior to the change, make the necessary updates and then communicate these to your employees. However, you will only identify issues if you conduct audits of the documents against the actual performance of the task.
Alongside looking at your operatives, it is best to look at your managers; are they supportive and proactive regarding Health and Safety? Do they actively promote safe, compliant practices? If not, you need to start here. Our Training Team can deliver a wide range of courses to support your entire team. Contact training@skaltd.co.uk to discuss any training needs you may have.
Contact Us
If you require support regarding health and safety in the workplace, documentation, audits and the practical steps involved in creating a culture of safety, then contact healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk, and one of the team will be able to help you.
Occupational health is a familiar term to most, but it can be challenging to define. We look at what is involved in occupational health assessments and how it could directly benefit your business.
Occupational health assessments encompass every aspect of a person's general wellbeing, both in and out of the workplace. At its most basic, it starts with height, weight, blood pressure and any pre-existing health conditions, then moves into more specialised areas such as occupational lung disease, hearing loss or dermatitis. Assessments will also look at employees' mental health, with questions about stress, depression and anxiety forming a hugely important part of the process.
What are the requirements for Occupational Health Assessments?
The requirements for occupational health assessments are largely dependent on the workplace environment and will, in some cases, be mandatory. If your employees are exposed to certain risks within the workplace, from noise, dust and fumes to musculoskeletal strains and vibration, you have a duty to do everything possible to protect their physical and mental health.
However, while the assessments may not be mandatory in all workplaces, it is certainly beneficial, as it allows you to catch potential health issues before they cause long-term sickness or injury to workers and serious disruption to your business.
The risk of occupational ill health is ever-present; in 2020/21, a staggering 1.7 million employees suffered from work-related illnesses. Implementing occupational health assessments won’t solve all issues with ill health overnight. Still, it can give you a solid understanding of what health concerns currently affect your employees and what actions should be taken. Keeping an eye on workers' health can also help confirm if other safety measures, like using special equipment to remove dust or fumes, are working properly.
What is the process for Occupational Health Assessments?
Occupational health assessments are a straightforward process. The employer will select a day(s) for the assessments to take place and make a quiet, private room available for the occupational health technician to complete the appointments.
Each employee will have a one-on-one meeting where they can sit down and talk in a safe, confidential space about a wide range of health impacts and concerns. As part of the process, the technicians will not just look at control measures that have been put in place by the employer but also consider pathways to help and guidance that can be accessed by an employee in their own time too.
Appointment duration usually ranges from around 45 minutes to an hour or more. Everyone is individual and will have different pre-existing medical conditions, extra-curricular activities (some of which may impact areas of health), and employment history.
In addition, there are different levels of assessments; a full suite of occupational health surveillance covers all elements including lung function, audiometry, skin checks for dermatitis, and hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) assessments. However, in some situations, only one or two areas are relevant to the workplace. If you're unsure about what you need, just get in contact; we'll be able to give you more tailored advice.
After the first set of assessments is complete, the employer receives a summary document highlighting key areas for each staff member (it's important to note that this isn't the entire record of the occupational health surveillance), and a recommendation of what frequency their surveillance should have. For some people, this will be six months; for others, it might be over a year.
Occupational health assessments are just one piece of the puzzle. It goes hand in hand with workplace exposure monitoring, which is the formal process of assessing and sampling things like noise exposure, air quality and vibration levels to make the workplace safer. These compliance measures, alongside relevant training within the workplace for face fit testing, first aiders, wellbeing champions and mental health first aid, can provide a real boost to wellness, health and productivity within a workforce.
Contact Us
Are you looking for Occupational Health support? We're always only a phone call or email away, ready to give you guidance on how to make these assessments a reality in your workplace. Contact us on 01427 420 404 or email compliance@skaltd.co.uk
Recently the UK has already experienced some of the hottest weather in over 30 years, and with it came the usual onslaught of warnings relating to driving, personal safety and health.
The team at Safedrive discuss what happens when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, having not drunk enough water.
Driving dehydrated
Scientists at Loughborough University carried out a number of tests on drivers who were suffering from some level of dehydration. Shockingly, what they found was that most of these drivers made the same number of mistakes while dehydrated as the average drunk driver.
