Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Foreword
As Chair of the Local Authorites Safety Advisors Groups (LASAG), I am delighted to welcome the publication of this Staff Safety Handbook which will be distributed to all Local Authority employees. LASAG is committed to the health and safety of the Local Authority employees and the members of the public with whom we interact on a daily basis. This Handbook was written by a subgroup of LASAG and involved contributions from Julianne Gavin, Galway County Council, Bruce Phillips, Dublin City Council, Caroline Brehony, Roscommon County Council, Sarah Hearns, Local Government Management Services Board, Michael ONeill, South Tipperary County Council and Liam Quinn, North Tipperary County Council. In addition, there was wide consultation with Human Resources professionals throughout the sector regarding the content. I would like to thank these LASAG members who were involved in the development of this Handbook for their invaluable input and time. Tom Oxberry Chairman LASAG The Handbook represents an excellent example of Partnership at work within the sector and sets down clearly the responsibilities of all staff to ensure health and safety in their workplace. This Handbook has been endorsed by the major unions in the sector. It is timely that this Handbook is published in light of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. The Local Authority National Partnership Advisory Group (LANPAG) hopes this Handbook will make a valuable contribution to increasing the awareness and understanding of all staff in relation to health and safety matters. Mr Matt Merrigan Joint Chair LANPAG Ms Chris Gavigan Joint Chair LANPAG
CONTENTS
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3 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9
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10/11 11 12/13 14 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21/22 22 23 24 25/26/27 28 29/30 31 32/33 34 35 35/36 36 37 37 38
Have you seen the Ancillary Safety Statement for your particular work location? If not why not? How can you work safely if you are not aware of the policies, standards, work practices expected in your Section or work area?
2. Policy Statement
The Health and Safety Policy has been prepared to ensure that insofar as is reasonably practicable, everyone who works for and on behalf of a Local Authority does so in the safest and healthiest conditions possible. The ultimate goal is to improve our health and safety performance so that accidents and ill health are reduced to a minimum.
3. Responsibilities
Employers
As an employer we must ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all our employees. The general duties of the employer as set out in the act are: The management and conduct of work activities Preventing improper conduct or behaviour (e.g., violence, bullying or horseplay at work) Provide safe systems of work Provide adequate welfare facilities Provide adequate training, instruction and supervision
The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 broadly reflects in criminal legislation the common law principle of the duty of care. These duties cover: Preparation of risk assessments and safety statements Provision & maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Provision of adequate emergency procedures Notification of reportable accidents & dangerous occurrences to the Health & Safety Authority Provision of competent personnel in relation to Health & Safety matters
The design, provision and maintenance of: Safe workplaces Safe means of access & egress Safe plant & equipment Ensuring safety & prevention of risk from the use of any substance or articles from noise, vibration or ionizing radiations
Employees
The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 also sets out duties of the employee. The employee has a duty to co-operate with other duty holders so far as is reasonably practicable. The duties of an employee are as follows: Comply with health & safety legislation Not to endanger the safety of yourself or others Not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work Submit to any reasonable tests if requested to do so by the employer Use PPE where provided Co-operate with the employer Attend all health & safety training provided by the employer Not to misuse equipment or PPE Report defects in equipment or systems
Be sure that you are familiar with what is expected from you.
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HAZARD
Slips, trips and falls (office)
RISK
Low Risk
CONTROL MEASURE
Good housekeeping standards Regular checks and inspections by operatives. Tools to be of good construction, suitable design, adequate strength and well maintained. Tools to be used with 110 voltage only. Appropiate PPE should be worn.
Medium Risk
Safety, Health and Welfare within the Local Authority is the responsibility of all employees. However, there is a formal structure in place to ensure best practice and this is outlined in the Corporate Safety Statement. Each employee should know their Safety Representative, Health & Safety Officer/Advisor and the extent of their roles and responsibilities.
Would you know who to contact in the event of a health and safety issue arising?
If not, then ask! Its in your own interest to know.
5. Accidents
What are accidents? Accidents are unplanned, unexpected events which may result in personal injury, loss or damage to property or equipment. All accidents (Including near misses) must be reported, even if there is no injury, property loss or damage. Accident reporting procedures are outlined in the Corporate Safety Statement. Remember, accidents are more than statistics for those injured or killed! It is widely established that good housekeeping contributes to a reduction in accidents. Whether you work in an office environment, depot, workshop or outdoors, a clean and tidy work area will greatly contribute to your personal safety and that of your colleagues.
