Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), all companies must ensure that any manual handling task that cannot be eliminated and that is likely to be a risk to health and safety is examined and assessed. Such tasks would include moving large pieces of equipment or materials in a workshop. A risk assessment should be conducted in order to assess these risks and to produce control measures to reduce the risk of injury.
The Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC) tool was developed by the HSE and can be used to assess common risk factors in lifting, lowering, carrying and team handling operations. The HSE website contains a section on the MAC tool including case studies and worked examples. The MAC tool is designed to help users understand, interpret and categorise the level of risk of the various known risk factors associated with manual handling activities. It incorporates a numerical and a colour coding scoring system to highlight high-risk manual handling activities.
It uses a combination of colour coding 'traffic light' (green/amber/red/purple) approach to highlight the level of risk as well as scoring and considers the following three types of operations: single lift, single carry and team handling.
For each type of assessment there is a guide and a flow chart to help you. The flow chart guides you, step by step, through each element of the operation enabling you to evaluate and grade the level of risk. To enable you to calculate the risk for the load and frequency of the operation, a graph is supplied with the flowchart which indicates the appropriate colour band and numerical value to be entered into the score sheet.
Each of the three types of assessment has a score sheet to be filled in. The score sheet will provide a total score and along with the colour banding, determine which elements of the task require attention (i.e. controls put in place to reduce risk)
An interactive version of the score sheet is available on the HSE website which totals the respective scores from the colour bands.
The MAC tool cannot be used to assess the risks associated with pulling or pushing: the risk assessment checklist should be used to evaluate such tasks
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Risk to the Rescuer
The safety of both the rescuer and victim are paramount during a resuscitation attempt. There have been few incidents of rescuers suffering adverse effects from undertaking CPR, with only isolated reports of infections such as tuberculosis (TB) and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS). Transmission of HIV during CPR has never been reported. There have been no human studies to address the effectiveness of barrier devices during CPR; however, laboratory studies have shown that certain filters, or barrier devices with one-way valves, prevent oral bacteria transmission from the victim to the rescuer during mouth-to-mouth ventilation. Rescuers should take appropriate safety precautions where feasible, especially if the victim is known to have a serious infection, such as TB.
Initial rescue breaths
During the first few minutes after non-asphyxial cardiac arrest the blood oxygen content remains high. Ventilation is, therefore, less important than chest compression at this time.
It is well recognised that skill acquisition and retention are aided by simplification of the BLS sequence of actions. It is also recognised that rescuers are frequently unwilling to carry out mouth-to-mouth ventilation for a variety of reasons, including fear of infection and distaste for the procedure. For these reasons, and to emphasise the priority of chest compressions, it is recommended that, in most adults, CPR should start with chest compressions rather than initial ventilations.
Jaw thrust
The jaw thrust technique is not recommended for lay rescuers because it is difficult to learn and perform. Therefore, the lay rescuer should open the airway using a head-tilt-chin-lift manoeuvre.
Agonal gasps
Agonal gasps are present in up to 40% of cardiac arrest victims. Laypeople should, therefore, be taught to begin CPR if the victim is unconscious
(unresponsive) and not breathing normally. It should be emphasised during training that agonal gasps occur commonly in the first few minutes after sudden cardiac arrest. They are an indication for starting CPR immediately and should not be confused with normal breathing.
Mouth-to-nose ventilation
Mouth-to-nose ventilation is an effective alternative to mouth-to-mouth ventilation. It may be considered if the victim’s mouth is seriously injured or cannot be opened, the rescuer is assisting a victim in the water, or a mouth-to-mouth seal is difficult to achieve.
Initial rescue breaths
During the first few minutes after non-asphyxial cardiac arrest the blood oxygen content remains high. Ventilation is, therefore, less important than chest compression at this time.
It is well recognised that skill acquisition and retention are aided by simplification of the BLS sequence of actions. It is also recognised that rescuers are frequently unwilling to carry out mouth-to-mouth ventilation for a variety of reasons, including fear of infection and distaste for the procedure. For these reasons, and to emphasise the priority of chest compressions, it is recommended that, in most adults, CPR should start with chest compressions rather than initial ventilations.
Jaw thrust
The jaw thrust technique is not recommended for lay rescuers because it is difficult to learn and perform. Therefore, the lay rescuer should open the airway using a head-tilt-chin-lift manoeuvre.
Agonal gasps
Agonal gasps are present in up to 40% of cardiac arrest victims. Laypeople should, therefore, be taught to begin CPR if the victim is unconscious
(unresponsive) and not breathing normally. It should be emphasised during training that agonal gasps occur commonly in the first few minutes after sudden cardiac arrest. They are an indication for starting CPR immediately and should not be confused with normal breathing.
