Category Archives: Health and Safety

Health and Safety, HR, HR News

Protecting the Workforce: Strategies for Enhancing Workplace Safety

In today’s dynamic work environments, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is paramount for organizational success. If people are working in an unsafe environment this puts both them and your business in danger. This article delves into the comprehensive approaches and proactive measures necessary to create a secure and healthy workplace environment.

 

  1. Understanding Workplace Hazards

The first step in enhancing workplace safety is identifying and understanding potential hazards in the work environment. These hazards can range from physical risks such as slips, trips, and falls to chemical exposures, ergonomic issues, and even psychological stressors. Conducting thorough risk assessments and workplace inspections can help identify areas of concern and prioritize safety measures accordingly. By understanding the hazards employees face, organizations can have targeted strategies to mitigate risks and prevent accidents or injuries.

 

  1. Implementing Proactive Safety Measures

Prevention is key for workplace safety. Organizations should implement proactive measures to eliminate or control hazards before they pose a threat to employees. This may involve implementing controls such as safety barriers or ergonomic workstations, instituting administrative controls like implementing safety protocols and procedures, or providing personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. By addressing safety hazards at the source and implementing preventive measures, organizations can create a safer work environment for their employees.

 

  1. Training and Education Initiatives

Effective training and education are essential components of any workplace safety program. Employees should receive education on safety procedures, hazard recognition, and emergency response protocols. All employees should take a manual handling training course to reduce potential injuries. Training is better when it is tailored to the specific risks present in the workplace. It should be conducted regularly (preferably through multiple formats) to ensure that employees remain informed and up-to-date on safety practices. Additionally, providing opportunities for ongoing education and skill development can empower employees to take an active part in maintaining their own safety and the safety of their colleagues.

 

  1. Encouraging Employee Engagement

Creating a culture of safety means that everyone needs to actively participation and remain engaged. Organizations should encourage open communication and collaboration regarding safety issues, providing channels for employees to report hazards, near misses, or safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Engaging employees in safety committees or workgroups can also encourage a sense of ownership and accountability for safety initiatives. By including employees in decision-making and valuing their input, organizations can create a culture where safety is a top priority for everyone.

 

  1. Continuous Improvement and Evaluation

Ensuring workplace safety is a continual endeavor that demands continual assessment and enhancement. It’s imperative for organizations to consistently scrutinize and revise their safety protocols, guidelines, and methodologies to align with evolving regulations, industry benchmarks, and emergent hazards. Regular safety audits, inspections, and incident analyses play a pivotal role in pinpointing areas necessitating refinement and guiding forthcoming safety endeavors. Through fostering a culture of perpetual learning and advancement, organizations can adeptly confront new obstacles and uphold their employees’ enduring safety and welfare.

 

Conclusion

Every employee should emphasize the importance of comprehensive approaches and proactive measures in creating a secure and healthy workplace environment. By understanding workplace hazards, implementing preventive measures, providing effective training and education, encouraging employee engagement, and continuously evaluating and improving safety initiatives, organizations can protect their most valuable asset—their workforce—and foster a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved.

 

 

 

 

 

Construction, Health and Safety

Roadway Safety in Construction – Ensuring Smooth Traffic Flow

Road construction is a necessary inconvenience, one that we all face in our daily lives. Yet, while we all share the same frustration of navigating around detours or slowing down due to work zones, it is important to remember the crucial role of roadway safety in construction. With a perfect blend of planning, foresight, and meticulous execution, road construction projects can ensure smooth traffic flow while minimising accidents and disruptions.

The Significance of Roadway Safety in Construction

Roadway safety in construction is a matter of life and death. Every year, thousands of accidents happen due to construction sites not following proper safety protocols. Such occurrences can result in tragic consequences like property destruction, injuries, and even fatalities. It is thus essential that construction companies uphold strict safety protocols and that drivers are aware of and adhere to these rules.

