What is a Standard Operating Procedure ?
What is a Standard Operating Procedure ? And why is it important ? In the intricate tapestry of business operations, the juxtaposition between a thriving, successful enterprise and a lackluster one often hinges on the synchronization of multifaceted components. This is where the instrumental role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) comes to the forefront. SOPs, meticulously crafted documentation of processes, emerge as the cornerstone of consistency, efficiency, and productivity within organizations. This article delves into…
The importance of Lockout Tagout
The importance of Lockout Tagout Machinery and workplace equipment play a vital role in numerous industries, driving productivity and facilitating the production of goods. However, these powerful machines can pose potential risks to workers' safety during maintenance and repair activities. Simple shutdown procedures are often insufficient to prevent accidents, which is where Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) becomes a crucial aspect of workplace safety. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the significance of Lockout Tagout in safeguarding…
How to prevent display screen risks ?
How to prevent display screen risks ? We often talk about occupational risks related to manual jobs, but it is more rare to mention those caused by working on screen. Yet many employees spend up to nine hours a day behind a screen. Eye strain, musculo-skeletal disorders and stress can all be caused by poor posture in front of a screen. I. Risks associated with screen work: the current situation When the situation is not…
VDU Assessment – Are you sitting comfortably?
VDU Assessment - Are You Sitting Comfortably? GEMMA COLLINS DOYLE EHS Consultant EazySAFE One of my favourite parts of my job, as a health and safety consultant, is carrying out VDU assessments for people. Why? Because a difference can be made almost immediately! Such simple changes can help people sit more comfortably, ease any pain they are experiencing and create a better working environment. What are the legal requirements? Many employees or even employers…
Understanding Safety: How to Approach Worker Consultation
Understanding Safety: How to Approach Worker Consultation ANDY TILLEARD EHS Consultant EazySAFE Worker consultation is a legal requirement within Irish health and safety legislation so that employers can carry out their duties in law to communicate workplace hazards and to promote occupational health and safety. Communications is a key component of any safety management system (both from the top-down and from the bottom-up) for employers, employees and third parties to be involved with the exchange…
Effective Safety Management: The Business Argument
Effective Safety Management: The Business Argument ANDY TILLEARD EHS Consultant EazySAFE Ireland has a good track record for accidents in the workplace. Data shows that Ireland has the lowest standardised incidence rates (per 100,000 employees) of fatal accidents at work for 2018 and averaged rates from 2015 – 2017 at 0.45 and 0.96 respectively. However, if you were related to any of the people who had been killed at work in these time frames here…
Manual Handling
Manual Handling GEMMA COLLINS DOYLE EHS Consultant EazySAFE Back injuries and back pain are something that most people suffer during their lifetime. A lot of the time, back injuries happen in the workplace. In fact, according to the HSA manual handling accidents are the most common accidents (2019) and these accidents usually cause back injuries. So, it makes sense for any company to focus on reducing all manual handling risks as much as possible to ensure employees are…
Understanding Safety: What is smart PPE?
Understanding Safety: What is smart PPE? ANDY TILLEARD EHS Consultant EazySAFE PPE (personal protective equipment) has long been recognised as a useful tool in providing a barrier between a person and a hazard. We are all familiar with high visibility vests, hard hats and safety footwear which are probably the most common items of PPE used throughout the industry on a daily basis. Covid-19 has also raised our awareness of both PPE and RPE (respiratory protective equipment) in…
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment GEMMA COLLINS DOYLE EHS Consultant EazySAFE We hear the term risk assessments bandied about all the time regarding health and safety. However, from my experience, many people are unaware of how important they are, what they are and how they really are the foundation of ensuring you are adhering to health and safety legislation and maintaining your health and safety management system. In simple terms, a risk assessment is a thorough examination of what, in a workplace, could cause harm,…
Planning Your Return to Work
Planning Your Return to work JENNY COLLINS EHS Consultant EazySAFE The Irish Government have issued an easing of COVID-19 restrictions with a phased return to the office, emphasising flexibility from 20 September 2021. This brings a lot of consideration and yet more change for Organisations. COVID-19 forced a mandatory ‘work from home’ arrangement from March 2020. Overnight, employers and employees had to create new ways of working and engaging from a distance, to regain autonomy…