Mouth-to-nose ventilation
Mouth-to-nose ventilation is an effective alternative to mouth-to-mouth ventilation. It may be considered if the victim’s mouth is seriously injured or cannot be opened, the rescuer is assisting a victim in the water, or a mouth-to-mouth seal is difficult to achieve.
PTLLS
Future-proof your career with a nationally recognised teaching qualification!
As the adult education sector moves towards nationally recognised teaching qualifications, it’s never been more important to future-proof your career. PTLLS is a fantastic initial course for anyone involved in teaching. The 5 day course builds on your current experience and will help you to understand how your teaching methods can affect learning. If you wish to continue your professional development, this qualification can be used as units towards the Certificate (CTLLS) or Diploma (DTLLS).
PTLLS is now the minimum requirement for people who deliver training to adults in colleges and it is likely that other areas of adult training will follow. Endorse your current teaching experience and broaden your opportunities with our PTLLS training course for First Aid Trainers.
As the adult education sector moves towards nationally recognised teaching qualifications, it’s never been more important to future-proof your career. PTLLS is a fantastic initial course for anyone involved in teaching. The 5 day course builds on your current experience and will help you to understand how your teaching methods can affect learning. If you wish to continue your professional development, this qualification can be used as units towards the Certificate (CTLLS) or Diploma (DTLLS).
PTLLS is now the minimum requirement for people who deliver training to adults in colleges and it is likely that other areas of adult training will follow. Endorse your current teaching experience and broaden your opportunities with our PTLLS training course for First Aid Trainers.
The Recovery Position
There are several variations of the recovery position, each with its own advantages. No single position is perfect for all victims. The position should be stable, near a true lateral position with the head dependent, and with no pressure on the chest to impair breathing.
The Resuscitation Council (UK) and Action Training Services Ltd recommends this sequence of actions to place a victim in the recovery position:
• Remove the victim’s spectacles.
• Kneel beside the victim and make sure that both his legs are straight.
• Place the arm nearest to you out at right angles to his body, elbow bent with the hand palm uppermost.
• Bring the far arm across the chest, and hold the back of the hand against the victim’s cheek nearest to you.
• With your other hand, grasp the far leg just above the knee and pull it up, keeping the foot on the ground.
• Keeping his hand pressed against his cheek, pull on the far leg to roll the victim towards you onto his side.
• Adjust the upper leg so that both the hip and knee are bent at right angles.
• Tilt the head back to make sure the airway remains open.
• Adjust the hand under the cheek, if necessary, to keep the head tilted.
• Check breathing regularly.
If the victim has to be kept in the recovery position for more than 30 min turn him to the opposite side to relieve the pressure on the lower arm.
The Resuscitation Council (UK) and Action Training Services Ltd recommends this sequence of actions to place a victim in the recovery position:
• Remove the victim’s spectacles.
• Kneel beside the victim and make sure that both his legs are straight.
• Place the arm nearest to you out at right angles to his body, elbow bent with the hand palm uppermost.
• Bring the far arm across the chest, and hold the back of the hand against the victim’s cheek nearest to you.
• With your other hand, grasp the far leg just above the knee and pull it up, keeping the foot on the ground.
• Keeping his hand pressed against his cheek, pull on the far leg to roll the victim towards you onto his side.
• Adjust the upper leg so that both the hip and knee are bent at right angles.
• Tilt the head back to make sure the airway remains open.
• Adjust the hand under the cheek, if necessary, to keep the head tilted.
• Check breathing regularly.
If the victim has to be kept in the recovery position for more than 30 min turn him to the opposite side to relieve the pressure on the lower arm.
Do I need Insurance!
A window manufacturer that traded without liability insurance has been fined £10,000 after an employee sliced his hand on an unguarded saw.
Jeremy Adams was using a double pivoting head mitre saw to cut frames at the M&M Windows factory in the Black Country town of Brierley Hill in May last year when the unguarded blade came into contact with his left hand.
Adam’s index finger was amputated but doctors saved his middle finger after extensive reconstructive surgery.
The HSE found M&M had failed to fit a guard to the saw to prevent access to the blade. During the investigation, it also discovered the company believed it did not need insurance to cover workers’ injuries as most of them were employed through an agency.
HSE inspector Jenny Skeldon said, “Not having insurance was a gross failure of duty to its employees. It is crucial that all companies look at the relationship they have with their workers, agency or not.”
At Dudley Magistrates’ Court, M&M was fined £10,000 for not ensuring Adams’ safety, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and failing to take out liability insurance, under Section 1(1) of the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act.
