Workplace Guides

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies infectious diseases as being “caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another” 

ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management. The purpose of the standard is to provide a framework for organisations to implement and improve their management system to increase environmental performance. This standard follows a similar format to other standards, such as ISO 45001, so can be combined with existing certified management systems.

Legionella are the bacteria (not viruses) which cause infections in humans, such as Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Any infection caused by Legionella bacteria is known as a ‘legionellosis’.

To give it it’s full name, ACoP L8 is “Legionnaires' disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems. Approved Code of Practice and guidance on regulations” is published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

If you employ more than five people at any site, you are required by a number of health and safety regulations to carry out a risk assessment. For example, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations requires you to carry out an assessment of the risk in your premises from exposure to Legionella bacteria from your water systems.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations state that every workplace shall have suitable and sufficient lighting and that, so far as is reasonably practical, this lighting shall be by natural light. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations state that any room lighting or task lighting provided shall ensure satisfactory light conditions and an appropriate contrast between the screen and background, taking into account the type of work and the vision requirements of the user.

A lone worker is a person at work on his or her own without close or direct supervision. It means that they cannot be seen or heard by another person. It may include those who work in a specific area or building. As part of any good safety management system risk assessments should be carried out on employees, to ensure compliance with legislation and to reduce any risks which may arise from lone working.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002, apply to a wide range of activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying. “Manual handling operations mean any transporting or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving) by hand or by bodily force.” More than a quarter of reported injuries relate to the handling of goods and materials.