Planning for Roadway Safety

Before the first shovel hits the ground, a detailed safety plan should already be in place. This plan should incorporate a variety of elements, from signage and barricades to designated routes and detours. All of this should be created with the single objective of keeping traffic flowing efficiently while making sure the safety of all those involved is taken into account.

Designing Detours

One of the key components in a construction safety plan is establishing alternative routes or detours. This step is crucial to redirect traffic away from the construction zone. Diverting traffic means the risk of accidents and traffic jams around the construction area can be significantly reduced.

Effective Signage

Signage is another fundamental component of roadway safety during construction. Signs are the primary way to inform drivers of changes in speed limits, road conditions, and more. The correct placement of signs is of utmost importance to provide ample warning and direction to drivers. Some of the most commonly used signs in construction zones are the 30 mph traffic signs. These signs play a vital role in controlling speed, reducing the potential for collisions and improving overall safety.

Implementing Safety Protocols

Establishing a safety plan is the first step, the next is to put these policies into effect. This involves setting up the necessary signage, erecting barricades, and marking out detour routes.

Barricades and Cones

The primary role of barricades and cones in a construction zone is to direct and control traffic flow. They act as visual guides for motorists, alerting them to changes in the roadway and directing them safely around the construction area.

Flaggers and Traffic Controllers

Human presence in the form of flaggers and traffic controllers is equally important. Their role is to be the eyes on the ground, directing traffic and making decisions based on the current situation. Their role is crucial, especially in situations where electronic signs and barricades may not suffice.

Maintaining Roadway Safety

Implementing safety protocols is just half the job; maintaining them is equally important. Roadway safety in construction is a dynamic process that requires constant attention and adjustments.

Regular Inspection

It is essential to inspect the construction site regularly to make sure that all safety measures are in place and working correctly. These inspections should check the condition of signs, barricades, and other safety equipment. Any damaged or malfunctioning equipment should be replaced immediately.

Effective Communication

Effective communication amongst all parties involved – construction crew, traffic controllers, and drivers – is vital. This ensures that everyone understands their role and responsibilities, helping to prevent confusion and errors.

Emergency Response

No matter how stringent the safety measures, emergencies can still happen. That is why it is essential to have an emergency response plan ready. This should include clear procedures for dealing with accidents, injuries, and other emergencies.

Ensuring Smooth Traffic Flow

Ensuring smooth traffic flow through construction zones is not just about the efficient movement of vehicles. It’s about maintaining the balance between progress and safety, ensuring that construction can continue without putting road users at risk.

Balancing Construction and Traffic Flow

Finding the right balance between construction progress and traffic flow is crucial. While construction work should proceed as swiftly as possible to minimise the duration of disruption, it should never be at the expense of safety. Steps should be taken to ensure work is done in a way that causes the least disruption to traffic, without compromising safety standards.

Scheduling Construction Work

One effective way to balance construction and traffic flow is through careful scheduling of construction work. If possible, work that is likely to cause major disruption should be scheduled for off-peak hours. This can reduce the effect on traffic, while enabling construction work to move forward consistently.

Use of Intelligent Transport Systems

The use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) can also be instrumental in ensuring smooth traffic flow. Technology is used within these systems to keep track of and control traffic conditions, giving up-to-date data that can help with managing traffic. ITS can give road users the latest details about the state of the roads, assisting them in making educated decisions and plan their trips more efficiently.

Conclusion

Roadway safety in construction is a multi-faceted challenge that requires thoughtful planning, careful implementation, and vigilant maintenance. From designing detours and setting up signage to balancing construction progress with traffic flow, every aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring that construction zones are as safe as they can be.

The construction companies have the responsibility of setting and maintaining safety standards, but it is just as crucial for road users to comply with these measures. The cautionary 30 mph signs and detour markers are not mere annoyances; they serve as life-saving precautions that guarantee your well-being and that of the workers on site. Collaboration is key in achieving improved and safer roadways for all. Safety goes beyond taking care of oneself; it involves safeguarding every person using the roads.