Jeremy Adams was using a double pivoting head mitre saw to cut frames at the M&M Windows factory in the Black Country town of Brierley Hill in May last year when the unguarded blade came into contact with his left hand.
Adam’s index finger was amputated but doctors saved his middle finger after extensive reconstructive surgery.
The HSE found M&M had failed to fit a guard to the saw to prevent access to the blade. During the investigation, it also discovered the company believed it did not need insurance to cover workers’ injuries as most of them were employed through an agency.
HSE inspector Jenny Skeldon said, “Not having insurance was a gross failure of duty to its employees. It is crucial that all companies look at the relationship they have with their workers, agency or not.”
At Dudley Magistrates’ Court, M&M was fined £10,000 for not ensuring Adams’ safety, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and failing to take out liability insurance, under Section 1(1) of the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act.
Risk Assessments
In workplaces, employers are required to assess the risk to their employees, from manual handling.
Risk assessments are carried out by trained assessors who decide whether or not there is a risk of injury and how much of a risk it is.
This includes looking at:
The task - How often is the task performed and how long for? Does it have to be performed quickly?
The individual's capacity – Who is doing the task? Are they physically capable of carrying out the task safely?
The load – How heavy is it? What shape is it? Does it have handles? Is it hot or cold, or wet - do gloves need to be worn?
The environment – Where is this task being carried out? Indoors or outdoors? Is it cold and/or wet? Does the space restrict good posture? Is the ground clear and flat?
If an assessor thinks that there is a risk of injury, the employer must take certain steps to reduce the risk. The first step is to see if they can avoid the task that involves the risk. An example of this is for a doctor to visit a patient at home rather than the patient being brought into the hospital by the ambulance staff. This would eliminate the task of the ambulance staff having to push the patient in a wheelchair from their house to the ambulance, and then into the hospital.
If the task can't be avoided, then the next option is to minimise the risk of injury.
Risk can be reduced in lots of ways:
Make sure that there is a good grip on the load - that hands, the load and any handles are not slippery.
Make sure that the area around the task is clear of obstacles. Make sure that doors are open and that there is nothing on the floor that could trip someone or make them slip.
Use mechanical equipment, for example, push a shopping trolley to the car rather than carry the bags.
Reduce the amount that is handled or split it into smaller pieces.
Extend the time taken to do the job by taking breaks to ensure that the muscles have time to recover.
Get someone to help.
Three Steps to Restart a Heart
PULL, PLACE and Press.
Philips, the leader in defibrillation technology, designed The HeartStart OnSite Defibrillator for the ordinary person in the extraordinary moment. Its innovative technology, is based on extensive research and user feedback. The defibrillator so easy to use that, with minimal training, you can potentially save the life of a co-worker, friend, or anyone else who has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
The Onsite AED Treats the most common cause of Sudden Cardiac Arrest by delivering a shock to the heart. No prescription necessary. Weighing just 3.3 lbs., can be easily carried to the patient’s side. By Pulling the green handle it powers-up the defibrillator and activates voice instructions. These instructions are paced to your actions, to help guide you through the entire process, from placing pads on the patient to delivering a defibrillation shock.
Integrated SMART Pads placed on the patient’s bare skin transmit information to the defibrillator, which senses and adapts to your actions every step of the way.
HeartStart OnSite determines if a shock is needed, based on its automated assessment of the victim’s heart rhythm.
HeartStart OnSite includes proven Philips technologies for heart rhythm assessment (SMART Analysis) and defibrillation energy delivery (SMART Biphasic). And like all HeartStart defibrillators, it can be used to treat infants, children and adults. We at Action Training Services always use this machine on our training courses; easy to use; does save peoples lives; and far better than a Green Box with a White Cross!!
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Induction Training Guide for New Recruits
Over 1 million people a year are injured at work so accident prevention must be every company's priority to avoid the financial costs incurred from accidents, promote more effective business performance and most importantly protect the welfare of their staff. The Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 requires that companies provide the necessary information and training to ensure the health and safety of employees, "so far as is reasonably practicable."
This is a guide to the essentials for an induction course in health and safety provided by Action Training Services Ltd.
Why do we need induction training?
Induction training is a vitally important process for both new staff and for the organisation to promote a positive health and safety culture and ensure it is legally compliant. From a health and safety point of view, the aims of induction training are according to Ray Hodkinson our Training Manager; to:
• provide the trainee with the information necessary for his/her safety in respect of the hazards that may be encountered at various stages of development to full job competence
• introduce the new employee to the culture of the organisation, the emphasis that it places upon health and safety for example.