An average adult requires three to four litres of water daily just to function, more in hot weather. The study found that when drivers had a fluid deficit of 4% or more there was a significant increase in both body temperature and breathing rates, and they were considerably more likely to suffer from headaches and drowsiness.
All that considered, it makes sense to conclude that drivers put themselves at risk by not having enough fluids.
Why is this so important?
Any business should always be looking to reduce on-road risk. The ultimate goal is to identify areas of risk before they present themselves and actively work to avoid them – so something as simple as ensuring drivers are well-hydrated is a small change that results in much safer driving.
It can sometimes be difficult to ensure that drivers are taking care of themselves properly. A busy schedule and the fact that they’re often on their own for long stretches means that it’s even more important to instil self-care into their working routine.
Driver error accounts for up to 68% of accidents in the UK – and 78% of those accidents are caused by drivers being distracted by something, whether it’s a ringing phone or the drowsiness that comes with fatigue or dehydration.
There’s also an undeniable financial aspect. Distracted or fatigued drivers are statistically far more likely to be involved in road traffic accidents, which can lead to points on their licence, sizable fines, and potential prison sentences - not to mention the cost of claims, legal fees and increased insurance premiums for the business.
How to reduce the risk of dehydration while driving
Always drink enough water. An adult will require, on average, 3.7 litres of water per day to remain healthy and active – in hot weather, this should be increased
Try to avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. Between the hours of 12pm and 2pm, the sun is highest in the sky and considerably hotter. Wherever possible, try to avoid getting behind the wheel during this time.
Open your windows. Sitting behind glass on a hot day will only worsen the effects of dehydration. Even using air conditioning can only help to a point – so consider opening windows or a sunroof to allow ventilation throughout the vehicle.
Check your vehicle. It’s always important to have a well-maintained vehicle and safety checks never go amiss, but they’re particularly important during hot weather. In very hot weather road surfaces can soften and may cause more wear to your tyres; always make sure they have more than the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm so they can hold up. Keep your coolant levels topped up and ensure your windscreen and mirrors are clean, clear and undamaged to avoid worsening potential glare.
Don’t drive tired. Dehydration is known to mimic the effects of fatigue, as well as exacerbating them. You should always try to get 6-8 hours of sleep a night and never drive for more than two hours without a 15-minute break.
Take care of yourself. Never drive when unwell, fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Don’t wear clothes that will restrict your movement or control of the vehicle (e.g. flip flops), and try to remain patient with other road users if you can.
Contact us today to discuss your driver training needs.
Safedrive are proud to offer a professional and industry-aware range of Fleet Risk Management services.
If you’re interested in Fleet Risk Management services, or you would like to ask us for more information, please contact us on 0344 892 1728, or email us directly at Safedrive@towergate.co.uk.
Safedrive
Safedrive can help with any queries you may have about fleet risk and driver behaviour by drawing on our expertise in reducing driving hazards. Safedrive’s fleet risk solutions include in-vehicle assessments, driver license validation, in-car cameras, and telematic solutions.
About the author
For more than two decades, Sadie Lane, Safedrive Fleet Risk Manager, has been educating and facilitating businesses to better manage fleet risk, driver behaviour and driver attitude through a wide range of Safedrive’s services and solutions.
We understand the importance of maintaining a safe and compliant environment for schools, colleges and universities. Our range of services is specifically designed to address the unique needs of educational institutions.
Risk Solutions and Compliance

We understand the importance of maintaining a safe and compliant environment for schools, colleges and universities. Our range of services is specifically designed to address the unique needs of educational institutions.
Ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 through a comprehensive assessment conducted by our fully qualified Fire Risk Assessors.
Electrical Installation Condition Report:
Receive expert advice on the frequency of required tests, tailored to your specific premises, in accordance with regulations.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT):
Meet the requirements of the Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations 1998 and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 through an effective PAT testing regime.
In addition to these services, we also provide a wide range of additional solutions to support your premises safety and compliance needs:
- Installation and Servicing of Fire Extinguishers
- Asbestos Management Plans and Removals
- Gas Safety Inspections and Servicing
- Playground Equipment Inspections
- An e-Logbook hosted on the Members Area, giving you easy access to and storage of all your compliance documents.
