Category

Health & Safety

small sun icon over red background to illustrate hot temperatures 26/07/2022
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Working in Hot Conditions: A Quick Guide

As the UK tops 40°C for the first time ever on record, more and more people are searching how extreme heat may impact their work life and safety.  Unsurprisingly, the average monthly volume for search terms like ‘working in hot conditions’ and ‘hot weather work’ has increased by over 1,000% (three-month change).  According to Science Focus, extreme weather will become more common in the future due to climate change, with heatwaves becoming hotter and longer. From workplace legislation to top tips for keeping cool, we’ve put together a practical guide... Read More

snowflake over blue background with red stripe 20/05/2022
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Cold Stress at Work: Causes, Signs & Prevention

Whether you work in a chiller unit or in construction, you must familiarise yourself with the concept of cold stress, its symptoms, and how to effectively prevent it.  We’ve put together this comprehensive guide with practical tips, information on legal requirements from the HSE, and more, to help you navigate the risks of working in low-temperature conditions.  What is Cold Stress? “Stress” can be defined as the pressure or strain which results from facing demanding or adverse circumstances. Cold stress, in particular, occurs when the skin’s temperature – and eventually... Read More

waste disposal food safety guidance graphic 26/04/2022
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Waste Disposal: Food Safety Guide

Whether you run a coffee shop, restaurant or pub, you have a responsibility to control any potential food hygiene hazards that could cause people harm or illness. As such, you’ll need to have sound waste disposal and storage practices and systems in place to ensure food safety.  Why is this so important? Waste bins harbour many contaminants which can lead to cross-contamination or pest issues if not properly managed. Guidance on Waste Disposal, Storage & Management As a food business operator, you are responsible for doing everything you can to... Read More

restaurant first aid guide thumbnail graphic 09/02/2022
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Restaurant First Aid: What You Need to Know

In the event of an injury or illness in your restaurant, failure to provide sufficient and immediate first aid can result in serious consequences. That’s why being prepared is key.  We’ve put together a quick guide to help you navigate the process of making first-aid arrangements and getting all the necessary supplies for your business. What is First Aid? First aid refers to the immediate assistance that is provided to someone who is suffering from an illness or injury, be it minor or serious.  First aid is given with the... Read More

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Pass your audit first time with these 6 steps

Whether you have a food safety or health and safety audit on the way, here are a few steps you can take to ensure a smooth and successful audit. 1. Prepare the site Unfortunately, when it comes to audits, it is often true that by failing to prepare you really are preparing to fail. The impression of an organised operation during an audit is invaluable. By ensuring you have the necessary documents to hand when asked for, you are proving to the auditor that you operate to professional standards within your business and... Read More

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Stay Warm and Safe with FlexiTog Workwear

Working in low temperatures can create significant risk to employee health, short term and long term. If you are frequently exposed to cold temperatures at work, it is vital that you enlist appropriate workwear to keep you warm and safe. Just an hour or two’s exposure to cold temperatures can cause health issues such as swelling and soreness. These symptoms can worsen if exposure to cold continues. For those working in wet or damp cold conditions are at a greater health risk. If employees find that their feet are consistently... Read More

Stay safe this Summer with the right PPE

When the weather finally starts to heat up in Britain it can be a bit of a shock to the system. Suddenly we’re all shedding our coats an jumpers and whipping out the shorts and t shirts to bask in the heat. Unfortunately for those that work outside, the arrival of the summer heat can cause a great deal of discomfort, especially if your job requires you to wear substantial protective gear. The temptation to ditch protective workwear can create significant risk to employees that do so. It is essential... Read More

Safety within the Workplace – Forklift Trucks

Safety within the Workplace – Forklift Trucks Forklift trucks and other types of lift trucks are involved in around a quarter of all workplace transport related accidents/incidents. These accidents/incidents can often be put down to poor supervision and lack of training. As an employer, you have numerous duties under various health and safety laws to ensure the safety of anyone affected by what you do (including employees and members of the public). Employees and the self-employed also have duties to look after their own health and safety and that of... Read More

Workplace Stress – Not to be ignored…

  Stress Stress – state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.   I am pretty sure all of us have experienced stress in some form, at some point throughout our lives. Many of life’s demands can cause stress. This maybe something temporary and short lived, such as being briefly in a situation where we feel uncomfortable, however medium to long term stress factors (work, relationships, money worries) can have a severe affect on our lives.   Stress can and will affect us all... Read More

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‘Brexit’ – How will this affect H&S?

So, with the UK having opted to leave the EU; how will this affect health and safety (H&S) laws within the UK?  Well, the truth is, as with everything else surrounding ‘Brexit’, nobody quite knows – yet. For the past four decades EU legislation and directives have, in one way or another, had a major influence over our regulations. Most of our H&S rules and regulations are directly or indirectly imposed by the EU, with UK statutory bodies creating legislation to, as a minimum, comply with these EU Directives. In... Read More