There is a dilemma between the need to cover a wide range of health, safety and organisational topics, and the limited ability of the new recruit to absorb and retain information about a new job. Many organisations will have standard induction training packages, but where possible, induction training should be tailored to the needs of individuals as part of a planned programme of development.
Day 1
• company policy statement
• company site wide rules
• precautions concerning only the hazards that the recruit might face during the first few days
• an introduction to the organisation's safety culture and the behaviour that is expected
• any limitations on what they may do, where they may go (including the reasons)
• emergency procedures
• first-aid arrangements, welfare and amenity provisions
• reporting procedures for accidents and dangerous situations
• health surveillance procedures
The training given on day 1 should be simple and brief.
It is often given off-the job, i.e. in a classroom.
First Week
• company health and safety policy
• organisation and arrangements for health and safety
• management commitment to health and safety and the culture of the organisation
• line management responsibilities for health and safety
• key individuals such as the supervisor, safety representative, first-aider
• consultative procedures and the role of safety representatives
• the hazards and risks in the department / the job
• precautions and protection required
• local procedures and requirements relating to, for example, personal
• protective equipment or drink and drugs
During the first 6 months
The remaining specific needs of the recruit will be addressed in the most appropriate manner. The level of supervision that is necessary should gradually reduce as the individual is able to demonstrate increasing competence.
It is impossible to develop instant competence, the basic principle is that where competence is necessary in order to avoid exposure to hazards, people must be kept away from those hazards or be adequately supervised by a person who is competent.
To organise induction training give our training team a call on 01942 270070.
This is a guide to the essentials for an induction course in health and safety provided by Action Training Services Ltd.
Why do we need induction training?
Induction training is a vitally important process for both new staff and for the organisation to promote a positive health and safety culture and ensure it is legally compliant. From a health and safety point of view, the aims of induction training are according to Ray Hodkinson our Training Manager; to:
• provide the trainee with the information necessary for his/her safety in respect of the hazards that may be encountered at various stages of development to full job competence
• introduce the new employee to the culture of the organisation, the emphasis that it places upon health and safety for example.
There is a dilemma between the need to cover a wide range of health, safety and organisational topics, and the limited ability of the new recruit to absorb and retain information about a new job. Many organisations will have standard induction training packages, but where possible, induction training should be tailored to the needs of individuals as part of a planned programme of development.
Day 1
• company policy statement
• company site wide rules
• precautions concerning only the hazards that the recruit might face during the first few days
• an introduction to the organisation's safety culture and the behaviour that is expected
• any limitations on what they may do, where they may go (including the reasons)
• emergency procedures
• first-aid arrangements, welfare and amenity provisions
• reporting procedures for accidents and dangerous situations
• health surveillance procedures
The training given on day 1 should be simple and brief.
It is often given off-the job, i.e. in a classroom.
First Week
• company health and safety policy
• organisation and arrangements for health and safety
• management commitment to health and safety and the culture of the organisation
• line management responsibilities for health and safety
• key individuals such as the supervisor, safety representative, first-aider
• consultative procedures and the role of safety representatives
• the hazards and risks in the department / the job
• precautions and protection required
• local procedures and requirements relating to, for example, personal
• protective equipment or drink and drugs
During the first 6 months
The remaining specific needs of the recruit will be addressed in the most appropriate manner. The level of supervision that is necessary should gradually reduce as the individual is able to demonstrate increasing competence.
It is impossible to develop instant competence, the basic principle is that where competence is necessary in order to avoid exposure to hazards, people must be kept away from those hazards or be adequately supervised by a person who is competent.
To organise induction training give our training team a call on 01942 270070.
First Aid at Work Assessment Tool
The HSE has published a First Aid at Work assessment tool (www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/assessmenttool.htm). It is designed to help employers determine the number and type of first - aid personnel to provide in their workplace. The tool serves as a general guide only and employers shopuld take into account all relevant circumstances to make a valid judgement. if you have any questions give us a call.
Changes To Benefit All
Forthcoming changes to the official requirements for First Aid at Work training.
Each year, 5.5 million people end up in Accident and Emergency when 3 million of them would have benefited from first aid treatment.
The current average response time of an ambulance on an 999 call is 7-8 minutes and someone with a blocked airway has just four minutes to live, it is very clear that trained first aiders at work can make the difference between survival and death.
The HSE carried out a simple investigation of first aid in the workplace and found the following –
• Employers were usually achieving compliance with the legal minimum rather than considering fully the needs of the workplace and there responsibilities to staff.
• General over all awareness was good.
• Deficiencies in the content and format of the regulations.
