Manual Handling training for local Tree Surgeons

As part of our on-going health and safety support for Ayrshire Tree Surgeons (ATS), we are delighted to announce that the team have successfully completed our Manual Handling course.

The course forms part of ATS’s commitment to train its employees, improve competency and make health and safety a core part of its business practice.

The course covered the principles of safe moving and handling, considered manual handling and the law, looked at the Musculoskeletal system, the mechanics of movement and the associated types of injury, while also providing guidance on Risk Assessment, control measures and some practical tips for safer manual handling.

Well done and congratulations to Stuart, Ronald, Jason, James, Matthew, Chris, Jordan, Adam, Blair, Jaime, Callum and Robert for successfully completing the course.

If you are interested in our Health and Safety training courses please contact Allan MacDonald on +44 (0) 141 244 0141 or email us at info@amalgamate-safety.com

Mobile Tech and Repetitive Strain Injuries

We take our tech usage for granted these days but rarely consider the risk to our health from using our beloved gadgets. We recognise the serial user and will perhaps mock the stereotype of the moody teenager hunched over their phone or tablet, but I suspect that really we are all a little guilty of this behaviour at times. Do we really understand the risks associated with prolonged use though?

The combination of repetitive movements, intense use without rest breaks, lack of blinking, and poor posture can cause injury to the nerves, muscles and tendons, in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms, elbows, shoulders, and neck, which if ignored, can cause serious long-term damage.

In most businesses we are diligently advised on the prolonged use of a desktop computer – the DSE regulations, upper limb and back disorders, the need to be trained and risk-assessed, and yes we duly comply… we sit up straight and take regular breaks, perhaps some of us might even stretch. We are taught about repetitive strain injury prevention, screen gazing, dry eyes, etc. But do we really apply these principles to our mobile devices?

Whether we are slouched on the couch, hunched over lunch or taking the strain on the train, there are some simple exercises that we can do to minimise the effects of our tech use. Try increasing your blink rates, look into the distance regularly, limit your time using mobile tech and take regular breaks, have a stretch and get up and move around. Don’t be a slave to your tablet or smartphone!

Most importantly, understand the risks, and if you are in continuous pain seek specialist assistance.

If you are interested in knowing more about Amalgamate and our business support services, call us on +44 (0) 141 244 0141 or email info@amalgamate-safety.com.

Welcome to the team…

Anne Blacklock, who joins us in Business Development and Marketing to contribute to the future growth of the business.

Anne is well known in the construction sector, having worked for many years with companies including Morris and Spottiswood and Land Engineering.

She was also business development manager in the Centre for the Built Environment, a knowledge transfer project of Glasgow Caledonian University, The Mackintosh School and Strathclyde University, where she worked closely with academics specialising in Health and Safety research.

Recently Anne has been self employed working on a selection of business development projects throughout Scotland.

She is on the Board of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and passionate about helping small businesses. We’re very pleased to have Anne on board.

Anne said “I’m delighted to be part of the Amalgamate team and to promote their fresh approach to Health, Safety and Wellbeing”

 

Fire Warden training in Edinburgh

Our trainers have had a busy few months delivering training up and down the country. One of our recent trips was through to Edinburgh to deliver Fire Warden training to a client’s team there, which included being joined by volunteers from Maidenhead and London via a video link.

The Fire Warden course is designed to provide practical fire safety skills in accordance with UK fire safety legislation.

The volunteers spent the day learning about the effects fire can have on business and individuals, the potential loss of life and physical injuries.

The course also covered fire prevention, how fire starts and spreads, plus the basic principles on how to reduce the risk of fire and make workplaces safer. In addition, they were also given practical instruction on the use of Fire Extinguishers.

Congratulations to Helen, Diane, Ewan, Bryony, Jenny, Dawn, Robert, Sarah, William, Gosia and Danni for successfully completing the course and passing the assessment.

If you are interested in our Fire Warden course please contact Allan MacDonald on +44 (0) 141 244 0141 or email us at info@amalgamate-safety.com

Emergency First Aid training in Central London

Our trainer James has just delivered an Emergency First Aid training course to one of our client’s offices in Central London.

The 1 day course is designed to provide practical life-saving skills in accordance with UK workplace health and safety regulations.

The London team had an interesting day learning about cardiac arrest and heart conditions, CPR and CPR for kids, the respiratory system, and choking, bleeding and burns.

Additionally, they learned how to identify the signs of stroke and treat anaphylaxis.

