www.hse.gov.uk – all you need for H&S info
December 1st 2006 Keeping up with the latest Health & Safety legislation, information and tips needn't be a job in itself. For all the latest advice, information, guides and posters just log onto the Health & Safety Executive's website Of all the information available on Cleaning Matters e:newsletter, downloads such as 'The safe use of Stepladders','Working alone in safety',and 'Preventing Dermatitis at Work' usually get some of the highest amount of clicks from readers.Which is surprising, because these – and many more useful downloads, posters and tips sheets – are all readily available on the Health & Safety Executive's website. Possibly it's because people need to know where to find such information in the first place, or maybe it's just that readers see a specific piece of guidance that relates to them and click on it. But what it does show is that Cleaning Matters readers benefit from much of the information to be found at www.hse.gov.uk. If you log onto the site, you'll find all the latest information in front of you plus a section detailing which aspects of the law apply to your specific business. On the left hand side of the home page, links for employers and workers detail how to get started and what you need to know. It also details legislation and enforcement. On the right hand side of the page a drop down menu allows you to select an industry, chose a specific topic, and then find the tools that are available to help. Much of the guidance can be downloaded, printed out and filed for reference, handed out to employees, or, if in the form of posters or wall charts, stuck to the wall for general notice. And the guidance is pretty comprehensive. For example the 'Skin care at work' section offers a free overview leaflet for 'at a glance' information, but also lists downloads on the medical aspects of occupational skin disease; how to select the right protective gloves; how to check for dermatitis; how to best use handcream, soap and cleanser; plus risk assessment and management tips and COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) information.The rest of the topics are equally thorough, easy to navigate and best of all, free of charge. Keep your workforce safe. Log on to www.hse.gov.uk and bookmark the page.You can also sign up to news bulletins and the site provides contact details for any queries. It's funded by the taxpayer – so get your money's worth! For further information, see: www.hse.gov.uk More articles from Health & Safety Executive: | 
