According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 555,000 estimated non-fatal injuries to workers in 2017/2018 and 71,062 reported by employers during the same period. 420,000 of these led to injuries which required up to seven days of absence from work, and 135,000 required more than a week off.

HSE also reports, under RIDDOR in 2017/2018, slips, trips and falls on the same level accounted for 31% of reported accidents, handling, lifting and carrying 21% and 10% were caused by being struck by a moving object. Falls from height and acts of violence were also key causes.

A year previous, the total cost of workplace injuries and ill-health was reported to be £15billion, with injury contributing towards 35% of this at £5.2billion. The majority of these costs fell on individuals, but both employers and the government also felt the effect.

Overall, there has been a general downward trend in the number of self-reported non-fatal injuries over the last two decades, which is great news for health and safety and everyone affected. However, we believe these numbers could be decreased further with appropriate safety signage.

How to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

If you’d like to learn how to prevent slips and falls, then we have some top tips for you:

1. Run a risk assessment – ask employees about known hazards and identify problem areas through hazard-spotting.

2. Clearly mark hazards using appropriate signage and labels.

3. Keep your premises clean and well-kept, clearing spillages asap.

4. Ensure the correct protective clothing and safety footwear is worn.

5. Make a record of hazards and what you have done to rectify them. Also, encourage staff to report near misses.

Please note: We always recommend referring to The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 for legal guidance.

The Importance of Appropriate Signage

You may be surprised at how much impact a sign can make; in some cases, it can save a life.

In November 2018 a construction company was fined when a chauffeur fell to his death at a home that was under construction. The chauffeur stepped onto a blue tarpaulin that was placed over a void to prevent water leaking in and fell.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive said that the company had failed to use adequate construction site fencing and there had been no warning signs.

HSE inspector Rauf Ahmed added:

“This tragic incident could easily have been prevented. Builders need to take adequate measures to prevent unauthorised access into construction sites and prevent persons falling into open basements.”

A danger, deep excavation symbol and text safety sign could have certainly notified the deceased of the basement excavation in this case, and possibly prevented his fatal fall.

Avoid the Consequences by Utilising Safety Signage

Whether you want to notify passers-by of a wet floor or workers of excavation, we’re sure to have a suitable sign or label in our extensive range here at Label Source. Do your bit to prevent accident and injury occurring by investing in warning signs for slips, trips and falls.

For gamers there may be a mixture of excitement and trepidation when approaching an unmarked door at the end of an under-lit corridor. With all other routes of escape ruled out, the only option is to proceed towards the door. Scenarios flash quickly through the gamer’s mind. Will the door itself be booby-trapped? Are there alien lifeforms or mutants on the other side? Beyond the door could you be plunged into a vat of molten goo? The gamer’s hand is extended and clasps the door handle.

One of the key elements of computer games is to heighten tension, maintain mystique and provide scant information. Back on planet Earth, to offer good practice in the interests of personal welfare and safety, the very opposite should apply. Doorways should be marked clearly to advise of any risks or hazards, which may exist at or behind the doors.

This can comprise a variety of hazards including steps, stairs, uneven floors, sloping walkways, slippery or wet floor surfaces, low ceilings, other overhead obstacles, confined spaces, or other obstructions.

To make matters easier, Label Source supply ranges of health and safety signs to clearly identify and create awareness of such hazards, to prevent accidents or injury from slips, trips, falls or bashes. Other safety ranges for use on doors include access and escape signs.

Laboratories can be hazardous places. If you work in a lab environment, you probably already know how important it is to display the correct chemical warning signs in high-risk areas; for everyone else, here are a few common examples:

• If corrosive materials are in use, a safety sign should be put in place to identify the hazard and remind workers of the need for hand protection.
   
• Some substances can emit dangerous fumes. Laboratories that use these materials should have the appropriate safety sign clearly displayed in an appropriate location.
   
• If there is a heightened risk of chemical spillage in your lab, you may wish to put up an information notice that tells people what to do in the event of a spill.