Health & Safety
Our dedicated Health & Safety Team ensures your business meets legal requirements, implements best practices, and effectively manages its systems. We would provide you with an advisor who specialises in education settings and who would offer comprehensive advice and support tailored to your needs.
From small village primary schools to large multi-academy trusts, our education specialist advisors have worked closely with various schools, colleges and universities of varying sizes and have knowledge of all commonly used compliance and reporting software.
We are aware of how different each education setting can be, and we have created a variety of different packages to suit the needs of everyone.
What to Expect from SK Health & Safety:
- Arrange a face-to-face meeting with your dedicated advisor for:
- A thorough Health & Safety audit, specifically designed for education that provides a detailed report on your health and safety management systems
- An inspection of your premises to identify hazards and highlight good practices
- Development of key health and safety policies, all specifically designed for education
- Recommendations to improve health and safety practices
Following the audit, you will receive:
- A detailed report summarising the findings of the H&S Audit, including a GAP analysis
- An action plan with realistic time frames to enhance health and safety measures
- Customised Health & Safety Policies
- A tailored Health & Safety Booklet for distribution among your staff
- Exclusive access to our Business Shield members’ area, where all relevant documentation will be stored securely
As a Stallard Kane client, you will also benefit from:
- Unlimited telephone and email support from your dedicated advisor and our expert H&S team
- Access to a wide range of specialised risk assessment templates for various scenarios
- Assistance with RIDDOR and accident reporting
- Annual H&S Audits conducted by your designated advisor
- Regular email updates and informative articles to stay up-to-date on health and safety matters
Training

Training is crucial to effective Health & Safety and HR management systems.
At Stallard Kane, we offer a wide range of courses to assist organisations in achieving their training goals.
Tailored Training Solutions:
No matter your training requirements, we are here to help. Whether developing a training schedule or delivering bespoke courses customised to your needs, we've got you covered.
Accreditations and In-house Expertise:
Stallard Kane maintains various accreditations and boasts a team of experienced in-house trainers who deliver our courses.
Expanding Our Reach:
We have established partnerships with trusted training providers across the UK to offer an even broader selection of courses, both in terms of content and geographical availability. This enables us to provide our clients with a wider range of services at no additional cost.
Flexible Training Options:
As a Stallard Kane client you have the flexibility to spread training costs, ensuring you can access the training you need precisely when you need it. We offer both open and closed courses.
Open Courses:
These scheduled courses are available across the UK and are ideal for individuals and small businesses.
Closed Courses:
Exclusive to your organisation, these courses are tailored to your specific requirements and can be delivered at your site, one of our locations, or even through virtual classrooms.
Core Training:
Additional Training:
- Asbestos Awareness
- Mental Health First Aid
- Working At Height
- COSHH Awareness
- Paediatric First Aid
- Wellbeing Champion
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Employees are an organisation’s biggest asset, so it’s important, and beneficial to all, to take care of their physical and mental health.
Which is why we have added Mental Health and Wellbeing to our Training offering, with advice, free resources, downloads, training courses and signposting to helpful organisations on our website.
By investing in your staff’s mental health, you will:
- Cut sickness absence – over 70 million sick days are taken each year, due to mental health issues
- Reduce presenteeism – where employees force themselves into the workplace and underperform due to mental ill health
- Optimise staff performance
- Improve staff morale
- Retail staff/reduce turnover
- Decrease the likelihood of grievances from unhappy staff
- Create a healthier workplace
- Ensure legal compliance – the Equality Act 2020 states that an employer has a duty not to discriminate and must make reasonable adjustments in the workplace
Our extensive experience and friendly, personal service have helped keep thousands of companies across the UK safe and compliant for over 20 years.
Stallard Kane helps you and your clients easily navigate the ever-changing Health & Safety landscape. We build relationships through clear communication, trust and collaboration and aim to positively impact every client we connect with.
Contact Us
Health and Safety
01427 420 402
HR & Employment Law
01427 420 403
Training
01427 420 405
Risk Solutions
01427 420 404
Machine guarding is an essential element of workplace safety, helping to protect the operator and those around them from injury during the operation of equipment.
