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Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

9 November 2022

Health and safety news

What is a Risk Assessment & Method Statement?

A Risk Assessment & Method Statement is used to describe in a logical sequence exactly how work  is to be carried out using safe practices and without risks to health. It should include all the risks previously identified in the risk assessment and the measures needed to control those risks.

How do I complete a risk assessment?

To complete a risk assessment, you need to have the knowledge to identify  the activities in your business, might cause harm to people and decide whether you are doing enough to prevent that harm from occurring. Once you have decided the harm that may be caused, you need to priorities these whilst identifying putting in place, appropriate and sensible control measures.

What should I include in my risk assessment?

The risk assessment you generate should include consideration for all the activities that are relevant to the work you are carrying out. You should take into account each step in your work sequence and assess what harm, how and which people can be affected. It should take into account any controls which are already in place and identify what, if any, further controls are required.

You should be able to show from your assessment that:

  • a thorough check was carried out
  • all people who might be affected  by the works carried out have been considered
  • all significant risks have been assessed
  • the precautions are reasonable
  • the remaining risk is low

There are a number of free templates available and the HSE has some you can download and amend.

We also have templates available that are for specific industries and can be implemented into your business straight away. Click Here

The different between a small and a large CHAS application

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

18 October 2022

CHAS

The different between a small and a large CHAS application

We often get companies asking us what is the difference between having 4 employees or 5 when applying for CHAS. CHAS define an employee as someone who you pay through your PAYE system, there are different assessment fees due depending on the number of employees you declare.

In particular to CHAS there is an increased number of documents you need to provide as well as evidence of your safety arrangements including Health & Safety policy.

Once you have 5 employees or more you have legal requirements under the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1974, you need to have formal arrangements in place for competent Safety advice as well as a full Heath & Safety Management system.

If you are not sure which bracket you fall under, or if you have enough documentation to satisfy the assessment get in touch and we will be able to provide you with advice.

What are Toolbox talks and why do I have to do them?

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

20 September 2022

Health and safety blog

What are Toolbox talks and why do I have to do them?

Introduction

The definition of a Toolbox Talk – An informal meeting that focuses on Health & Safety topics related to a specific job that is on site, such as workplace hazards and safe work practices. These meetings are normally less than 10 minutes (kept short) and are normally conducted at the job site prior to the job or shift starting.

Why do i have to do them? – Toolbox talks are a quick way for you to communicate to all workers on a particular site, safety work practices that are applicable to them.

Where can you get themYou can download 70 toolbox talks free using this link

Importance of toolbox talks in the workplace

Toolbox talks are focused discussions about safety topics that provide valuable insights and practical guidance that can help prevent accidents and injuries on site.

Toolbox talks can significantly enhance the safety culture onsite when conducted regularly.

Understanding the purpose of toolbox talks

The primary purpose of toolbox talks is to enhance workplace safety through education and communication. The talks are designed to inform workers about potential hazards they may encounter while performing their duties.

Organisations can create a shared understanding of risks and the importance of adhering to safety protocols by engaging the site teams in conversations about safety. This collaborative approach helps to foster a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, leading to a more informed and vigilant workforce.

Key elements of a toolbox talk

The topics discussed directly relate to the tasks and hazards at the worksite. For example, if drainage trenches are to be excavated on site, the site supervisor can talk about the dangers, hazards, good practice and working close to deep excavations, to keep people safe.

Save time and download 70 toolbox talks

How to conduct a tool box talk

Conducting a tool box talk requires careful planning and execution to maximise its effectiveness.

Gather necessary materials to support the discussion, such as handouts, visual aids, or tools illustrating the subject matter. Being well-prepared allows the supervisor to engage with the audience confidently.

Next, choose an appropriate setting and time for the tool box talk. Selecting a location free from distractions is essential, allowing participants to focus on the discussion.

Creating a comfortable environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences will lead to a more productive conversation.

The supervisor should encourage open communication and interaction among participants during the talk. Start with a brief introduction of the topic, followed by an engaging discussion inviting workers’ input and questions.

Use real-life examples to illustrate points and encourage employees to share their experiences related to the topic.

Tips for creating engaging and interactive tool box talks

Creating engaging and interactive tool box talks is essential for maximising their effectiveness. One key tip is to incorporate multimedia elements into the discussions. Using videos, slideshows, or infographics

Incorporate real-life case studies, sharing stories of actual incidents, whether from your own experiences or from industry examples,

Consider incorporating hands-on activities or demonstrations into tool box talks. Engaging employees in practical exercises, such as proper lifting techniques or the correct way to use safety equipment, can reinforce learning and enhance retention.

Conclusion

Harnessing the power of tool box talks for a safer and more productive worksite

In conclusion, tool box talks are an invaluable tool for enhancing safety and productivity on any worksite.

