As we go to print this month the colours of the leaves on the trees are changing. The evenings are getting darker and it seems that autumn is nearly upon us. No doubt that will spark another round of the age old debate about whether the clocks should be put back or not, with all the health and safety arguments and counter arguments that go with it.

All of that is, of course, a total irrelevance if you are a night-worker. However, it seems that this autumn that particular group of employees will have its own health and safety issues to contend with. Scientists in the USA have found that there could be grave health and safety consequences for employees who work night shifts. Research suggests that those who work night shifts for 30 years or more have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. While employers should already be assessing the specific risks posed to night shift workers as a consequence of their working hours, this raises a new issue that will need to be tackled.

The turn of the season may also bring a downturn in mood for some people, which may or may not be linked to the fact that it is National Stress Awareness Day on 4th November 2009. On that day we are encouraged to “Stress the Positives”, taking the time to check in with staff on how they have been affected by the daily challenges that the recession brings.

This is perhaps particularly important where redundancies have been made and remaining staff are left to cope with an increased workload or may face job uncertainty themselves. The key to tackling workplace stress is said to be engaging with staff, so if that is something you feel you have neglected recently, National Stress Awareness Day is perhaps your opportunity to redress the balance.

And more positive news following last month’s editorial in the form of two examples of self regulation in this edition; the social partner agreement on needle stick injuries and the new supervisors training standard being introduced by the UK Contractors Group. The UK Contractors Group’s work is particularly encouraging, striving as it does for standards which will provide an enhanced protection to workers in what is still one of the most dangerous industries in the UK.

So then, the message from this month’s update? Well, as we wait for the green shoots of recovery from the recession to show, the message must be not to let your good work on health and safety wilt in the cold weather!

In this issue:

The Danish government has recently awarded compensation to 40 women diagnosed with breast cancer after working nightshifts for more than 20 years. More...

Many businesses have faced an increased prevalence of stress in their workforce as a consequence of implementing structural changes to guide their business through the economic downturn. More...

From the 1st October 2009 HSE has introduced a new first aid regime contained in their revised Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) on First Aid at Work. More...

New supervisor training standard announced

The UK Contractors Group (UKCG), which represents 29 leading construction contractors in the UK, says it will tighten rules on health and safety performance by introducing a new supervisor training standard, to come into effect on 1st January 2010. More...

Workplace fire hazards

Workplace fires present huge costs to business with the average cost of fire in a commercial building being £58,100. More...

HSE is expected to begin consultation on the implementation of the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive imminently, with implementation due by 27th April 2010. More...

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published the results of their members’ survey on safety leadership measures. More...

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued a statement confirming that it does not accredit or endorse any organisations that provide advice and support on REACH compliance. More...

Contacts

We hope you find this update both informative and interesting. If you wish to discuss any of the items raised in this month’s briefing, or require specific assistance please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team.

The information contained within this Newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of Health and Safety law and practice. Vizards Wyeth cannot be held responsible for any action or inaction taken in reliance upon the contents. Specific advice should be taken on any individual matter.

If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please click here and you will be removed from our mailing list.


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		Autumn is nearly upon us...