There are several potential hazards involved in operating machinery, including but not limited to:
- Physical contact with live electrical components or moving parts
- Hair, clothing or body parts becoming entangled in the equipment
- Being struck by flying sparks or debris emitted by the machine as it works
Injuries resulting from these can be life-changing or even fatal, so mitigating risks is key.
Though it is a simple solution to a risk factor, machine guarding is an effective way to minimise the risk of an accident. The most common form of machine guarding is a fixed guard, i.e. a fixed physical barrier between the operator and the hazardous area of the machine (such as a saw blade) which prevents any direct contact from being made.
Equipment may also have adjustable guards, which can be adjusted for variation in the work being carried out (e.g. the size of materials being worked on) or which adjust automatically, or interlocked guards which prevent the equipment from starting or working unless the guard is in place.
Machine guards have the additional benefit of protecting the equipment as well as the operator. Components are covered and shielded away from reach, meaning that the operator cannot access them and potentially create a dangerous situation by altering the settings or components within the machine.
Machine guards are required by law for any part of a machine that can pose a risk whilst in operation and must meet certain Health & Safety standards for the equipment to be determined safe and usable.
This standardisation means that each machine is regularly inspected to ensure compliance; because components are protected and well-maintained they should last longer, potentially leading to reduced operating costs.
HSE Machine Guarding Regulations
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) were put in place to protect people using tools and equipment in the workplace and those around them. The regulations are wide-ranging, but the key areas concerning machine guards are as follows:
- Employers are required to carry out a risk assessment of the equipment operation and take action to minimise identified risks – including, if appropriate, providing machine guards.
- Guards must be fit for purpose, i.e. successfully restrict access to hazardous parts of the machine, taking into account the specific type of equipment and its operation.
- Machine guards should be in good condition, properly fitted and regularly maintained, with inspection records kept.
- Operators should be given adequate information and training on the safe use of the equipment and the machine guards, and the importance of using them properly.
Where machine guarding isn’t covered by these regulations (such as on machines used by the public) then the Health and Safety Act will usually cover safe use.
Article by John Pearce, Health and Safety Advisor.
If you need any help with the above, contact your advisor or SK Health & Safety on 01427 420 402 or email healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk and #oneoftheteam will be happy to help.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced their latest initiative to tackle occupational lung disease within the woodworking industry, supported by their latest Dust Kills campaign.
HSE's recent inspections have revealed that many woodworking businesses fail to implement necessary measures to prevent or control exposure to wood dust, thereby endangering the lives of their workers. To address this alarming issue, HSE inspectors across the UK will visit woodworking businesses, particularly those involved in sawmilling, composite boards, and carpentry, specifically focusing on respiratory risks associated with wood dust.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, HSE inspectors will assess whether employers have considered the appropriate control measures to reduce workers' exposure to wood dust. They will also evaluate workers' understanding of the risks and check for effective control measures to safeguard their health. In cases where necessary, enforcement action will be taken to ensure workers' protection.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Knowledge
Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Compliance with regulations and protecting employees from hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dust, and vapours, is essential. Our workplace exposure monitoring services assist you in mitigating risks and providing regulatory compliance. We also provide guidance on noise and vibration hazards, helping you prevent long-term health issues like noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Find out more by visiting our Workplace Exposure Monitoring page.
Training and Education
Equipping employers and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills is paramount to controlling dust effectively. We offer various training courses designed to raise awareness and promote best practices. We offer UK-wide training options that can be created bespoke for your business and delivered virtually, on site, or at one of our accredited course centres. Our expert trainers cater to the specific needs of different industries and roles.
Find out more by visiting our Training page.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Control Measures
Face Fit Testing
To optimise protection against hazardous materials, conducting face fit testing on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial. Our experienced trainers are competent in performing accurate and reliable RPE fit tests. By ensuring a tight fit of the facepiece, we help prevent leaks and guarantee the utmost safety for workers in diverse roles and physical characteristics.
Find out more by visiting our Face Fit Testing page.