Remember, if PPE is required for your job, then you must by law, use it. Failure to do so may not only result in injury and personal prosecution by the Health & Safety Authority and/or disciplinary action by your Local Authority.
7. Training
General
It is our responsibility as an employer to provide employees with the best available knowledge and skills in order to achieve their full potential and achieve the objectives of each Local Authority. Every employee is legally obliged to attend health and safety training arranged for them by the local authority. Employees and managers must refer to the Site-Specific Risk Assessment and Ancillary Safety Statement on an ongoing basis to identify areas that may require training. Depending on your role you may be required to be responsible and competent in a range of safety measures. Performance Management and Development System Health and safety training needs for individuals must be identified on the Personal Development Plan (PDP) of all employees. Training for groups should be discussed at team meetings and should be included on the Team Development Plans (TDP) for each team. First Aid Training Each local authority site should have access to trained first-aiders, depending on an appropriate risk assessment. Firstaiders must attend refresher training programmes as appropriate. Manual Handling Any employee that is required to carry or shift loads must be appropriately trained. Almost every work scenario involves manual handling of some description.
Employees must ensure that they receive the correct training prior to engaging in significant manual handling activities.
Non-National Roads Training Employees working on non-national roads projects must attend relevant training on Signing, Lighting and Guarding at roadworks.
What safety responsibilities do you have in your workplace? Are you sufficiently trained to be competent?
8. First Aid
Where work locations contain hazards with an element of risk or injury, whether low, medium or high risk, the Council as an employer must provide suitable first aid equipment and trained Occupational First Aiders. The type of equipment provided depends on the nature of the work activity carried out. A low risk office environment would not need the same provisions as a construction site environment. This is also true of the number of trained Occupational First Aiders required to meet the needs of the work location. All work locations including vehicles and canteens must have a suitably stocked and accessible First Aid kit to meet the needs of the workforce. The contents may vary and will depend on the nature of work carried out, e.g. handling dangerous substances will require specialist treatment when compared to low risk environments. The aftermath of an accident involving injury is the wrong time to look for the answer to these questions.
Do you know where your workplace First Aid kit is located? Is it suitably stocked? Is it accessible? Who is your trained First Aider?
9. Consultation
In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must consult their employees with regard to safety, health and welfare matters and must provide all relevant information. The local authority must provide information on safety, health and welfare at the workplace to employees and/or to their safety representative(s). The local authority is required to consult with employees to promote and develop measures to ensure the safety, health and welfare of employees on measures to improve co-operation; measures substantially affecting safety and health; designating responsibilities under the emergency plan; protective and preventive activities and hazar ds identification and risk assessments. As part of the consultation process, employees have the right to select and appoint a Safety Representative. Role of the Safety Representative The local authority is obliged to recognise that safety representatives have various rights, including the right to: Make representations to management regarding matters related to safety, health and welfare of employees. Inspect the place of work. Investigate accidents and dangerous \ occurrences (as long as this does not interfere with an investigation being carried out by an Inspector). Accompany an inspector carrying out an inspection of the place of work (except where there is an investigation of an accident or dangerous occurance). Receive advice and information from inspectors on matters relating to safety in the workplace Time off without loss of pay (as deemed to be reasonable) to acquire the knowledge and training necessary to discharge the functions of a Safety Representative.
What is a hazard?
A hazard can be defined as anything that has the potential to cause harm, injury or loss.
Once a hazard has been identified and the level of risk assessed, we can then take the necessary steps to control, eliminate or minimise the risk to safety. This entire process is called Risk Assessment and is the basis of every Safety Statement. Listed below are some of the most common hazards that occur within Local Authorities. The list is by no means exhaustive but includes the most common hazards.
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(j)
(k) Never obscure vision panels on doors. They are there for a specific purpose, i.e. to see through! (l) Take heed of warning and safety signage. They are there for your personal safety.
2. Manual Handling
Manual handling is one of the largest contributing factors to accidents and injuries in the workplace. Manual handling includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing and carrying. While Local Authorities have mechanised many areas involving such activities, there is and always will be a need for manual handling. If you find it necessary to handle heavy items in the course of your duties, just remember the following key points: 1. 2. 3. Assess the area and the load to be handled. Bend the knees. Keep your back straight. Keep a broad, stable base, with your feet hip width apart. 5. Get a firm grip. 6. Keep arms in line with trunk. 7. Hold weight close to centre of gravity. 8. Turn your feet in direction of movement. 9. Ensure the area is clear of obstacles (Good housekeeping/tidy work area) 10. Never attempt to move something beyond your capacity. 11. Seek help if necessary. 12. Should you be wearing gloves for personal protection against spillage, sharp edges, rust, splinters, oil or grease? 4.