	As we go to print this month the colours of the leaves on the trees are changing. The evenings are getting darker and it seems that autumn is nearly upon us. No doubt that will spark another round of the age old debate about whether the clocks should be put back or not, with all the health and safety arguments and counter arguments that go with it. All of that is, of course, a total irrelevance if you are a night-worker. However, it seems that this autumn that particular group of employees will have its own health and safety issues to contend with. Scientists in the USA have found that there could be grave health and safety consequences for employees who work night shifts. Research suggests that those who work night shifts for 30 years or more have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. While employers should already be assessing the specific risks posed to night shift workers as a consequence of their working hours, this raises a new issue that will need to be tackled. The turn of the season may also bring a downturn in mood for some people, which may or may not be linked to the fact that it is National Stress Awareness Day on 4th November 2009. On that day we are encouraged to “Stress the Positives”, taking the time to check in with staff on how they have been affected by the daily challenges that the recession brings. This is perhaps particularly important where redundancies have been made and remaining staff are left to cope with an increased workload or may face job uncertainty themselves. The key to tackling workplace stress is said to be engaging with staff, so if that is something you feel you have neglected recently, National Stress Awareness Day is perhaps your opportunity to redress the balance. And more positive news following last month’s editorial in the form of two examples of self regulation in this edition; the social partner agreement on needle stick injuries and the new supervisors training standard being introduced by the UK Contractors Group. The UK Contractors Group’s work is particularly encouraging, striving as it does for standards which will provide an enhanced protection to workers in what is still one of the most dangerous industries in the UK. So then, the message from this month’s update? Well, as we wait for the green shoots of recovery from the recession to show, the message must be not to let your good work on health and safety wilt in the cold weather! In this issue: Increased risk of cancer identified in night shift workers The Danish government has recently awarded compensation to 40 women diagnosed with breast cancer after working nightshifts for more than 20 years. More... National Stress Awareness Day - 4th November 2009 Many businesses have faced an increased prevalence of stress in their workforce as a consequence of implementing structural changes to guide their business through the economic downturn. More... New First Aid Training Arrangements From the 1st October 2009 HSE has introduced a new first aid regime contained in their revised Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) on First Aid at Work. More... New supervisor training standard announced The UK Contractors Group (UKCG), which represents 29 leading construction contractors in the UK, says it will tighten rules on health and safety performance by introducing a new supervisor training standard, to come into effect on 1st January 2010. More... Workplace fire hazards Workplace fires present huge costs to business with the average cost of fire in a commercial building being £58,100. More... Social Partner Agreement on needle-stick Injuries European employer and employee representatives have agreed a social partner agreement on how the hazards from needle sticks and other sharp objects is to be managed. More... Implementation of the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive HSE is expected to begin consultation on the implementation of the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive imminently, with implementation due by 27th April 2010. More... CBI Leadership Research The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published the results of their members’ survey on safety leadership measures. More... Warning on REACH - Bogus ECHA Accredited Companies The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued a statement confirming that it does not accredit or endorse any organisations that provide advice and support on REACH compliance. More... Certificate of competence for LGV drivers On 10th September 2009 a new Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) scheme came into effect for UK drivers of larger goods and passenger carrying vehicles (LGV/PCV drivers). More... Business strive for non alcoholic workplaces Employers are increasingly seeking to make their workplaces alcohol free and to prohibit alcohol intake during working hours. More... Obese drivers offered weight tips The transport company, Stagecoach, is providing advice to obese employees who exceed seat weight limits on how to slim down. More... Company fined after workers catch Legionnaires' disease The butchery company, Kepak Ltd, has been fined £25,000 by Preston Crown Court and ordered to pay £20,000 costs after two employees caught Legionnaires’ disease at its premises in Bamber Bridge, Preston. More... Contacts We hope you find this update both informative and interesting. If you wish to discuss any of the items raised in this month’s briefing, or require specific assistance please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team. Health and Safety Team Partners Crispin Kenyon 020 7903 5780 ck@vizardswyeth.com Fiona East 020 7903 5670 fme@vizardswyeth.com David Johnson 020 7903 5793 dj@vizardswyeth.com Want to send this newsletter to a friend? Click here The information contained within this Newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of Health and Safety law and practice. Vizards Wyeth cannot be held responsible for any action or inaction taken in reliance upon the contents. Specific advice should be taken on any individual matter. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please click here and you will be removed from our mailing list. © Copyright Vizards Wyeth 2009 Picture © Alexandra Bogdanowa - Fotolia.com

In this issue: Increased risk of cancer identified in night shift workers National Stress Awareness Day - 4th November 2009 New First Aid Training Arrangements New supervisor training standard announced Workplace fire hazards Social Partner Agreement on needle-stick Injuries Implementation of the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive CBI Leadership Research Warning on REACH - Bogus ECHA Accredited Companies Certificate of competence for LGV drivers Business strive for non alcoholic workplaces Obese drivers offered weight tips Company fined after workers catch Legionnaires' disease


			October 09