Health, Health and Safety, Law

Road To Recovery: Steps To Take Following Workplace Injury

If you have been injured at the workplace and are on the road to recovery, you may be wondering what you need to do. It will depend on what type of injury you’ve had, but if it looks like you will be out of work for a while, then you may be concerned about your finances. This article will go over what you need to know about the road to recovery, including how to seek support both physically and monetary.

Seek Quality Medical Care

One of the most important things you will need to do when you’ve gone through a workplace injury is to seek medical care. You should seek specialist care for more unique injury situations. Brain and spinal injuries will require delicate support and time to manage.

If you have been injured in the workplace, you should ensure you are not leaving the injury to heal by itself. Get help as soon as you can to start your recovery journey. If you’re unsure about the quality of care or diagnosis, consider seeking a second opinion. A second opinion could help reinforce the first decision, or it could discover something different.

Contact A Personal Injury Solicitor

If you have gone through a traumatic injury from the workplace and are looking to move forward with your life, you should contact a personal injury solicitor. These professionals are compassionate and understand that each person has their own needs and unique experiences that they need support.

You can work with these specialist solicitors to help you receive better treatment and assist you on the road to recovery. Some solicitors will have a network of medical partners who can assist you in recovering from the injury, including counsellors and rehabilitation specialists. Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are one such group of personal injury solicitors in Manchester who have a network of experts ready to help you. Whilst you’re recovering, they will be able to work to earn you the maximum compensation you’re owed and focus on getting support.

Ensure you are working with a solicitor who offers a no-win-no-fee deal. This will help protect your finances and ensure solicitors who take on your case truly believe that they can get you something.

Find Out If You Can Return

Once you are on the road to recovery, you may want to find out if you can return to work. You may not be able to return to some jobs due to some severe injuries, and with some jobs, your employer will be expected to make adjustments for your return.

The Equality Act 2010 requires an employer to make reasonable adjustments to allow a disabled person to work. If you are disabled or your condition has changed, you will be able to look into adjustments. There may also be additional work grants that you can look into further that help you with getting to work or working in general.

Ensure you are in constant communication with your employer so that you’re both aware of the current circumstances and understand when you can return if you can. If you want to focus on the road to recovery and deal with your injury, then that should be your focus.

 

Health and Safety, Logistics Tech, Lone Workers, News, Tech

Ringway Jacobs to enhance lone worker employees’ safety with video-enabled service for fleet operation

Ringway Jacobs, a leading highway services provider, has become the first UK fleet operation to adopt a video-enabled lone worker service that is designed to better safeguard drivers operating in the field. Ringway Jacobs’ H&S and Fleet departments teamed up with Peoplesafe and SureCam to roll-out the integrated safety solution, by using a mobile phone app that enables the benefits of lone worker protection with those of video telematics.

David Bonehill, Head of Fleet at Ringway Jacobs said, “Health, wellbeing and safety is at the heart of everything we do, so our aim is to provide a safe working environment for our employees at all times. We are committed to adopting industry best practice technology and processes, which is why we are rolling out the video-enabled lone worker service. This latest initiative, developed with our valued partners at Peoplesafe and SureCam, will not only increase compliance of our lone worker processes, but also extend and enhance the levels of protection we provide to drivers in and out of the vehicle.”

Ringway Jacobs has been using Peoplesafe’s lone worker protection service since 2016, providing peace of mind to 300 employees that assistance is available, should they need it. The company is now taking advantage of a strategic partnership between Peoplesafe and SureCam to integrate the service with dual-facing, connected dash cams fitted on 163 vans and specialist vehicles last year. This will enable footage to be viewed direct from the cameras fitted on the vehicles in the event of an alarm being raised.

