Newsletter September 2010
New Release of ToolKit: September Workshop
We have an enviable reputation in keeping our software both current with the HSE's regulations (so that our users are able to comply with them), and in keeping our software up to date (so that it is easy to use). This month, we will finalise our second 2010 biannual release and make it available for distribution in early October. This release is an 'update'.
We will be running our regular workshop on Thursday September 16th so please book your place now to avoid disappointment. This is an opportunity to allow users to evaluate the new release and meet our development and support team.
Places are limited to 1 per customer; call to reserve yours on 01525 850080.
Good Health & Safety Saves Money
Not always at the top of anyone's agenda, especially in these times of recession, health and safety is one of the first budgets to be cut. Does this make sound business sense and will it save you money in the long term? We think not. The costs of going to court are huge as is the impact on your organisation's reputation.
However there are other issues to consider before making the decision to cut back on health and safety; there is the protection of your staff from suffering ill health and accidents and, as a consequence of this, absences and sick leave and even staff retention issues. These are all tangible costs to the business.
We believe that fundamentally, good practice in health and safety makes sound business sense because it protects your employees. Along with this you can boost productivity and profits as your staff are less likely to be off with ill health issues (or as a result of accidents). Having a good health and safety management culture has a direct impact on your organisation by reducing your insurance premiums and, if the worst comes to the worst, reduction or better control of any legal costs.
It has taken many years of work to get to where we are now in health and safety. Let us hope that sound business practice and a good health and safety culture does not suffer in light of the latest government cuts.
HSE Accreditation Scheme for UK Consultants
We have read recently (SHP) that the HSE is implementing an accreditation scheme for UK based health and safety professionals. This covers in-house health and safety managers, advisors, etc.
Many within the health and safety industry have been calling for an accreditation scheme for some time and its development has been accelerated by the current government review into health and safety being undertaken by Lord Young of Graffham.
The main aim of the scheme is to ensure that all businesses, especially SMEs, receive proportionate and sound safety advice from practitioners that have demonstrably reached a good level of qualification. Asked whether it really would make that much difference to firms who are struggling in the recession and so may be likely to choose suppliers based on cost rather than qualifications, Hazel Harvey said: "If an unregistered consultant is charging much less per hour than a registered one, small businesses do sometimes have to compromise on quality."
The register is due to be launched early next year and it will be publicly accessible and searchable via a bespoke website
-- Click to read the full article
Asbestos Scaremongering
We have recently read an article that stated there are thousands of city tenants, schoolchildren and workers who are spending their days inches away from potentially deadly asbestos.
Yes, it is true there are a lot of older buildings (schools, offices, council buildings) that do contain asbestos in various quantities. However, as the more well informed amoung us knows, it is completely harmless if undisturbed and poses no health risk. In most cases the 'Client' is well aware of their duties regading the management of asbestos and should have the appropriate measures in place to manage the risk to all.
Perhaps rather than this kind of scaremongering we should encourage awareness among those that live or work in such buildings. It is only building managers, landlords and custodians etc. that need to be FULLY aware of it. As for those who like to do DIY in their own home: if in doubt - don't. There is normally less risk in leaving properly managed asbestos in place than in removing it.
For more on the management of asbestos go to the HSE website.
More Information
We regularly receive updates from our customers and contacts about changes to legislation, the latest rumours and so on. We try to be selective with what we pass on and acknowledge our sources as appropriate. If you have information of general interest in the Health & Safety, and particularly, CDM and Asbestos Management arena, then please let us know by e-mail if possible.