LEV
When working correctly, LEV systems should carry away any harmful dust, mist, fumes or gas in the air. This is to prevent individuals from breathing in dangerous impurities. Correctly fitted and maintained, LEV will collect the air that contains the contaminants and make sure they are contained and removed. Our team can provide regular testing and inspections to ensure the safety of your employees and customers.
Occupational Health Assessments
Early identification of ill-health effects is vital for implementing better control measures. Our comprehensive occupational health assessments help identify potential health risks in the workplace, provide a robust way of measuring the effectiveness of existing control measures, and offer tailored strategies for improvement. Spirometry, otherwise known as Lung Function Testing, carried out on a regular basis will give you the information you require about your employees lung capacity.
Used on an ongoing basis, it will help diagnose and monitor lung conditions and the impact certain exposures may have on your employees.
Find out more by visiting our Occupational Health Assessments page.
The devastating impact of construction dust on workers' health is alarming, with numerous individuals suffering from chronic illnesses and loss of life. A critical initiative called "Dust Kills" by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has just launched, empowering employers to control dust and safeguard their workers' lung health effectively.
Understanding the Dust Kills Initiative
The HSE has launched a health inspection initiative focusing on the respiratory risks of silica and wood dust exposure. Running from May 15th to July 14th, this campaign aims to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of implementing vigorous control measures within the construction industry.
Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers' lung health, making it imperative to act promptly.
Inspectors will be checking the control measures to protect workers from inhaling construction dust, including silica (Respirable Crystalline Silica/RCS) and wood dust. They will also gain assurances that asbestos containing materials have been identified and removed or managed where necessary to prevent or reduce exposure.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Knowledge
Workplace Exposure Monitoring
Compliance with regulations and protecting employees from hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dust, and vapours, is essential. Our workplace exposure monitoring services assist you in mitigating risks and providing regulatory compliance. We also provide guidance on noise and vibration hazards, helping you prevent long-term health issues like noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Find out more by visiting our Workplace Exposure Monitoring page.
Training and Education
Equipping employers and workers with the necessary knowledge and skills is paramount to controlling dust effectively. We offer various training courses designed to raise awareness and promote best practices. We offer UK-wide training options that can be created bespoke for your business and delivered virtually, on site, or at one of our accredited course centres. Our expert trainers cater to the specific needs of different industries and roles.
Find out more by visiting our Training page.
How we can help: Ensuring Effective Control Measures
Face Fit Testing
To optimise protection against hazardous materials, conducting face fit testing on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial. Our experienced trainers are competent in performing accurate and reliable RPE fit tests. By ensuring a tight fit of the facepiece, we help prevent leaks and guarantee the utmost safety for workers in diverse roles and physical characteristics.
Find out more by visiting our Face Fit Testing page.
Occupational Health Assessments
Early identification of ill-health effects is vital for implementing better control measures. Our comprehensive occupational health assessments help identify potential health risks in the workplace, provide a robust way of measuring the effectiveness of existing control measures, and offer tailored strategies for improvement. Spirometry, otherwise known as Lung Function Testing, carried out on a regular basis will give you the information you require about your employees lung capacity. Used on an ongoing basis it will help not only to diagnose but also monitor lung conditions and the impact certain exposures may have on your employees.
Find out more by visiting our Occupational Health Assessments page.
The Dust Kills initiative highlights the critical importance of controlling construction dust and protecting workers' lung health.
Stallard Kane is a supporter of this campaign, and we provide essential services and courses to help businesses fulfil their legal obligations and create a safe working environment. By using our face fit testing, occupational health assessments, asbestos management, workplace exposure monitoring, and training solutions, you can protect the wellbeing of your employees and contribute to a healthier, dust-free future.
Remember, long or even short term exposure to dust can cause debilitating, chronic illnesses, many of which have irreversible impacts.
Act now to protect your future and ensure the safety of your workforce.
Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of services and courses. Together, we’ll build a safer and healthier workplace environment.
To find out more information or discuss your training needs, talk to our Training Team by calling 01427 420 405 or email training@skaltd.co.uk
To find out more information or to get a no obligation quote, call our Compliance Team on 01427 420 404 or email compliance@skaltd.co.uk / risksolutions@skaltd.co.uk