By fostering open communication and engaging employees in discussions about potential hazards and best practices, organisations can create a culture of safety that resonates throughout the workforce.

Download your FREE 70 tool box talks today

Working At Heights Online Training

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

22 August 2022

Health and safety blog

Working At Heights Online Training

Working at heights within the construction industry remains one of the largest causes of major injuries and fatalities.  Working at Heights Online Training can help you to ensure all your staff have regular refresher courses to make sure they know what precautions they should be taking.

What do I have to do?

As an employer you need to make sure you have the relevant Risk Assessments and Method Statements for each job you ask your staff to undertake. But you also need to make sure they understand how to read and implement the information you have given to them.

Why Pick the Working At Heights Online Training course?

  • Your employees can sit the course anytime, anywhere
  • It only takes an hour to complete
  • It is multiple choice questions with no chance of failure

If you are looking for information on Working At Heights E-Learning and providing training for your staff we can help.

The Importance Of Safe Manual Handling In Your Business

Insight by

Bob Evans

Bob Evans

Published on

29 June 2022

Health and safety blog

The Importance Of Safe Manual Handling In Your Business

All manual work involves lifting and handling to some extent. Although mechanical equipment should be used whenever practicable, much of the work will inevitably continue to be done manually. The risk of injury can be greatly reduced by a knowledge and application of correct lifting and handling techniques and by taking a few elementary precautions.

Manual handling relates to transporting or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force” It is the most common recognised reason for injury at work.

In any case, it’s not simply ‘pulling something’ because of the heaviness of an item, injuries can be brought on in different causes, for example:

  • Reaching and lifting over your head
  • Long carrying distances
  • Twisting
  • Bending
  • Any poor stance positions
  • Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes

Over 20% of all accidents occurring in the UK Construction Industry each year involve injuries sustained whilst manually lifting and handling materials or equipment. This incorporates Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), e.g. injuries or pain in the body’s joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that support limbs, neck and back. Manual handling injuries can happen anyplace inside of the working environment; However, manual labour, existing injuries and unbalanced stance positions can increase the risks.

Manual handling can have consequential implications for the employer and for the individual who has been injured. The employer may bring about some significant expenses, for example, sickness payment, lost production, retraining of a brief labourer, over time to cover the absence and, possibly, compensation. The injured individual may find that their capacity to carry out their occupation has been influenced and their way of life may need to change.

In this manner, it is basic that you must consider the risks and where there are risks, regulations apply.

The Regulations establish a clear hierarchy of measures:

  • AVOID handling operations involving risk of injury
  • ASSESS operations involving risk of injury that cannot be avoided
  • REDUCE the risk of injury e.g. using handling aids and provide information on the load
  • REVIEW the assessment

Employers Duties

  • Carry out a Manual Handling Assessment
  • Reduce risk of injury
  • Replace Manual tasks where possible
  • Introduce mechanical aids

Employees likewise have responsibilities:

  • Make proper use of equipment & follow safe working systems
  • Co-operate with their employer
  • Ensure others are not put at risk
  • Avoid tasks likely to cause injury
  • Co-operate with the employer to reduce the risk of injury to themselves and others

There are numerous routes in which manual handling can be maintained, see the HSE’s brief guide on manual handling.

5 Top Tips for Preventing Falls from Height

Insight by

Bob Evans

Bob Evans

Published on

20 June 2022

Health and safety blog

Falls from height continues to be the largest causes of major injuries and fatalities.  About 4000 working at height-related accidents occur each year at work and the most common cases are falls from ladders and through fragile services. Alarmingly, two thirds of all major injuries at work are caused by ‘low falls’ A low fall is a fall from a height below 2 metres.  A high fall is a fall from a height of more than 2 metres.

5 Top Tips for Preventing Falls from Height:

  1. As with all work activities, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is key to preventing falls from height. The planned activity and location should also be assessed immediately before work takes place, in case there have been any changes since the original assessment took place. The above case is a good example, in terms of missing panels that had not been put back following previous works.
  2. All parties involved should be made aware of the findings of the risk assessment, so there needs to be procedures in place to ensure good communication of the hazards, control measures and any changes to the planned works.
  3. In terms of control measures, eliminating the need to work at height is usually the best option. However, in reality, that isn’t always possible. Use suitable work equipment such as a working platform, or an existing safe area with a permanent guardrail, and make sure workers can reach it safely.
  4. All works should be supervised, and the job undertaken by competent staff. Assessing someone’s competency would include looking at their experience, knowledge and skillset, as well as their qualifications.
  5. Consider both personal and collective measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, where some risk does remain, such as fall arrest equipment or safety nets.

Most falls from height can be prevented, by ensuring proper planning of the work and by selecting the right equipment for the job. When equipment is not suitable, it can lead to workers finding other ways to complete the job, which can have fatal consequences.