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Are you familiar with your local plan? When was the last time you took time to read it? When was the last time you participated in a fire drill?
If a fire breaks out, you wont have time to think about these questions. Do it now, it s your life!
5. 6. 7.
These 7 points must be regarded in conjunction with any existing local Fire and Emergency Evacuation Plan.
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Fire Wardens
Fire Warden(s) have specific responsibilities in relation to fire safety and evacuation. Always obey the instructions of a Fire Warden. In the event of evacuation, always assemble at the nominated location.
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4. Lone Working
Lone working can be described as work that is specifically intended to be carried out by unaccompanied persons, without direct supervision or immediate access to another person for assistance. Where work activities are likely to be undertaken by a lone worker, or outside normal working hours, then they must be subject to a Risk Assessment. The significant findings of the Risk Assesment must be recorded and relayed to the individuals concerned. Consideration should be given to the remoteness or isolation of the workplace, the duration of the task, equipment, machinery and the presence of any hazardous substances, the potential for violence, the nature of any possible injuries, access and egress and emergency procedures. Measures must be designed and implemented to eliminate and/or minimise any significant risks identified, so far as is reasonably practicable. Such control measures may include advising a colleague of your whereabouts regularly. Any lone working procedures and safe systems of work implemented must be subject to regular monitoring and review to ensure effectiveness.
Violence at work occurs where persons are verbally abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work
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Tea/Coffee Making facilities. The risk here is obvious, scalds from boiling water, tea, coffee or electrocution, The floor areas must be kept clean and free from obstruction.
Hot containers or equipment should not be placed on the floor. Electrical equipment must never be used with wet hands. Broken glass or crockery should be cleared immediately and disposed of in a puncture proof container. Care must be taken when dispensing or carrying boiling water, or hot tea/coffee.
Manual handling injuries from lifting PCs, TVs, video equipment, printers, fire extinguishers, paper and other equipment. Slips, trips and falls due to electric cabling, obstacles, damaged floor covering, spillages, incorrect storage of equipment/files etc at heights. Electrocution due to faulty equipment, cabling, unauthorised electrical equipment such as photocopier, printer, shredder, etc. Poor Workstation layout including Visual Display Unit (VDU) equipment Office filing and storage systems. New filing cabinets purchased should be such that only one drawer can be opened at a time. Older filing cabinets which are not designed in this way should be secured having them fixed to the floor or the wall. Employees using filing cabinets should observe the following safe practices:
Store heavier items in bottom drawer. Start with bottom drawer when setting up files or after moving
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Remember, let the experts do their jobs. Report all electrical and other faults/defects to the appropriate person. Do not attempt to carry out repairs unless you are qualified to do so. Remember, the key points on manual handling. Where possible, use a barrow or trolley to minimise the risk posed by manual handling. If in doubt, dont lift it!
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(f)
Injury from sharps can be prevented by taking simple precautions such as: (a) Proper use of personal protective equipment, e.g. suitable gloves for the job. Safe systems of work when dealing with sharps.
Have you availed of these vaccinations? Does your job expose you to the risks from sharps & needlesticks. It may be too late once you have contracted these infectious diseases!
(b)
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Remember, in the wrong hands, or operated incorrectly, any vehicle has the potential to become a lethal weapon. Serious injury or death arising from careless or dangerous driving is a lifelong burden to carry.
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6.
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Do you work in confined spaces? Are you aware of the dangers involved? Are you wearing appropriate safety equipment? Have you received suitable training?
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When was the last time your portable drill was inspected or maintained?
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Voltage Table
Voltage
25 50 110 - 30 220 - 240 318 - 415 500 - 750
Sheathing Colour
Violet White Yellow Blue Red Black
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14. Noise
Loud noise can potentially damage your hearing. Noise levels are measured in decibels, and a simple rule of thumb is that if you have difficulty communicating at a distance of 2 metres, then the noise level may well be at a dangerous level. In such circumstances, you have choices as follows: Move away from the affected area if possible Consider if it is possible to reduce the noise level by mechanical means, such as muffling, silencers, sound proofing and operation rescheduling. Are warning signs in place? Should you be there at all? If in any doubt, ask your supervisor. Wear ear protection.
