Blog Layout

Don't forget the other risks

Mark Stallard • 4 August 2020

We all know that coronavirus is the hot topic but please remember the other risks...

As the majority of businesses head back to normal working routines the main focus is around the arrangements for mitigating any risk against Coronavirus. Of course, this is important and should be the priority but please don’t lose sight of the other risks that were there prior to the lockdown period.

This may include some of the most significant hazards that your employees and others may be exposed to (fire, handing substances, noise, manual handling, work equipment). All of these will still require some changes when introducing new controls around coronavirus and your normal operations.

Top tips:

Fire Safety:

• Check your fire log book. Does it need to be updated? Can we change the paper version to an electronic version?

• What happens when you have a non-routine fire drill? How will we maintain social distancing during an evacuation and roll call?

• What about any personal evacuation plans?

Work equipment:

• What will be the change over for shifts and operating the same equipment?

• How will the equipment be maintained?

Handling substances:

• Will the procedure for accepting deliveries still be the same?

• Will delivery notes need to be signed or is electronic confirmation enough?

• What happens if there is a spillage?

Noise and vibration:

• Hearing protection should not be shared. Is there enough provision for everyone?

• How will exposure times be monitored and recorded?

Manual handling:

• Are there activities where two people are required to work in close proximity? Can they maintain social distancing?

• Are mechanical aids being shared (pump trucks, sack trucks)?

The above list is by no means exhaustive but a general prompt to think about the interactions with a handful of common hazards that exist in a lot of working environments. Coronavirus is a top priority at the moment, and rightly so, but don’t discount the others.

Stay safe.

< Older Post Newer Post >