Lone workers will scan a QR code when entering a vehicle to register a unique ID and confirm exactly who is driving. This will enable controllers at Peoplesafe’s Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to access both audio and video, as well as incident data via its portal, when an incident is reported such as injury, illness or an act of violence. This will include footage from forward-and rear-facing vehicle cameras, providing immediate visual insight into what has happened, so the most appropriate action can be quickly taken.

Naz Dossa, CEO of Peoplesafe commented, “The added understanding provided by the video evidence means our service can act faster and respond better when an alarm is raised. We are working closely with Ringway Jacobs to support their health and safety strategy and best protect drivers from the risks they face when they are working alone, especially in isolated locations or out of hours.”

Sam Footer, Strategic Partnership Director at SureCam said, “By bringing together these proven technology solutions, we are offering customers such as Ringway Jacobs an effective way of not only improving safety and reducing fleet risk, but also safeguarding staff when they are in or out of the vehicle.”

Charity & CSR, Health and Safety, News

Safety Expert Arco Donates £64k to Support Local Community Organisations and Charities

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has played a key role in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  However, the company’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves has gone further. Through its dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and the Arco Community Panel, Arco delivered a programme of charitable support during 2020, with a number of initiatives focused on those needing support due to pandemic. This was achieved through a newly created Arco Coronavirus Grant scheme which made donations of £42,000 to support local charities helping those most in need, all nominated by Arco staff. 

The second Coronavirus grant scheme recently invited employees to apply for 50 one-off grants of up to £1000 on behalf of organisations and charities in their local communities that are providing ongoing support in critical areas such as for victims of domestic violence, food banks, food delivery, and meals services. The panel received 80 high-quality applications and decided to award grants to 64 organisations, going beyond their original £50k budget. The 64 grants will provide help and support to a number of great causes on both a local and national level including mental health and wellbeing through Falkirk’s Mental Health Association and Run With it, victims of domestic violence with Black Country Women’s Aid, and Hull Community Church, homelessness and food shortages with Emmaus Hull & East Riding, Homeless Mobile run, Hull for Heroes and Rutland food bank. The company has now donated a total of £106k.   

David Evison, Managing Director at Arco has previously described the Arco Community Panel meeting as one of his ‘favourite meetings each quarter.’ Evison said, “These unprecedented times have impacted many people in our local communities and through these grants we are able to help those who need it most.  Arco’s continuing support to local communities and national organisations through the Arco Coronavirus Grant scheme, looks optimistically towards a reopened future, following the Government’s Roadmap plan to ease lockdown restrictions.   We extend our commitment to keeping people safe throughout the communities we serve, assisting in today’s wellbeing for tomorrow’s future.” 

Arco continually supports and encourages colleagues to provide their time and skills to local charities and community groups, allowing each colleague an additional two days of paid leave for volunteering opportunities each year.  

About Arco: What they do and how they’re different  

Arco is the UK’s leading safety products and services company. Its core purpose is to keep people safe at work. It distributes a world-class range of over 170,000 quality assured, branded and own brand products, including personal protective equipment, workwear, safety footwear, gloves, workplace safety and hygiene products. It is unique.  

Arco Professional Safety Services provide consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage the most complex and high-risk, high hazard scenarios. Specialising in working at height, confined space and respiratory management, they deliver solutions for those working in situations with the highest risk of serious injury or irreversible damage to health. 

Headquartered in Hull, Arco reaches its customers through its extensive product catalogue, website and national network of retail stores. The company has sales of over £320m and employs more than 1600 people nationwide. Its 400,000 sqft National Distribution Centre distributes products to 25k customers in the UK and Ireland, dispatching 150 pallets and 8000 parcels a day. Arco makes it easy for customers to procure and issue PPE with services such as digital procurement, vending, a mobile issue unit, wearer packing and branded workwear from their in-house Clothing Centre based in Preston.  

As the market leader, Arco is committed to helping shape the UK’s safety agenda in order to ensure workers go home safe every night. Through an extensive public affairs programme, Arco experts have contributed to some of the key debates on health and safety regulation, product quality and standards, PPE procurement and emergency planning.  