As a consequence, the HSE has developed new guidance which aims to deal with these problems. The changes were announced in April 2009 and will come into effect on the 1 October 2009
From the 1st October 2009
Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW)
Where an employer has found they need an appointed person under the old regulations, they may find that they need an Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW). This is a new course requiring one day of training and requalification every three years. This course is generally aimed at lower – risk premises.
HSE First Aid at Work (FAW)
This course covers the practical skills needed by a first – aider in the modern workplace. The course gives the student the confidence and knowledge to deal with first – aid emergencies. This course becomes three days and is valid for three years after successful completion of the assessment; it still covers the important life – saving techniques and treatment for minor injuries that are common in the workplace. This course is generally aimed at higher – risk premises.
HSE First Aid at Work (FAW) requalification
This course can only be attended by a student who still currently holds a HSE First Aid at Work certificate and it is still in date. This course will remain unchanged at two days and is valid for three years after successful completion of the assessment.
Annual refresher (AR)
This three hour session provides an opportunity to practice and update skills during the three year period as a qualified first-aider. The HSE strongly recommends that FAW and EFAW students attend these sessions annually. It is well established that life – saving skills fade over time and that regular refreshing of first – aid knowledge is beneficial. Therefore a three – day course with a half – day’s retraining each year is more effective than a four – day initial course with no contact until re – qualification in the third year.
To see full course details of all First Aid Training please go to www.actiontraining.co.uk
The Trainers at Action Training Services Ltd are highly qualified instructors and will ensure students will continue to be trained to all HSE standards.
Employers should check their record of accidents and ill health to assess the type of accidents that occur in their workplaces and where they happened. Shift work, sites with several separate buildings and the distance from emergency medical services may mean a higher number of staff need to be trained in first aid. We at Action Training Services make sure that students are given the confidence and knowledge to handle first-aid emergencies, including choking, resuscitation, sudden illness and a range of injuries. We also train first-aiders to use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which can be used to shock the heart in the event of a cardiac arrest.
When training is important and you need it to be right we at Action Training are the ones you want on site.
Each year, 5.5 million people end up in Accident and Emergency when 3 million of them would have benefited from first aid treatment.
The current average response time of an ambulance on an 999 call is 7-8 minutes and someone with a blocked airway has just four minutes to live, it is very clear that trained first aiders at work can make the difference between survival and death.
The HSE carried out a simple investigation of first aid in the workplace and found the following –
• Employers were usually achieving compliance with the legal minimum rather than considering fully the needs of the workplace and there responsibilities to staff.
• General over all awareness was good.
• Deficiencies in the content and format of the regulations.
As a consequence, the HSE has developed new guidance which aims to deal with these problems. The changes were announced in April 2009 and will come into effect on the 1 October 2009
From the 1st October 2009
Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW)
Where an employer has found they need an appointed person under the old regulations, they may find that they need an Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW). This is a new course requiring one day of training and requalification every three years. This course is generally aimed at lower – risk premises.
HSE First Aid at Work (FAW)
This course covers the practical skills needed by a first – aider in the modern workplace. The course gives the student the confidence and knowledge to deal with first – aid emergencies. This course becomes three days and is valid for three years after successful completion of the assessment; it still covers the important life – saving techniques and treatment for minor injuries that are common in the workplace. This course is generally aimed at higher – risk premises.
HSE First Aid at Work (FAW) requalification
This course can only be attended by a student who still currently holds a HSE First Aid at Work certificate and it is still in date. This course will remain unchanged at two days and is valid for three years after successful completion of the assessment.
Annual refresher (AR)
This three hour session provides an opportunity to practice and update skills during the three year period as a qualified first-aider. The HSE strongly recommends that FAW and EFAW students attend these sessions annually. It is well established that life – saving skills fade over time and that regular refreshing of first – aid knowledge is beneficial. Therefore a three – day course with a half – day’s retraining each year is more effective than a four – day initial course with no contact until re – qualification in the third year.
To see full course details of all First Aid Training please go to www.actiontraining.co.uk
The Trainers at Action Training Services Ltd are highly qualified instructors and will ensure students will continue to be trained to all HSE standards.
Employers should check their record of accidents and ill health to assess the type of accidents that occur in their workplaces and where they happened. Shift work, sites with several separate buildings and the distance from emergency medical services may mean a higher number of staff need to be trained in first aid. We at Action Training Services make sure that students are given the confidence and knowledge to handle first-aid emergencies, including choking, resuscitation, sudden illness and a range of injuries. We also train first-aiders to use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which can be used to shock the heart in the event of a cardiac arrest.
When training is important and you need it to be right we at Action Training are the ones you want on site.
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