Martin Mulholland reflects on a quarter of a century providing health and safety support to UK businesses.

I started in Health and Safety in 1994 after accepting a job reflecting my academic background – this being environmental management – and decided that a slight change of direction was in order. 

There are a number of substances that Companies may use in day to day operations – both when working on site as well as at Company offices.  All of these substances will present some degree of risk to those who are exposed.  The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) requires an assessment of these risks.

 As an Employer you may often require your staff to drive as part of their job requirements for you.

 As a result, you will responsible for the “provision and use” of these vehicles.

Keeping people over the age of 50 at work is becoming increasingly important.  Those aged 50 and over already represent 1 in 5 of the workforce - and soon this proportion will rise to 1 in 4 as people continue to live, and work, longer.

There are requirements under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 for Employers to ensure the provision of adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

During the warmer months of Spring, Summer and Autumn, workers who are outside are at risk of insect bites and stings

Have you thought about what fire safety precautions are established for your premises?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the management of fire risks and this is initiated by a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA).

The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) is an association that brings together the National Standardisation Bodies of 34 European countries.