News of The London Health and Safety Group

News for 2008

17th November 2008 Effective Asbestos Management Bill Sanderson, Principal Scientist at Bureau Veritas, gave a most informative presentation on Effective Asbestos Management. The talk began with some oversees photos showing typical conditions for mining and processing asbestos. This was followed by a review of British legislation which was useful reminder of what is expected of duty holders. One of the main concerns of Facilities Managers is how to identify any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) in their buildings. Bill explained the difference between Type 1, 2 & 3 Surveys and when each was applicable. Also the practical problems involved when materials were not readily accessible. Followed by some helpful comments on dealing with contractors involved in removing asbestos. The talk explaining current best practice in the maintenance and removal of asbestos. This clearly demonstrated Bill's considerable knowledge and experience and was very much appreciated by the audience.		15th December 2008 Emergency Planning Rob Walley, is the Civil Protection Manager within the Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Unit for Brent Council. Rob explained that a major incident could arise from events such as an Industrial Accident, Flooding, Tornado, Loss of Utilities, Flu Pandemic or Terrorist Attack. These are all practical possibilities and the public expect an effective and co-ordinated response from the civil authorities. Hence each of the London Boroughs has drawn up emergency plans. However, on many occasions there is a good case for sharing resources when responding the event. To illustrate the point he talked about the Kensal Rise Tornado that occurred in December 2006. Over 1,000 properties were affected and emergency control lasted for three days. One of the major challenges involved co-ordinating the activities of Central Government, Local Government, Emergency Services, Health Services and Voluntary Sector. Rob's presentation is available but it is password protected and is only intended for LHSG Members.
______________________________ 20th October 2008 Sensible Risk Management Helen Bale, Corporate H&S Manager for Kent County Council, gave a presentation on Sensible Risk Management. Kent CC has recently introduced a programme of activities under the slogan "Saving Lives - Not Stopping People Living". This was in response to the current national debate on what is an Acceptable Risk v Unacceptable Risk. In essence, this is about ensuring that employees and public are suitably protected by controlling serious risks.		______________________________ 20th October 2008 Sensible Risk Management (contd) While acknowledging that all risks can not and should not be totally eliminated. For instance, many sporting activities are associated with an element of danger. So how does one recognise and endorse "an acceptable risk". Helen gave a number of examples to illustrate this point. Some from the national press and others from more everyday activities. She also outlined the training programmes that Kent CC were using to inform their employees. The following discussion session clearly showed that the topic had resonated with many in the audience.
___________________________ 15th September 2008 Corporate Manslaughter Peter Coyle from Energy Networks Association gave a presentation prepared by Roger Bibbings entitled "How to get H&S onto the Boardroom Agenda". The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 became effective from April 2008. The Act makes it clear that directors and senior managers are expected to take an active role in creating safe and healthy working condition. The essential requirements are detailed in a Guidance Booklet issued by the HSE/IOD entitled "Leading H&S at Work". In addition, the Sentencing Advisory Panel is consulting on stiffer penalties e.g. Bigger Fines (i.e. 2.5% to 10% of Turnover), Remedial Orders and Publicity Orders. Peter's presentation can be downloaded. It highlights issues that directors should consider with respect to their Feeling, Attitudes, Insights, Awareness, Advocacy and Action. Addressing these issues is essential for effective leadership from the top.		______________________________ 15th September 2008 Corporate Manslaughter (continued) This meeting was sponsored by RPS Health, Safety and Environment. They provide consultancy, due diligence and corporate services to Health, Safety and Facilities Managers. Mainly within the property management and development sectors, financial institutions, FM companies, industrial clients, local authorities and the wider public sector. Christian Hopper, from RPS, gave a presentation on their customised online H&S Risk Management system. This can provide property risk management professionals with a simple and effective means of monitoring and managing compliance with all health, safety and environmental legislation. This system can also help companies achieve 18001 and avoid prosecution under the new Corporate Manslaughter Act. Christian's presentation can be downloaded. For more information, visit the RPS website or view an online demonstration of the Risk Management System.
____________________________ 19th May 2008 Accident Investigation Roger Bibbings from RoSPA gave a talk on the importance of having an effective management system for Investigating Accidents. Roger's presentation can be downloaded and clearly shows a thorough review of this topic.		