Well done and congratulations to Asa, Nimisha, Scott, Sofia, and Rekha for successfully completing the course and passing the assessment.

If you are interested in our First Aid training course please contact Allan MacDonald on +44 (0) 141 244 0141 or email us on info@amalgamate-safety.com

Our new recruit

A very warm welcome to the newest member of the Amalgamate Team, Kiri Goss.

Having previously worked in both the public and private sectors, Kiri brings with her a wide range of experience and skills to enhance and support the smooth running and development of the business.

She has previously worked in areas such as Sales Pipeline and Bid Management, and is currently studying research design.

Look out for Kiri at future networking events!

Are you sitting comfortably?

Modern working practice, elongated hours and travel demands can all increase our risks of injury from musculoskeletal disorders. So whether we are sat at our desks, hunched over a laptop or working while on a long train journey we all need to take a collective responsibility for managing the risks to our wellbeing.

Recently published figures suggested that a staggering 56,000 employees reported injuries in 2012 caused by keyboard and repetitive work alone. Some of the complaints included aches and pains in hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back, particularly after long periods of uninterrupted use.

Given the increasing health risk associated with computer working and the potential impact to businesses, employers must reinforce good practice, posture and workstation set-up with their employees.

Here are some top tips to help you and your workforce minimise your risk:

  • Get comfortable – Adjust your chair and workstation to find the most comfortable position. Your forearms should be approximately horizontal and your eyes the same height as the top of the monitor.
  • Release the pressure – Avoid excess pressure from the edge of your seat on the backs of your legs and knees. A footrest may be helpful.
  • Make space – Make sure you have enough workspace. Ensure that there is space under your desk to move your legs freely. Remove any obstacles such as boxes or equipment.
  • Avoid those awkward moments – A document holder may help you avoid awkward neck and eye movements.
  • Re-arrange – Arrange your desk and screen to avoid glare or bright reflections. Try different arrangements of keyboard, screen, mouse and documents to find the best arrangement for you.
  • Keep moving – Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need.
  • Break it up – Make use of opportunities to take a break from the screen.

For more information about our Ergonomics (DSE) support services please contact us at info@amalgamate-safety.com or call +44 (0) 141 244 0181

 

Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace

Over the last few years UK statistics have demonstrated a general downward trend in musculoskeletal disorders including upper limb disorders. However, this still remains a significant risk with manual handling, keyboard use, repetitive movement and awkward/tiring movements all contributing to reported injuries in the workplace in 2016/2017.

The traditional high-risk sectors such as post/courier, agricultural and construction sectors remain, however, our reliance on technology in the modern workplace is another growing area. In 2016/2017, HSE statistics showed that a staggering 56,000 employees reported injuries caused by keyboard and repetitive work alone, making up 28% of the overall number of work-related upper limb disorders reported.

These statistics highlight the significant difficulties faced by employers today. Cross-border, multiple locations and flexible working practices all add to the burden of risk. Our experience identifies the challenges of managing differing cultures and standards, and the risks faced by people who telecommute or choose to work from home.

The sometimes damaging and debilitating effects of upper limb disorders, not to mention the potential losses incurred during rehabilitation, highlight the importance of implementing effective management systems and developing wider support strategies.

The benefits of assessing risk, of providing information, training and instruction are all clear to see. But consider developing a wider pro-active strategy, e.g. providing additional one-to-one support for high risk employees and perhaps access to physiotherapy or massage. Such a strategy can be a valuable tool in managing absenteeism and can also contribute to improvements in the company’s culture and morale.

These systems should not be seen as a compliance exercise but as an exercise in enhancing productivity. In our experience the importance of a happy, healthy and appreciated workforce facilitates success for many companies.

For more information about our Ergonomics (DSE) support services please contact us at info@amalgamate-safety.com or call +44 (0)141 244 0181.

Delivering successful CSCS card training

Another productive week sees us deliver CSCS Professional and Managerial test training for Argyll based Cowal Design Ltd.

We oversaw the whole process from initial training needs identification to training delivery, test and card applications, to ensure our client received the benefits of the process, with the organisational aspects covered by us.

“Many thanks for the training day earlier this week…we enjoyed the presentation and there are obviously interesting debates to be had on various subjects” Gerry Robertson, Director of Cowal Design Ltd.

If you would like further information on our training please contact us on email: info@amalgamate-safety.com or tel: 0141 244 0181