the heart of health and safety

the heart of health and safety

Think about Health and Safety Supporting MSPs in their work Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Accident Prevention and Safety Awareness 11th March 2015 Jim Tassell Chair – IOSH Scotland

What is IOSH? The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) -Is Europe’s largest professional health and safety organisation -Has over 44,000 members worldwide, about 10% of them live and work in Scotland -Has about 13,000 members who are Chartered Safety and Health Practitioners

IOSH Scotland - IOSH Scotland brings together the Branches, Districts and Specialist Groups in Scotland to give a distinct and unified voice for the membership. We aim to raise the profile of IOSH in Scotland and to represent the particular needs of our profession here. We work with other professional stakeholders including Healthy Working Lives.

Myths and confusion Let’s face them – the “Elf an’ Safety” myths -Children not allowed to have air-filled balloons at a library book event (so they had to pop them) -Smoking not allowed for outdoor Christmas lights switchon -Chip shop would not allow a customer to put salt and vinegar on their own fish and chips (but maybe there’s a food safety angle) -Donkey rides banned at village fete (actually the operator didn’t have a licence required under animal welfare legislation) -DIY store refused to cut a door (but actually there are good reasons: many doors are hollow so don’t cut safely on panel saws also fire safety)

Cut the myths – let’s be real Health and safety is about people: -You in your work -Your staff who work for you -Your volunteers and interns working for you -Your visitors and constituents -Any anyone else around you when you are working -Particular individuals (disabled, young, pregnant) It’s not rocket science It’s mostly applied common sense

Think about managing safety Documentation -Safety policy (if 5 or more employees) -Risk assessments -First aid and accident book -Reporting accidents and diseases (RIDDOR) -Training and “competency” -Employers’ liability and other insurances

In the office - The basics – heat, light and welfare facilities Slips, trips and falls (basic housekeeping) Electricity and office equipment Working with computers Stress Lifting and carrying Hazardous substances and noise Fire risk assessment Fire exits, alarms, extinguishers etc. Fire procedures and log book

Out and about - - Personal safety Keep in touch Don’t just think of physical violence – what about: - verbal abuse - threats - confrontational behaviour Driving and use of vehicles - Vehicle - Driver - Journey

It’s never a daft question If you don’t know or don’t understand then you deserve a clear and simple explanation. Who can you ask? -Holyrood’s own resources if you work here: the H&S and Fire Safety advisors. -Healthy Working Lives (0800 019 2211) -IOSH (0116 257 3199) -See other contact details in the guide

But keep your wits about you! Thank you for your attention We hope to see you at an IOSH Branch meeting soon!