The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have this month launched a new programme and some revised guidance.
The Noise and Hand-arm Vibration Programme is a series of activities aimed at eliminating new cases of occupational noise induced hearing damage and controlling hand-arm vibration sufficiently to allow workers to remain at work without disability. More than 2 million workers in Great Britain are exposed to such issues, with many of them suffering permanent damage to their health as a result of their work. Initially the programme will focus on exposure in foundries, heavy fabrication and construction.
Alongside this programme, the HSE have revamped their risk assessment guide, which features plain English guidance on what is, and what is not, required. 5 Steps to Risk Assessment, which was first published in 1993, has been revised and simplified making it easier for normal business people as well as health and safety experts to use. It provides advice and tips on the 5 key elements to an effective risk assessment, which is supported by examples of what a risk assessment might look like.
Launching the guidance, the HSE Deputy Chief Executive, Jonathon Rees said "we want to save lives, not tie businesses up in red tape - a good risk assessment is the way to achieve this and is at the heart of sensible health and safety."