Its your hearing! Are you doing enough to protect it? Are you wearing appropriate ear protection? Should you be there in the first place?
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15. Vibration
Exposure to vibration at work may have health effects. This can occur in two ways, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and the less common Whole Body Vibration (WBV). HAVS is a disorder causing vibration white finger (VWF), numbness and increased sensitivity to the cold. The onset of VWF is identified as pins and needles in the finger tips. If this occurs, stop work immediately until blood circulation returns to normal. Employees using hand-held power tools are most often at risk of suffering from exposure to HAV. WBV is associated with vibration transmitted by the seat or through the feet in vehicles and vibrating surfaces, the lumbar spinal area is most at risk from WBV. Vibration limits and exposure levels are detailed in legislation, all machinery must conform to vibration standards. Employers purchasing new equipment must ensure that it meets these standards. Some measures to reduce or eliminate the risk include job rotation, reducing exposure time, maintaining tools machinery and equipment to correct specifications, replacing worn-out or obsolete equipment, obtaining advice from manufacturers, wearing the correct PPE and using anti-vibration mounts. The effects of long term exposure to vibration may not be immediately obvious.
Think now, before its too late. Are you exposed to vibration in your work? Are you taking precautions to eliminate or reduce the risk to yourself?
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9.
10. Keep your tools clean and in good condition. 11. Keep all portable tools in a safe secure place when not in use. 12. Portable tools can be noisy. Protect yourself! 13. Petrol or diesel powered tools will emit exhaust fumes. Always protect yourself from inhalation. 14. Never adapt portable power tools for work other than the intended use. 15. Portable power tools are limited to 110 volts maximum. Never use portable tools with a voltage in excess of this limit.
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Are you adequately trained to use that portable power tool? No matter how simple and straight forward it may seem, all portable tools have the potential to cause serious injury or even fatality.
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17.1 Ladders
Ladders have been used for centuries to gain access to areas above ground level. Extensive usage has taught us that there are some very basic rules that apply in order to safely use a ladder. Always make sure the ladder is: 1. Right for the job. Would scaffolding or a cherry picker be more suitable? 2. In good condition, and well maintained. Remember, you are duty bound to report any defects. 3. Secured at the top and bottom. 4. On a firm base and footing, and held by a co-worker. 5. Raised at least 1 metre above the landing base or last rung to be used, unless an alternative hand-hold is available. 6. Clear of overhead powerlines. 7. Adequately fitted with anti-skid devices. 4. Make arrangements for the safe transport of materials and tools up and down, to ensure you have both hands free to grip the ladder. 5. Never remove or move a ladder unless specifically instructed to do so. Somebody could be depending on it being there! 8. Maximum thirty feet high. Any higher will require scaffolding. Always make sure that you: 1. Set the ladder at a slope of 4 to 1, and never at an angle greater than 75 degrees. 2. Never lean sideways from a ladder. Get down and move the ladder instead. 3. Are you the only person on the ladder? Remember, only one person at a time!
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17.2 Scaffolding
Scaffolding is by far the most common means of carrying out work at heights. With modern technology and methods, scaffolding has become a very safe system for access to heights. However, like all other risks, complacency, familiarity, carelessness and incompetence can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Scaffolding can only be erected by qualified persons holding a FS CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) There are no exceptions to this requirement! Scaffolding components must be inspected and recorded by a competent person prior to erection on a CR8 form. Correctly erected scaffolding should: 1. 2. Be of sound construction. Be on base plates and sole plates and must be perpendicular. Be properly braced and tied to the structure. Have fully boarded working platform. Have top and intermediate guardrails and toeboards. Have proper ladder access. Ladder must extend at least 1 metre above landing place. Be inspected by a competent person prior to use, when any modifications have been made and every 7 days. Inspections to be recorded on a CR8 form.) 8. Be subjected to safety inspection immediately following adverse weather conditions. Be inspected after any substantial modification or alteration.
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10. Be inspected after any period of disuse. 11. Be kept clear of obstacles and debris. 12. Be netted and adequately lit at night.
Remember, when working on, under or near scaffolding, always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) e.g. helmet, safety, boots etc.
