Page 10 - Workplace Blog

First Aid Compliance for the Workplace

Posted on February 11, 2013

The Workplace Depot (Central Source Ltd) are delighted to announce that we now distribute Wallace Cameron first aid products. Wallace Cameron has been servicing the needs of the first aid market for over 60 years, supplying new and innovative quality products and services. This has led to the achievement of 2 Royal Warrants and the ongoing ISO 9001:2008 and BRC accreditations. First aid is imperative to any business therefore it is important to review your workplace first aid needs annually. Sheena Jack Marketing & Design Manager at Wallace Cameron commented, “We are delighted to have formed a working partnership with the Workplace Depot. Our extensive range of products that are available through Workplace Depot will ensure any business can maintain HSE compliance in the workplace, and enjoy the latest innovations in the market place.” 1. There is no mandatory list of items that should be included in a first-aid kit. This will be influenced by the findings of the first aid needs assessment...

Five Ways to Reduce the Time Spent Managing Your PPE

Posted on January 29, 2013

Managing your staff's PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) can be incredibly time consuming, particularly for larger businesses who employ a sizeable workforce. However, cutting corners and not checking your equipment can put you and your employees in danger; increasing the risk of accidents in the workplace due to the decreased protection. We've come up with five ways to reduce the time spent managing your PPE without compromising on protection or safety. Get a PPE Partner Buddying up your employees may seem a little primary school but trust us, if you're trying to save time without compromising safety then this is one of the simplest and most effective ways to do so. All you need to do is pair up your employees and, at the start and end of each working day or week (depending on how much wear and tear your personnel are exposed to) ask your staff to check the condition of each of their buddies PPE items, which could range from security vests and hi-vis trousers to hard hats...

The Essential Guide to Scaffolding, Sheeting and Netting

Posted on December 03, 2012

Those who work in the construction industry may be very aware of scaffolding, sheeting and netting, including their benefits and purposes. If you are beginning a construction project and are unsure on the right type of scaffolding or scaffold protection then this essential guide will make your choices more informed and easier. Scaffolding – What is it and when do you need it? Scaffolding is actually defined as a temporary structure in itself. Put up by professionals you will find that scaffolding can come in various different materials such as metal and even wood. For example, in Asia they are very fond of using bamboo scaffolding on their buildings whereas in the UK metal pipes or tubes are used instead. Tubes, couplers and boards will make up the key components of scaffolding. Bamboo scaffolding is used in Asia! In the Western World you will find scaffolding to be made from metal. Scaffolding is used to support people such as builders, as well as materials when undergoing a building or...

How to Prevent Ladder Accidents in the Workplace

Posted on October 24, 2012

Despite recent campaigns from the Health and Safety Executive to raise awareness of the risks of working at height, there are still hundreds of cases of falls from ladders in the workplace all over Britain. Just this month, it was reported that an employee fell from a ladder, injuring his collarbone, breaking several ribs and cutting his head, just months after a similar fall. These kinds of accidents should not happen in the first place – and when they do, it is vital that the appropriate safety measures are put in place. Before beginning any task involving working at height, it is vital to assess the task in hand to determine the exact equipment that needs be used. Many of risks associated with working at height are due to poor management control rather than the actual equipment – and is often the result of failure to recognise problems or provide a safe ladder system: 1. Essentially, ladders should only be used in situations that can be done more safely and quickly using equipment. Avoid...

The Importance of Storage Solutions - Guest Post

Posted on October 22, 2012

Space is at a premium these days so getting the right storage solutions is imperative. With a growing population and a national shortage of property and office space, if you want space you are going to have to pay for it. Depending on your current life or business situation, you might not necessarily be able to afford acres and acres of room to live or work in. All of this means that we have had to learn to be very economical with the space we do have. Make do with what you've got For first time buyers or those just setting up their own business, it is not always possible to afford buildings with lots of room. The chances are that you will be in a small flat or house for the first few years. Small office premises are also common for new companies until they have been able to establish themselves in the market place and grow the company. So, what can be done in the interim period to make the most of space? This is where storage solutions come into play. Being clever with storage...

Equipping a First Aid Room

Posted on October 11, 2012

Employers should consider having a first aid room if their workplace has significant hazards or where access to medical facilities is difficult. If you set-up a First Aid Room you will need to think about the following factors regarding the room: Requirements for privacy Entrance needs to be able to accommodate a stretcher or wheelchair Ideally has a wash basin and nearby toilet facilities If possible a ground floor location Adequate ventilation/heating/lighting Someone needs to take responsibility for the room and its contents (out of date/stock items, cleaning etc) The First Aid Room The Medical or treatment room needs to be equipped in a way that is appropriate to your workplace – there's quite a difference between a large factory using hazardous materials/machinery and a medium-sized office. First Aid Rooms will require some or all of the following: Lockable First Aid Cabinet First aid kits Medical waste disposal – clinical waste bins Signage – first aid room sign and first aid guidance...

