Health and safety in the workplace

Builders merchants and warehouses across Hereford have been targeted as part of a health and safety drive aimed at reducing the number of accidents in the workplace.

Herefordshire Council’s Environmental Health, in partnership with the Health & Safety Executive (H&SE), have successfully staged a seminar aimed at raising awareness of risks at work.

Builders merchants and warehouses are categorised as high-risk workplaces by the H&SE because of the heavy manual labour and physical risks associated with the businesses.

The ‘Health and Safety Four Priority Topic Seminar,’ held at Shirehall, Hereford, on Wednesday, November 2, between 2pm – 4.30pm, attracted around 20 companies from the City and surrounding area.

Safety experts from both Herefordshire Council and the H&SE addressed delegates on four key areas: manual handling, slips and trips, workplace transport and falls from heights.

“The seminar was an educational event aimed at raising awareness of safety in the workplace,” said Elisabeth Laughland, Principal Environmental Health Officer.

“Delegates were reminded of their responsibilities as employees in terms of legislation and health and safety at work.

“Practical advice and help was given on four key areas covered in the seminar.

“Prevention is better than cure and from that point of view the seminar was a very worthwhile exercise.”

The seminar, which was free, was supported by the Builders Merchant Federation and the Institute of Builders Merchants.
 
Herefordshire Council’s Environmental Health, in partnership with the H&SE, constantly conducts inspections and investigations of workplaces to ensure high standards are maintained.