Worker’s Memorial Day is an opportunity for workers and trade unions to conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day and promote the importance of workplace health and safety.
Lee Wright, Marketing Director of Slingsby, which supplies more than 35,000 workplace products including a wide range of health and safety equipment across all industries, explains: “This year Government revisions to health and safety regulations mean there is more emphasis than normal on Workers Memorial Day as fears grow that many organisations see it as a sign that they can relax their health and safety policies.
“However figures from the Government and the HSE show that approximately 20,000 people die every year as a result of their jobs so regardless of cutbacks a sensible level of health and safety has to remain a key feature in every organisation and business.”
Lee adds: “This means every workplace, regardless of size, should have members of the team who are responsible for overseeing health and safety and all employees should be encouraged to speak up if they have safety concerns.”
Slingsby has compiled the following checklist outlining the minimum health and safety standards that businesses must have in place:-
- All businesses with five or more employees need an up to date written health and safety policy.
- Risk assessments identifying any potential hazards including display screens, COSHH, manual handling, lone working, noise and contractors.
- Records of inspections of workplace equipment that are required by law. These can include lifting equipment, fire extinguishers and electrical appliances.
- Written reports detailing safe working methods.
- Records of health and safety training carried out.
- A valid employers’ liability insurance certificate.
- The Health and Safety ‘what you should know’ poster.
- An accident book along with reporting procedures and details of fire and first aid arrangements.
- Clearly identifiable and unobstructed access and escape routes.
- Waste transfer notes showing the type and amount of waste disposed of and details of the collection company.
- Clear safety signs.
- Suitable work stations with appropriate seating, lighting and ventilation.
- Well maintained work equipment with adequate stop/start controls and guarding to protect access to dangerous parts.
- Appropriate staff welfare provisions including toilets, rest areas and drinking water.
- Procedures for consulting and informing employees about health and safety matters.
