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16
May
2012
Be aware of what triggers stress
The construction industry can be a stressful, although rewarding, place to work. Thus many electrical contractors may find themselves feeling the pressure. When feelings of anxiety or tension occur it is important that people take steps to combat them. According to Kevin Friery, clinical director at Right Management Workplace Wellness, the most essential thing is that individuals identify those trigger points that cause stress. "This is about self-awareness, because one...
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14
May
2012
Ensure all equipment is up to code
Electricians must ensure that all equipment is up to code and meets safety standards to avoid encountering undue risks. The construction industry is one of the most dangerous working sectors in the UK and every year workers suffer injury and fatality as a result of the failure of bosses to adequately maintain equipment. This was highlighted recently when Stephen Cartwright fell from poor condition scaffolding and landed on a flat garage roof. As a result of the fall, Mr Cartwright...
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08
May
2012
Businesses benefit from in-house health and safety
Businesses, especially trades like electrical contracting companies, can gain huge benefits from hiring a dedicated health and safety expert.As well as helping fulfil a legal requirement, having excellent health and safety credentials will mark businesses out as good employers.Jane White, research and information services manager at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (Iosh), said that firms can either hire an external adviser or have an in-house professional."Usually, you...
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26
Apr
2012
Electrical safety is paramount amid flood warnings
Electrical contractors must remember to be especially careful over the next couple of weeks, amid flood warnings and torrential rain. With homes in high-risk areas for flood likely to need electrical support should waters keep rising, it is important that electrical contractors remain vigilant and advice customers on good safety practices. Following the announcement by the Environmental Agency that there is a high possibility flood, the Electrical Safety Council is advising people not to...
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25
Apr
2012
Electricians reminded of asbestos danger as former worker dies
Electrical contractors have been reminded of the danger they face from asbestos, as a retired electrician dies after years of persistent exposure. Ian Stanford passed away at the age 76 from pneumonia, which pathologist Dr Hitchcock ruled was the result of contact with the deadly fibre, This is Derbyshire reported. The deceased was repeated placed in the centre of an "asbestos storm" when working at Willington Power Station between 1959 and 1993. Mr Stanford was responsible for...
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23
Apr
2012
Govt health and safety changes 'won't make a difference'
Government changes to how health and safety incidents are reported won't affect the construction industry at all. This is the opinion of Phil Johnson, director at Construction Safety, who questions the accuracy of the government's findings on which the reforms were made. "I don't think it will make any difference," he said. "I've got issues with the statistics more than anything. The (health and safety) regulations have been out for quite a while and...
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13
Apr
2012
Small companies need to up health and safety standards
Following widespread health and safety checks across the UK's construction companies, smaller businesses are being urged to improve standards The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ran a national initiative to improve construction site safety, but nearly one in five sites failed to meet basic regulations. Many of these oversights were on behalf of smaller operations, indicating a growing trend for businesses to flout health and safety. According to Phil Johnson, director of...
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11
Apr
2012
Work overload can lead to stress
While it is always good news when work is coming in thick and fast, there are downsides for a business when it is in high demand. One of the most common causes of stress is being overworked and electrical contractors with lots to do in little time could find themselves teetering on the brink of mental health problems. If this occurs, it is the job of those in charge to offer support for workers and identify mechanisms that can help relieve some of the pressure. Setting realistic targets...
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10
Apr
2012
New asbestos regulations come into effect
Electrical contractors will want to ensure that they are abreast of the new asbestos regulations that came into effect on April 6th. Changes concern recordkeeping, notification of authorities if asbestos is found, and medical surveillance for those doing non-licensed work. Under the new Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, work does not require air monitoring on every job if an estimate of each worker's exposure can be made based on past experience or published guidance. Employers...
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10
Apr
2012
Look after workers as summer approaches
With summer approaching, the workload of electrical contractors is likely to increase, as more construction projects get underway. However, it is vital for bosses to consider the extra health and safety dimensions that come into play as the weather heats up. Key among the considerations of electrical contractors should be hydration, as many workers often forget to increase their liquid intake as the temperature rises and suffer dehydration. Jane White, research and information services...
