The Net’s Most Wanteds

In its drive to help businesses such as stonemasonry and welding appreciate the dangers of constant exposure to mists, gases, dust, vapours and fumes, HSE has decided to hold a series of roadshows.

The objective of these shows is to aid smaller businesses check the chances of health problems related to work such as asthma and silicosis by promoting the usage of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems. These systems are designed to filter dust, gases, vapours, mists and fumes from the air, ensuring that such harmful substances are not inhaled by the employees.

To personalize the message behind the roadshows, there is a role play in the backdrop of a stonemasonry that portrays an extremely busy and stressed employer, who was negligent towards the health of his employees. The story then moves on several years hence, where the employee is suffering from silicosis.

According to Stephanie Beach, HSE’s LEV Communications Manager, employers can bring about a real difference in health situation of their employees by making use of LEV equipment. This is specifically needed in industries with substantial quantities of airborne contaminants. Though some of the businesses have already started using LEV, it is very important to properly install, make use and maintain the system for achieving its objective.

As per a recent estimate by HSE, there are more than 12,000 fatalities every year on account of continuous exposure to contaminants like asbestos, silicon, dust and gases etc. The HSE also says that a number of employers buy LEV but claim that they are not working. This is however due to wrong installation or maintenance and not due to any other reason.

HSE has also launched a website that targets employers and help them take a systematic approach to purchasing and making use of LEV.

For anyone involved in major building, maintenance or refurbishment work compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations – CDM Regulations – is compulsory. Contact the experts at Workplace Law about their CDM coordinator services, who give advice and assistance to the client on their role and the measures they must take to bring work procedures up to date with the requirements of new legislation.