Arco is committed to providing safety equipment that is genuine and compliant with relevant standards and regulations, Arco tests both its own product range as well as carrying out surveillance on other products in the market to ensure compliance. With a five-step product assurance process, Arco remains the only safety distributor with an independently accredited testing laboratory, this assisted by a team of specialists in their Xiamen, China office who support with sourcing, quality control and factory inspections. Additionally, it is a member of the BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers Scheme, and Arco experts sit on numerous Standards Boards. 

Arco was the first member within the H&S industry to join the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) incorporating its internationally recognised code of labour practice into its own ethical policy and in 2010 became a member of Sedex, the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange. To ensure ethical standards are met throughout its supply chain, Arco carries out regular independent supplier auditing. Working with the ETI and other regulatory bodies, the company plays a leading role in helping to educate and eliminate modern day slavery across the globe.  

Principles of sustainable development have long been embedded in the way Arco does business. Arco’s Sustainability Action team has committed to ensuring the business behaves responsibly in all areas, investing significant time and resource to identify ways to reduce plastics, packaging and recycling.  

Founded in 1884 and with a heritage spanning five generations, Arco demonstrates traditional family values and is dedicated to its Corporate Social Responsibility policy. Arco is committed to help keep communities safe, inspire young people to achieve their full potential and to enhance local life, making the communities they serve better places in which to live, work and invest. It does this through charity and community support, donating 1% of pre-tax profits each year. Arco also gives colleagues two days’ paid leave each year to volunteer in the community and the opportunity to partner with and sponsor community groups and charities, forming lasting relationships that support them in the vital services that they offer. 

For more information, visit www.arco.co.uk. 

Construction, Health and Safety, News

Health and Safety Regulations and the RIBA Plan of Work

It’s safe to say that the construction industry operates under a considerable amount of health and safety legislation – and for good reason. Before the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the industry regularly had 300 health and safety-related work deaths per year.

In 2018–2019, there were 54,000 non-fatal injuries, which is approximately 366 accidents per 100,000 employees and significantly above the UK average of 254 per 100,000. There were also 79,000 work-related ill-health cases reported for that timeframe, with 69 per cent of them being recorded musculoskeletal disorders.

One glaring example of construction negligence is the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy that resulted in 72 individuals losing their lives. The fire started in a fourth-floor flat and quickly spread.
Within minutes, all sides of the 24-storey tower were in flames. The subsequent inquiry concluded that the main cause of the fire’s spread was the presence of aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding, which was installed as part of an ongoing refurbishment from 2012 to 2016.

But several non-compliant systems also contributed to the disaster, some which hadn’t been replaced or upgraded since its original build in 1974. Later, when tests were performed on cladding samples from 34 high rise buildings across 17 different local authorities, all of them failed the combustibility test. These findings showcased a significant fault in how health and safety is approached in construction – including how the importance of such a topic is perceived.

In the wake of the fire, the Government commissioned a thorough review of building regulations and how they incorporated fire safety. Known to many as the Hackitt Report, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety was issued in May 2018.

In response to its findings, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) introduced new measures that improve how it addresses health and safety to fit with the report’s recommendations when it released its Plan of Work for 2020.

Key legislation and regulation

The following information highlights the key legislation and regulation that surrounds, and often poses challenges for the construction industry.

What kind of health and safety legislation applies to the construction industry?

The amount of construction-related health and safety legislation is extensive, with the key one being the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. It’s almost impossible to be an expert in every aspect of it, but, if construction and design is to take place, then it’s vitally important to at least be aware of its existence.

Who regulates health and safety, and where can I find guidance?

In the UK, the industry is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who provides information and guidance in all aspects of health and safety. It places the welfare of people at the core of everything that is done and should be built into the environment – at work, at play, at rest.

Also, in response to the Hackitt Report, HSE have started to oversee a new building regulator that will focus on the safe design, construction and occupation of high-risk buildings. While HSE serves as a vital source of information, instruction and guidance, it is ultimately up to everyone involved with a project to ensure that your building plans and work comply.

