There are a variety of materials commonly found within the rail environment which are classified as hazardous materials The presence of such materials may pose a risk to the health of staff or members of the public, and while some are fairly innocuous unless disturbed or released, others present a greater risk due to their presence.…
Following the launch of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) ‘DustBuster’ campaign, aimed at tackling occupational lung disease caused by construction dust and other hazardous substances, Mary Cameron, occupational hygiene team leader at SOCOTEC, takes a closer look at the initiative and how you can ensure compliance.…
Mary Cameron, occupational hygiene team leader, SOCOTEC, discusses the potential reasons behind poorly implemented occupational health strategies and how companies should be looking to overcome them in a bid for a healthy workforce and improved company performance.…
Ian Douglas, senior occupational hygienist, Environment & Safety Services, SOCOTEC, discusses the hierarchy of control when it comes to controlling exposure to diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEEEs) and why this is important for ensuring safety and compliance in the workplace.…
An occupational hygienist is an important player in the fight against workplace-caused ill-health. In this blog Mary Cameron, occupational hygiene team leader, discusses the 'five w's' of workplace exposure to hazardous substances: Who is affected? What employers must do When should employers act? Where to find guidance Why SOCOTEC plays a key role in COSHH compliance…
In the workplace, exposure to hazardous substances should either be prevented or adequately controlled. The purpose of an Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system is to control the emission of such substances to the atmosphere as close as possible to the point of source, thereby preventing release into the workplace. To be effective, LEV must initially be well designed and constructed. Over time, the performance of systems can deteriorate due to wear, blockage or damage. Thus, regular inspection and testing is critical to ensure that control of exposure remains adequate, and this is one of the many occupational hygiene services that SOCOTEC provides. Here, David talks us through the process at a major railway maintenance depot.…
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), also known as Vibration White Finger, is a condition triggered by long-term continuous use of vibrating hand-held machinery. Over time, the condition can leave a tingling or numbness in the fingers, a sensitivity to cold weather, or even loss of manual dexterity.…
Did you know that 30.4 million working days were lost in 2016 due to work-related illness and injuries? The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its figures on health and safety at work in the UK during 2016, here is what you need to know.…
Mick Pratt, commercial director – water, Environment & Safety Services, talks us through his highlights from last month’s Organisational Health Seminar: Minimising Environmental Risk.…
Bill Halkett, occupational hygienist, Environment & Safety Services, SOCOTEC, explores why rail operators need to be aware of the hazards of diesel exhaust fumes, and explains the steps they can take to uphold worker health and safety.…