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17.3 Roofs
Any roof is a risky place to be! Any fall from a roof will result in serious injury or death. Many fatalities on sites arise from falls off roofs. Once again, the level of risk can be greatly reduced by following some simple safety rules, as follows: 1. Always inspect a roof before you walk on it. On a sloping roof, use correct roof ladder or crawling boards and ensure they are correctly located. You must wear and be trained in proper use of safety harness and/or arrestor devices. Adequate arrangements must be in place to prevent items falling on persons below. Keep off roofs in adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, rain, ice or severe frost/snow. Fragile roofing materials are often obscured by paint, dirt, insulation or roofing felt. Always check before you walk on them. 7. Stay away from the edge unless edge protection is in place. Secure sheet materials and other items such as tools etc against wind. If engaged in Hot Work on a roof, such as felting, be sure you have a suitable fire extinguisher at hand, and that you are competent to use it. Do so only if it is safe.
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10. Obey all warning signs, they are not there for decorative purposes.
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10. Should any danger of collapse become apparent. Stop work immediately.
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Excavations and trenches can be made much safer places to work by following these simple rules: 1. 2. Access and egress must be by suitable means, e.g. ladders Be aware of the dangers of underground services. Follow correct procedures.
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There are a number of principle causes of traffic accidents on sites and these are as follows: Poor advance warning Poor directional guidance Speeding Unsafe road condition Interaction between site and public traffic Uncontrolled pedestrians Poor lighting Poor segregation between vehicles and pedestrians
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4. Common sense water safety rules apply here. 1. To minimise the risk of contracting water-borne pathogens, eg. Weils disease, staff should avoid contact with water where possible, cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings, wash all exposed skin before eating and wear protective clothing, gloves and overalls. If working in, over or near water, wear a life jacket (minimum 150 Newton lifejacket).
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Remember, a large percentage of drownings occur in relatively quiet waters, such as reservoirs and ponds.
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Take the proper precautions when working on, over or near water!
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10. Always wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment, e.g. gloves, boots etc. Hot Work may be described as any operation which includes the application of heat, from whatever source, e.g. welding, felting, paint stripping, soldering, name but a few. As heat is one of the main components of fire, this is obviously the principle risk.
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Do you work with compressed gases? Have you received the correct training to do your job safely. Does your work location comply fully with the above controls?
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22. Asbestos
What is Asbestos? Asbestos is an extremely versatile building material, which was widely used by the construction industry up until the late 1970s. However, the presence of asbestos does not always comprise a high risk. This depends on the type and condition of the asbestos and the likelihood of work now or in the future disturbing it. Some asbestos can be left in place as long as it is not disturbed by the likes of drilling, cutting or grinding. Employees (including contractors) engaged in maintenance and repair work are particularly vulnerable. Where would asbestos be found? Although it is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of any premises, many thousands of tonnes of it were used in the past (up until the late seventies) and much of it is still in place. The areas where asbestos is likely to be present within our buildings are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Boiler rooms and plant rooms Pipe runs throughout a building Ceiling tiles Around windows and behind radiators Service ducts and shafts Floors in the form of tiles Roofs in the form of asbestos cement sheeting What are the Health Hazards of Asbestos? 1. 2. Lung Cancer Asbestosis - this is a scarring of the lung tissue. The scaring restricts breathing and reduces the capacity of the lungs. Mesothelioma - this is an extremely rare cancer of the pleura (lining of the chest) and the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity).
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How do we know the level of risk involved in using these substances? Simple, you read the label! If you can it understand the language used, then take it further and have it explained to you. In addition, all such substances must have a Safety Data Sheet in accordance with EU Law.
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Remember, dont take a risk with your own health. The information is out there and readily available. If in doubt, find out.
25. Sunburn
In recent times the damaging effects of over exposure to the sun without proper skin protection has been well highlighted. This is particularly relevant to all employees working outdoors during high risk periods. Over-exposure to the sun is a serious health hazard and must be considered a high risk for certain employees within the Local Authority and can lead to serious skin disorders, including cancers. Effective use of appropriate clothing can reduce the risk and if necessary use sunscreen. Keep skin, covered!
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When did you last take the time to notice or even read a safety sign? Make sure you understand them. It could save you from injury or worse in the future. If safety signs are notable by their absence, raise the matter with your supervisor. Dont wait for an accident to happen.
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Remember, personal hygiene affects all of us. Employees should be careful of personal hygiene so that no offence is caused to others.
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28. Summary
The underlying message in this document is to work safely. There is no room for complacency. One accident is one too many! Local Authorities are committed to placing the safety of employees at the top of the agenda through a combination of education, training and active safety measures. You can help to develop a true safety culture in the organisation by working safely. Take the time to read this handbook. The information contained in it, is not difficult to follow. They are there for your safety. The handbook has been developed for your safety.
Dont gamble with your safety or with that of those around you.
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