Pre-construction and Hackitt Report recommendations

What is pre-construction information and when should it be provided?

According to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2015), ‘A client must provide pre-construction information as soon as it is practicable to every designer and contractor appointing, or being considered for appointment, to the project.’ It goes on to describe pre-construction information as:
‘…information in the client’s possession or which is reasonably obtainable by or on behalf of the client, which is relevant to the construction work and is of an appropriate level of detail and proportionate to the risks involved, including–

(a) information about–
i. the project;
ii. planning and management of the project;
iii. health and safety hazards, including design and construction hazards and how they will be addressed; and

(b) information in any existing health and safety file…’

What does the Hackitt Report recommend about specification?

In its recommendations, the Hackitt Report highlights the need for better specifications around everything from testing of products and systems to improving information quality and providing more precise and transparent tracking.

This article is based on an NBS webinar featuring Sarah Susman, Head of Technical Development at Scott Brownrigg Architects, and NBS Technical Author Roland Finch.

Construction, Health and Safety, News

How Safety & Satisfaction in Construction Needs to Adapt After Covid-19

According to the Office for National Statistics, construction output fell by a record 40% in April of this year as the coronavirus pandemic restricted work to maintain the safety of those on building sites. While the latest figures from May show a record 8.2% jump in output, this means that construction industry output is still 30% lower than it was before measures to contain the outbreak were implemented. In addition, the Construction Leadership Council predicts that 10% of those working in construction could be out of work by September as firms look to cut costs and keep themselves afloat.

 

As an industry that has been grappling with a mental health crisis for years, and against the backdrop of the global pandemic, the difficult times the construction industry faces will not only need to focus on economic recovery but the health and wellbeing of its members to avoid deepening the pre-existing problems that the industry was already struggling to manage.

 

How coronavirus deaths have affected construction workers

ONS data shows that men in skilled construction saw the highest number of deaths from Covid-19 in May and the third highest rate of deaths per 100,000 people. Though social distancing on construction sites has reduced the transmission of the virus, it has still taken a considerable toll on the industry as a whole. Acknowledging the extent of the damage the virus has caused will be essential to recovery but will also likely be detrimental to the general mental health of all those who have lost colleagues and friends already.

 

The ONS figures also suggest that construction workers experiencing higher levels of deprivation are disproportionately affected by the virus. Construction workers in the lowest quintile of deprivation have died in higher numbers. With the news that employment levels across the sector are about to fall dramatically, this could mean that even more of those already in vulnerable positions are made more vulnerable. Even as employment figures fall, it will be essential to ensure all those in the construction industry are supported mentally as well as physically.

 

The CIPD Good Work Index of job satisfaction

Before the pandemic, construction workers ranked 12th out of 24 industries for job satisfaction. The industry ranked poorly for employment contracts – for example, levels of employment and full-time versus part-time work. With a huge number of layoffs expected in the next few months, it wouldn’t be surprising if job satisfaction scores for the entire industry fell even further. While this isn’t the only indication of job satisfaction, a declining positive view of work will exacerbate the mental health issues many construction workers experience.

 

The pre-existing mental health crisis

While the entire world is grappling with the massive public health crisis of coronavirus, construction was already dealing with the considerable public health issue of mental health. While coronavirus presents a more imminent threat, failure to deal with growing mental ill health has contributed to men in construction roles being 35% more likely to commit suicide than the national average. A survey last year also showed that 90% of workers had experienced moderate to extreme feelings of stress. With this level of insecurity being experienced before the added stressors of the pandemic and lockdown measures, the construction industry will have an even bigger challenge supporting its staff through the recovery period of this crisis.

