The Smoky Haze of Queen Victoria’s Industrial Revolution

Thank goodness we have emerged from the smoky haze of Queen Victoria’s Industrial Revolution to recognise the importance of providing health and safety to the UK’s strong working backbone!
Employer/employee/visitor welfare has never been as important as is it today. Accidents (unplanned / unwanted events) caused within the workplace cost money, time, and sometimes lives!

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Hazards (anything with the potential to cause harm) in the workplace can be broken down into 5 major elements:

• PHYSICAL – This covers any physical incident from slipping on an unsafe surface, accidents caused from poor lighting conditions, above normal noise levels to obstacles causing a tripping hazard
• ERGONOMIC – This heading encompasses any issue that can affect one’s comfort and working ability in the workplace. This includes carrying out repetitive movements, and poor workstation and equipment design resulting in poor posture
• PSYCHOLOGICAL – As important as the physical element to health and safety, ensuring an employer’s/employee’s mental health remains healthy is imperative. Factors including stress, harassment, potential danger and unrealistic shift patterns can have a deep impact on one’s mental health
• RADIATION – Microwaves, infra-red radiation, x-rays and gamma rays must be dealt with respectfully where staff are working alongside them. Procedures must be carried out with precision and professionalism to prevent exposure
• BIOLOGICAL – This heading can be dissected into the following factors that can cause potential harm if procedures are not adhered to. Factors include: Infections, viruses, fungi and parasites coming into direct contact with one’s skin due to the inadequate wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). 

​As an employer, you must carry out a Risk Assessment outlining any potential risks that can impact employees’ health and safety. In addition to this, if you employ 5 or more staff, you must also have a written health and safety policy outlining how you will comply with the relevant regulations applicable to your business. These health and safety laws also apply to you if you are self-employed, as the self-employed have the same obligations under the Health and Safety at work etc Act.
A risk assessment must outline any hazards (mentioned above), how they can cause potential harms, and what steps are being taken to minimise such risks. The results must be reviewed and assessed if circumstances change such as new equipment or substances, new members of staff etc.

Whilst the above is an overview, the act, and regulations are far more complex, for guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us via our contact page.