____________________________ 19th May 2008 Accident Investigation (continued) RoSPA's contention is that a large selection of accidents should be investigated in detail, preferably by a small team of specially trained employees lead by a senior manager. Establishing the underlying causes can open the door to a highly effective process for proactive prevention of accidents.
__________________________ 21st April 2008 Annual General Meeting The AGM was expertly chaired by our President, Lord Brougham. The out-going chairman, Edmund Jacobs, gave an upbeat review of his three years tenure. He highlighted the present excellent vitality of the Group having negotiated three changes of venue. He wished Peter Livock, the new chairman continued success in the future. The Treasurer, Roger Lummis, presented the annual accounts. This showed that the finances were in good shape with a modest surplus for the first time in quite a few years. The newly elected committee members can be seen on the Committee Page. Also Gary Frost was elected as an Honorary Member having served on the committee and actively supported the Group for many years. The meeting sponsor was Trade Direct Insurance They supply Construction Insurance and Professional Indemnity. Rewarding good health and safety practices. For further details see www.tradedirectinsurance.co.uk		___________________________ 21st April 2008 HSE Report on Current Activities Peter Livock gave a short presentation on his view of implementing a H&S System within an organisation. He encouraged the audience to share their experiences in getting management commitment and establishing good working practices for the employees. Janet Francis gave a review of HSE's Current Activities and Priorities. (She replaced Trevor Allan at short notice, which was very much appreciated.) Janet's presentation is available as a download and it clearly shows HSE's multi-faceted approach to influencing H&S Duty Holders. For instance, they are running campaigns on particular topics (eg Slips, Trips and Falls, Legionella, Landlord Duties for CO from Gas Burners) and mentoring some influential employers. They are also targeting hot topics within specific industrial sectors (eg Manual Handling, Stress, ill health) and focusing their investigation and enforcement efforts to make them more effective. See the download for more details on HSE's plans.
____________________________ 17th March 2008 Improving Safety Performance Professor Andrew Hale from HASTAM Ltd gave an excellent presentation on Improving Safety Performance through Measurement. He related the value of Auditing and setting Key Performance Indicators to some recent experience in raising safety performance at a large steel works. Andrew's presentation notes are available as a download. His comprehensive review of Safety Management Systems were developed with the benefit of his academic background. While his cautionary remarks during the talk clearly showed his practical grasp of real life situations and the need to gain management commitment and involvement.		______________________________ 17th March 2008 HSE Campaign on Slips Trips and Falls John Holland, HSE Project Manager announced the start of the HSE's Shattered Lives Campaign 2008. This is a major campaign by HSE to reduce accidents due to Slips, Trips and Falls from Height. Slips and Trips are a major cause of serious injuries and Falls from Height are a major cause of fatalities. John explained that HSE aims to stimulate interest and action by employers through advertising and their website. There are posters, information and advice available. Much of the advice is customised for workers in Construction, Building Maintenance, Catering, Food Manufacturing and Retail.
___________________________ 21st January 2008 Electromagnetic Radiation Dr Simon Mann, from the Health Protection Agency, gave an authoritative review of the health hazards that could arise from electromagnetic radiation. The Agency advises the Government on guidelines to prevent harm to employees and the public. One of its main activity is to review and assess internationally available research work on health studies. As the controversies over mobile phones and overhead power cables demonstrates, it is difficult to determine when persistent low level radiation continues to have a damaging effect on health. So the Agency tends to recommend conservative limits. Electromagnetic radiation covers a very wide spectrum This includes radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and Gamma-rays. Consequently, the manner by which health could be damaged will vary at different wave lengths. Hence risk assessments at work really need an input from an expert. The presentation was considered to be both absorbing and challenging by the appreciative audience.		__________________________ 18th February 2008 Tower Bridge Visit An enthusiastic group of members visited Tower Bridge. We were met by operational staff who outlined the history of why and how the bridge was built. Followed by arrangements and stories about present day operations. The tour started in parts not open to the public, to show the working mechanisms both old and modern; including one of the cavernous bascule chambers to accommodate the sweep of the massive counter balance weights. A viewing of the public areas rounded off the visit. See the downloads page for more photos. Members considered this to be a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable event.

NB:- These reports have been written by a member of the audience so they may not fully reflect the views of the speaker.
NB:- Previous news pages may be viewed through the links on the Archive Page.

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