 

Free resources for construction workers

Reportedly 56% of businesses have mental health policies in place. While this must increase in order to properly support every worker in the industry, it’s important to highlight resources available outside of work to support those who face losing their jobs in the coming months. The charity Mates in Mind works with businesses to establish mental health support practices but also has a number of resources available on their site which could be helpful for those experiencing stress, anxiety or depressions.

 

There’s also the Lighthouse Construction Charity, who offer a mental health helpline and a free app to work through anxieties and challenges which is available to all. This helpline experienced a 25% rise in calls in April at the beginning of the lockdown so it is sure to be an essential resource in the months to come.

 

The safety of workers in construction is paramount to the consistent operation of the industry. Managers and industry leaders will need to put in place support for both the mental and physical health of all staff during the coronavirus recovery period to help keep transmissions of the virus down, as well as starting to deal with the mental health issues that were already a threat to workers.

 

This article was written by Damon Culbert from SMAS Worksafe, SSIP accreditation professionals for the construction industry.

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Health and Safety, News

New tool helps businesses protect staff and customers

A Covid-19 risk assessment tool has been produced by the Health and Safety Executive to help businesses manage risk and protect people.

The online tool works by highlighting issues which need to be included in a risk assessment of the workplace – such as identifying certain hazards, looking at who might be harmed and how, recommending what action can be taken to help limit risk, helping employers to identify who needs to carry out specific actions, and confirming when this needs to be done.

It provides the framework for employers to focus on:

  • Identifying what work activity or situations might cause the transmission of coronavirus.
  • Establishing who could be at risk.
  • Working out how likely it is that someone could be exposed.
  • Acting to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, controlling the risk.

It also includes practical measures businesses can take, such as:

  • Staggering shifts to limit the number of people in rooms so that social distancing rules can be maintained.
  • Putting one-way systems in place within corridors to manage the flow of people moving around the workplace.
  • Increasing the use of online meeting facilities, even for people working in the same building, to reduce the number of people moving around.
  • Providing lockers for people to keep personal belongings in so they aren’t left in the open.
  • Providing additional handwashing facilities.
  • Keeping surfaces clear to make it easier to clean and reduce the likelihood of contaminating objects.
  • Involving workers in completing risk assessments so they can help identify potential problems and solutions.
  • Keeping workers updated on what is happening so they feel involved and reassured

Bridgend Council Leader, Cllr Huw David, said: “This new risk assessment tool will help employers ensure they have covered what they need to in order to keep their staff and customers safe at this time.

“As well as providing guidance on how to limit the risk of getting or spreading coronavirus in areas where people will congregate such as canteens, corridors and toilet facilities, it includes what needs to be covered when considering cleaning and hygiene controls, how to ensure social distancing rules are followed, and how to take care of the mental health and well-being of employees who may be affected through isolation or because of anxiety over coronavirus.

“Once employers have completed the risk assessment, it will need to be monitored to ensure that what has been put in place is working as expected.”

For more details, visit the Health and Safety Executive webpage on working safely during the Covid-19 outbreak. Further important Covid-19 information and advice for employers and employees is available at the Healthy Working Wales website.

 

 

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Health and Safety, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

ADI announces global agreement with NowSignage for distribution of PeopleCount solution

ADI Global Distribution, the leading global wholesale distributor of security and AV products, today announces a 22 territory agreement to circulate PeopleCount, a people counting solution developed by NowSignage, the acclaimed UK-based digital signage technology firm.

People Counting solutions are fast becoming the norm across the retail, corporate and education sectors, as a way to help monitor venue capacity and maintain social distancing.

This partnership marks the launch of PeopleCount, a new product that has been brought to market through a collaboration between NowSignage, Philips Professional Display Solutions, and Hikvision.

By onboarding NowSignage, ADI Global Distribution add to their portfolio a digital signage CMS that already has strong alliances with their existing vendor partners, an established customer base in Europe, and a growing reputation across the United States having recently secured multiple key accounts in the country.