Wheel Clamping on Private Land Now Illegal

Posted on October 09, 2012

Under the Protection of Freedoms Act, it is now illegal to clamp, tow or immobilise cars parked on private land without lawful authority - anyone found breaking the law can potentially face an unlimited fine. This effectively means that clamping and towing will be restricted to the police, local authorities, the DVLA and other authorities acting in accordance with by-laws like airports and railways stations. Other changes that have also come in from 1 October include giving police more powers to remove cars parked on private land, while unpaid tickets can now be claimed from the registered owner of the vehicle, as well as the driver. There will also be an Independent Appeals Service funded by the British Parking Association (BPA) that will allow drivers to be able to appeal tickets issued on private land by a company that is a member of the BPA's Approved Operator Scheme. This has been criticised as a little bit like getting the Highwaymen clampers to simply register themselves or even...

Getting to Grips With Manual Handling

Posted on October 03, 2012

Over a third of injuries that keep people off work for more than three days at a time are caused by manual handling – falls and trips account for much of the rest. As a consequence there are many regulations governing activities such as pulling, pushing, carrying, lifting and loading. The following provides some suggestions on how to improve manual handling techniques and reduce accidents. The first thing to consider is whether the object needs handling at all – can the process be mechanised or made easier with handling aids such as sack trucks, pallet trucks, conveyors or other lifting devices. Has there been sufficient training for the person doing the moving, whether this involves the type of load, mechanical aids or other risk factors? Before doing any lift or handling of an awkward item it is advisable to have some kind of plan of action – this can include simple things such as removing obstacles out of the way or checking for potential trip hazards. For a particularly difficult item...

Don't Be the Fall Guy in Your Office!

Posted on August 21, 2012

Our range of office and external cable protectors are now on sale Thousands of people in the UK each year have accidents at work simply from tripping over. Some of these accidents are difficult to prevent if the individual isn't paying much attention to what they are doing! However, tripping over loose and trailing cables can be avoided by using cheap and easy to install cable protectors. Careful cable management can play an important part in helping to ensure a safer environment in your workplace, and cable protectors are needed for compliance with the Health & Safety legislation preventing accidents at work (Health & Safety Offences Act 2008). A cable tidy (protector) should be used in offices, shop floors or warehouse areas to prevent trip hazards. More heavy duty cable protectors and ramps can be used outside in parking areas, roads, construction and redevelopment sites both to protect workers from temporary electrical cables and/or as traffic calming, speed ramps. A standard indoor...

Don't Sit on the Fence - Plastic Chain is the Answer!

Posted on August 20, 2012

Plastic chain, post and bases are not the most exciting products that we sell at the Workplace Depot, but they are the kind of items used just about everywhere by businesses, especially those that are open to visiting members of the public. Hotels and golf clubs use miles of the chain along with our ground fixed posts – ie posts that can be hammered into soft ground like soil and grass. So you will often notice that car park areas use the chains to cordon off grassy areas and flower beds. The white chain with the ground posts are used by many hotels as they are very quick and easy to install and look great for a long period of time. Our chain has a number of qualities that are better than other plastic chain that you might advertised. It is made from polyethylene (actually a high density plastic that can be recycled) and means that it will not go brittle and actually has some 'give' in it so if it is pulled or trodden on it won't necessarily snap. As it is regularly used for low level fencing...

Setting up a Distribution Warehouse for a Small Business

Posted on July 25, 2012

One of the problems for successful start-ups is where to store everything! If you're using drop-shippers you run the risk of poor service, failure to fulfil orders and having to respond to angry and disappointed customers. So if you want better control of your stock and already have an over-flowing garage or storeroom, then it's probably time to consider upping your game and setting up a your own warehouse. Here are a few things to consider when looking at a premises, although this is no substitute for seeking specialist advice. Layout and planning For a distribution warehouse to be able to efficiently fulfil orders in a timely manner, a proper layout and product flow diagram is required. You should measure and then make a scaled drawing so that you can get an accurate feel for where things need to go. Ensure you show the location of all doors, pedestrian exits, windows, sprinklers and electrical sockets. The receiving and shipping areas of the warehouse should be as far apart as possible...