Other common laboratory hazards include oxidising agents, toxic/poisonous chemicals, hazardous waste, and irritants. It is recommended that site owners carry out a comprehensive risk assessment of the laboratory and all other work areas, then take the necessary action to make the premises as safe as possible. This could mean a complete overhaul of facilities and work processes, or it could be as simple as putting up a safety sign.

Label Source offer an extensive range of chemical warning signs for laboratories and other hazardous environments. If you cannot find the sign or label that you are looking for, feel free to email info@labelsource.co.uk and we will do our best to meet your requirements.

As the pressure continues to redevelop brownfield sites, there is the need to dismantle defunct buildings, and provide site clearance. A paramount consideration during any demolition or structural alteration of buildings is that it is conducted safely and in a controlled manner for members of staff, sub-contractors and the general public.

Hazards can be numerous and varied, and these can include;

Falling from heights. This can include falling off the edge of building structures, through openings or off partly removed floors. Risk assessments need to be made for safe access, control of work on fragile surfaces and safe use of ladders and scaffolding structures.

Falling objects. Injuries sustained from being hit by parts of the building structure or from tools or other equipment. Exclusion areas and hard hat use, together with covered walkways and reinforced cabs on machines, and use of high reach equipment should form part of any safety plan.

Collapsed structures. Injuries from crush, lacerations and entrapment. Weight loadings, age of premises, former use of premises and surrounding structures should form part of any safety assessment.

Risks from connected services. Gas, electricity and telecommunications supply needs to be isolated or disconnected to prevent accidents. If this is not possible then any pipes or cables should be clearly identified by labelling.

Noise and vibration. Dangers exist to hearing from noise generated during demolition, and power tools need to be assessed to prevent hand vibration injuries. Suitable ear protection should be made available, and all hand held power tools (electric, pneumatic or hydraulic) need to be assessed for exposure levels established.

Hazardous materials. During removal workers can come into contact with asbestos, flammable liquids, paints and acids (covered by COSHH regulations), dust hazards, and microbiological hazards (particularly for hospitals etc.). Identification of all site hazards, and supply of protective equipment to handle such dangerous substances.

Risks from outbreak of fire.  Where sparks, heat or flames are generated during demolition there is the potential for fire.  A fire plan should be regularly updated identifying escape routes, location of fire fighting equipment and fire action training.

Risks from traffic accidents. Plant mobile equipment and vehicles used to remove debris from the site. A traffic plan should be established with designated pedestrian and vehicular routes, clearly marked crossing points, with controlled access for vehicles and establishing turning areas.

Risks from rodents and insects. Potential bites, stings and inhalation of contaminated dust from urine and faeces. It is necessary to provide protective clothing (ie gloves, dust masks), and have a policy on disposal of carcases.

Label Source can assist you with safety induction of staff and subcontractors with our range of health and safety signs to the latest legislation to identify workplace hazards, mark prescribed pedestrian and vehicle routes, fire equipment and access routes, and to identify the mandatory use of protective equipment and workwear. Also, we supply a range of construction related barrier tapes and underground utility pipe and cable marking tapes.

If you thought asbestos was a thing of the past, think again. Before the turn of the millennium, asbestos was used in all types of building for its insulative and fireproof properties, and while we now know how harmful it can be to human health, asbestos is still commonly found in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other buildings.

Here are some sobering facts from the Health and Safety Executive:

• 20 tradespeople die every week as a result of previous exposure to asbestos
• 5,000 workers are killed by asbestos-related diseases every year - fewer people are killed in road accidents each year
• Asbestos can be responsible for many life-threatening lung problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural thickening

The HSE is currently running a #BewareAsbestos campaign to raise awareness of asbestos, the dangers associated with it, and the fact that it is still very common in the present day. Any building that was constructed before the year 2000 could potentially contain asbestos, and if it does, this poses a risk to everybody, especially any tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, contractors, etc.) who carry out work in the building.

Here at Label Source, we sell a wide range of asbestos warning signs that can be used to warn workers and the general public of asbestos problems on your premises. Here are some of the signs we can provide:

Click here to see the rest of Label Source's asbestos signs.