Chris Godfrey, Pro AV Product Manager of ADI Global Distribution said: “We are already an authorised global distributor of Hikvision, so this unique integration developed by NowSignage immediately grabbed our attention to fulfill the immediate and growing demand for people counting solutions in a post COVID-19 world. We are very excited by the prospect of this new product bundle, which is available from ADI across our global distribution network.”

“NowSignage has been on our radar for some time now, and although the PeopleCount solution has proven to be the catalyst to start this new vendor relationship, we are very much excited to be providing our customers with their full cloud-based digital signage CMS offering, along with their highly regarded Microsoft Power BI integration”.

The PeopleCount solution (by NowSignage, Philips Professional Display Solutions, and Hikvision) provides clear benefits over the other similar people counting solutions on the market.

Below are 5 reasons why this is becoming the ‘“go-to” choice for many major brands:
1. Single entrance or multi entrance
2. Data-driven reporting and insight
3. Flexible multi-zone layouts
4. Superior security and compliance
5. Choice of designs and templates

Commenting on the partnership, Richard Hutchinson, Channel Sales Director of NowSignage added: “ADI Global Distribution was the natural choice of partner for NowSignage in taking this exciting and visionary solution to market. With a truly global presence and a specialism in delivering security and CCTV integrated technology solutions to an array of verticals, ADI Global Distribution provides a compelling offering in assisting NowSignage to take this new technology solution to the wider channel.”

To find out more about the NowSignage PeopleCount solution or to receive a live demo, please contact NowSignage on sales@nowsignage.com.

COVID-19, Health, Health and Safety

Be aware, be safe, be working facial recognition and temperature checks – all in one

A Cardiff workplace design company is offering technology that conducts facial recognition and temperature checks to help firms keep their staff safe as workplaces reopen

Work-place solutions company Office Visions is making its contribution to helping kick-start the UK economy as lockdown restrictions are lifted, by offering several innovative solutions designed to help firms bring employees back to work safely.

The South Wales family-run company, which specialises in creating stunning office environments, is offering clients a cutting-edge access control system for premises that combines facial recognition software with the ability to read the body temperature of the person seeking access.

The system has already been successfully installed at the company’s own premises as well as the wider Vision Court business park, which is home to five companies and 250 employees.

The system could be used to monitor the health status of employees or customers before they enter a building and potentially come into contact with other workers. The device could be useful at commercial offices, factories, multi-occupancy apartments or other places where people gather including schools and stadiums.

The equipment, which can be wall-mounted or free standing, has a temperature accuracy of plus or minus 0.3 degrees Celsius as long as the person is standing between 0.3 and 0.7 metres away. It can then sound an alarm of their temperature indicates they might be ill and carrying an infection.

Office Visions has also installed and is offering customers temporary screening and partitioning systems that can be quickly deployed and easily configured to help employees to work safely together. Made from wipe-clean anti-microbial vinyl, the solid material is available in a variety of translucent and transparent options.

Each partition can be assembled by two people in less than 60 seconds. It has many applications in a variety of sectors ranging from healthcare to events management to office environments.

The Office Visions showroom has been redesigned to illustrate how the clever use of partitions will make it possible for most offices to practice social distancing and safe working within the workplace. Its range of desktop clear screens are perfect where banks of desks exist in offices and staff cannot be easily spread out upon their return to work. The Office Visons design team can help redesign a workspace, where necessary, to enable the new screens to be incorporated within the areas affected.

Simon Gambarini, Managing Director of Office Visions, said: “These are unprecedented times and many companies are facing great challenges as a result if the Coronavirus pandemic. But as the restrictions start to be lifted and firms consider reopening workplaces, their first priority will be the safety of their staff. These innovations will help them be aware, be safe – and continue working.

“With this in mind, we have developed a range of products that will help our clients reopen their doors while keeping their staff safe. We are delighted with some of the ideas our

hard-working team have come up with and we believe the new products will make it easier for our clients in their efforts in  getting their business’s back on track, whilst ensuring they are compliant with the social distancing regulations brought in by the government.”