Safety, Health & Environmental Forum (Scotland)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. When it happens, an Automated External Defibrillators (AED) can help make the difference between life and death.  On the 15th June, Joy Taggart will be presenting on Automated External Defibrillators and Defibrillator programmes for the lay, minimally trained rescuer who is often first at the scene.

Heartsine have been involved in the development of mobile defibrilation technology for many years, you can read more here.  Over the course of the presentation you’ll find out about how defibrillators developed from something weighing nearly 50kg to a neat box which can be used by anyone, anytime and anywhere.  You’ll get information about implementing an AED programme in your workplace – Why? How? What should be considered? – and you will get the opportunity to see and use an AED yourself.

The UK Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) are co-hosting a meeting for all respiratory protective equipment manufacturers, July 26 – 28, 2011.

You can download Meeting information (124) or get more details from the HSL/CDC websites.

http://www.hsl.gov.uk/health-and-safety-conferences/slips-trips-falls/home.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources/pressrel/letters/Manufacturers/lttr-07262011.html

The May SHEF(S) meeting took place at the Mines Rescues Service Ltd in Crossgates, Fife on the 25th May.  The visit involved a short presentation on the history of Mines Rescue, the work they do today and a trip underground to experience the conditions and hazards of working in confined/enclosed spaces. Pictures are available in the Gallery. For over 100 years, Mines Rescue Service has developed its specialist skills, experience and knowledge gained from working in a difficult and potentially dangerous environment, to effect the rescue and escape of mineworkers from underground.

Mines Rescue Service Ltd offers expertise and support through a range of comprehensive range of health and safety related products, training and services available to a wide range of private sector companies, large and small businesses and public sector organisations.

Businesses will still be able to notify fatal and major incidents and injuries by phone following changes to reporting arrangements, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed today.

From 12 September 2011, all other reportable work-related injuries and incidents under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995) will move to a predominantly online system, with a suite of seven forms available on HSE’s website to make the statutory reporting process quick and easy.

Said Trevor Carlile, HSE’s Director of Strategy:

“More than half of reportable injuries are already notified to HSE through the website and this proportion has been increasing steadily over the past seven years. Taking advantage of the growing use of the internet allows HSE to be more efficient in the way it works. We do recognise, however, that people reporting a traumatic event still need that personal interaction so the notification of fatal and major incidents and injuries will still take place by phone.”

Read the full article here.

SHEF(S) are very pleased to present a discussion on environmental best practice for safety professionals with environmental roles by Derek Duckett, Mabbett & Associates Ltd. Mr Duckett is a multi-credentialed scientist and environmentalist who has focused on environmental and quality management systems, on business improvement through resource efficiency and regulatory compliance for over eleven years. This presentation is relevant to those safety professionals with environmental roles within Scottish industry and of interest to others.

Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings has become the first company to be convicted of the new offence of corporate manslaughter.

Alex Wright was 27-years-old when he died on 5 September 2008. He was a geologist for Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings and was investigating soil conditions in a deep trench on a development plot in Stroud when it collapsed and killed him.

Kate Leonard, reviewing lawyer from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Special Crime Division, said:

“Alex Wright was a young man, full of promise. His death is a tragedy for all those who loved him and would never have happened if Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings had properly protected him.

“I hope that this conviction offers his family some sense of justice. I send them my sincere condolences once again.”

Read the full story here: http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/press_releases/107_11/

Having a Fire Risk Assessment in place is a legal requirement for almost all businesses in the UK, but it does not need to be an onerous task. John Crawford from Veitchi Group (http://www.veitchi.com) will be presenting information on the 16th February, that should provide all you need to be safe and legal. Finding out what the law says and what it means in practice for your business can be very time consuming, John will offer straightforward advice.

19th January sees Aisha Anwar from DLA Piper returning to update us on the latest legislative changes. Aisha is part of The Safety Health and Environment Group, part of the Regulatory team and has considerable experience advising on how to manage risks to the environment and the health and safety of employees including advising on issues raised by any uncertainty in regulatory definitions or interpretations of the law, developing corporate compliance plans, drafting standard notices to downstream users and advising on product recall issues.
She also frequently deals with matters involving enquiries and investigations by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.

Welcome to 2011, SHEF(S) wish everyone a healthy, safe and Happy 2011, see you on the 19th.

Merry Christmas to everyone from all at SHEF(S), have a safe and fun time with those you love. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.