You can download HSE’s Working at Height Brief Guide Here

What is a Risk Assessment

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

25 May 2022

Health and safety blog

What is a risk assessment

A risk assessment is to enable you to identify sensible control and measures for risks within your workplace.

Risk Assessments are not meant to create huge amounts of work for anyone in the company but should be there to ensure the safety of you and your workforce. You are likely to already have a process in place to identify risks and how they should be dealt with. A risk assessment is just a document to have all the information in one place.

How to assess the risks in your place of work:

  • Identify the hazards
  • Decide who might be harmed and how
  • Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
  • Record your significant findings
  • Review your assessment and update if necessary

Many companies who are confident they understand the process and the risks involved can complete these themselves. You don’t have to be a H&S expert.

When thinking about your risk assessment, remember:

  • hazard is something that could cause harm, for example electricity, chemicals, working from ladders, an open drawer etc
  • The risk is the probability, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these and other hazards, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be

The process of identifying hazards and evaluating the risks can be delivered systematically using well-established templates and the knowledge of people with hands-on experience. 

We have several risk assessments available to buy. The cost of one of our risk and method statements is less than half an hour of your writing time.

They have taken us more than a day to write each one; however, we sell many, making them very affordable.

The documents arrive in word format to allow you to adjust them to suit your site and circumstances.

Why not see our layout below to see if it is something you could work with.

Risk assessments to buy

Covid 19 Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Infection Control Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Litter Picking and Sweeping Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Mobile Tower Scaffold Safe Operating Procedure

 

Top Tips for Manual Handling

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

12 April 2022

Health and safety blog

Safe Manual Handling

Top Tips for Manual Handing

Did you know Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries?

These injuries can include pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of all varieties.

Manual handling covers a wide variety of activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering and carrying. If any of these tasks are not carried out correctly there is a risk of injury.

Here are the top tips to make sure you ensure you handle correctly:

  • Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
  • Lift with your legs and body weight.
  • Use handles or lift aids where appropriate.
  • Have a good grip on the load.
  • Stand close to the load and face the direction you intend to move.
  • Lift load as close to the center of your body as possible.
  • Lift smoothly without Jerking.
  • Avoid lifting, side bending and carrying loads with one hand.

If you need any help with Manual Handling why not visit our site:

Manual Handling Elearning

Manual Handling Training Presentation 

Manual Handling Risk Assessment

What documents are needed for CHAS?

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

8 March 2022

CHAS

What documents are needed for CHAS?

CHAS is an assessment of your Health & Safety documentation, so you will need to provide evidence that this is carried out correctly. Depending on the size of your business depends on the information you need to provide. The details below are for 5 employees or less you will need more for 5+ employees.

Examples of documentation needed will include:

  • Toolbox Talks attendance sheets
  • COSHH assessments
  • Risk Assessment and Method Statement for job specifics
  • Sub contractor induction documentation
  • Agreements to show evidence of your safety advisor.
  • COVID 19 procedures and processes
  • Evidence of training requirement for your industry this can include:
    • CSCS cards
    • Manual Handling
    • Working at heights
    • Asbestos awareness
    • Abrasive Wheel Training

This is not an exhaustive list as each industry will require different information. The assessment is based purely on the documentation you provide so you must be 100% confident with everything you submit.

If you are unsure if you have all the documentation in place there are consultants who can help you. If you would like some advice please get in touch.

What is Safe Contractor?

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

11 January 2022

Health and safety blog

What is Safe Contractor?

Have you been asked for Safe Contractor?

Safe Contractor is a Health & Safety accreditation that is currently run by the government. The Scheme is to ensure companies meet a specific standard for Health & Safety. Safe Contractor is used by thousands of consultants, contractors and businesses every month, typically applying for work with public and private sector companies.

The Safe contractor scheme was developed and is managed by the Government Health and Safety and Procurement Professionals, with the support of the Health and Safety Executive, since 1999. The purpose of the scheme is to ensure that buyers who are signed up have the knowledge that suppliers that use in the scheme are competent and have been assessed.

Suppliers health and safety policy statement, their organisation and how it deals with health and safety and their specific health and safety arrangements will be assessed. As everyone is assessed using the same process buyers know that they are using suppliers who, work to an acceptable standard.

Safe Contractor and suppliers

  • Avoids repeated applications
  • Consistent Health & Safety assessment
  • Access to local authority suppliers
  • Saves time and money for all parties.

Safe Contractor and Buyers

  • Safe Contractor membership allows access to health trusts, councils, emergency services, the voluntary sector, housing associations, private companies and government departments.
  • To locate competent suppliers and contractors,
  • Potentially saving time and money for all parties.
  • Buyers are afforded peace of mind

What does Safe Contractor assess?

  • Assesses health and Safety Management
  • Assess compliance issues that apply to work undertaken by you.

If your looking to gain Safe Contractor you can go direct to their site and complete the application yourself, or if your looking for some help in completing the forms we can help you.