Workplace Health Bulletin October 2011

Free Occupational Health and Safety advice remains available through Healthy Working Wales

The Health and Safety Executive’s ‘Infoline’ telephone information service will end on 30 September 2011. However, employers seeking information on health and safety can use HSE’s website (www.hse.gov.uk) to access and download information on all aspects of work-related health and safety, free of charge.

The website also contains a range of practical tools to help employers comply with health and safety law. The recently launched ‘Health and Safety Made Simple’ pages provide all the information that businesses operating in low-risk environments need to meet their basic health and safety requirements.

In addition, employers in Wales with up to 250 staff who prefer to receive advice by telephone, or face-to-face in a workplace visit, can continue to do so free of charge from Workboost Wales, which is funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Public Health Wales. Employers can access occupational health, safety and return to work advice from Workboost Wales by calling 0845 609 6006 or by visiting the website: www.healthyworkingwales.com.

Managers and their employees can also access the Health at Work Advice Line Wales to discuss any health at work related issue, including Fit Note queries. Qualified occupational health nurses are available 9am – 5pm on weekdays – a call-back service operates outside of these hours. All calls are confidential and advice is free. Call 0800 107 0900. Further detail is available at: www.healthyworkingwales.com

Changes to HSE incident reporting and information services come into effect

Businesses are being reminded about new incident reporting arrangements being introduced from Monday 12 September. Only fatal and major injuries and incidents will be able to be reported by phone to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with all other work-related injuries and incidents reportable under RIDDOR to be reported via one of a suite of seven online forms available on HSE’s website. For more information please visit their website.

‘Live Fear Free’

In September, the Local Government and Communities Minister, Carl Sargeant AM, launched the ‘Live Fear Free’ campaign, as part of the Welsh Government’s on-going ‘Right to Be Safe’ agenda.

The campaign, which has been developed with key stakeholders and service providers, consists of two thought-provoking videos that will be hosted on the campaign’s website. The first video focuses on sexual violence against women, while the second video looks at the impact of domestic abuse on children. Both videos will run in the fortnight following the launch and include information on how to seek help. The campaign is supported by a Facebook page, Twitter feed and digital advertising. http://www.livefearfree.org.uk

Domestic Abuse Workplace Policy Pilot

Research shows that 75% of domestic abuse victims are targeted at work. It is often possible for perpetrators to use workplace resources, such as phones, e-mails and other means, to threaten, harass or abuse their current or former partner. Domestic abuse workplace policies provide practical support in the workplace for men and women who experience domestic abuse.

Gwent Police and the Equality and Human Rights Commission are asking businesses and organisations in Gwent to volunteer to work with them to develop a register of workplaces that have, or are currently developing, domestic abuse workplace policies. In doing so, specialist domestic abuse officers will be able to access the register and policies when developing, and putting in place, safety plans for victims of domestic abuse that are reported to the police. If you are interested in joining this pilot, which will take place between September 2011 and March 2012, please contact Staff Officer Denise Puckett: by email Denise.Puckett@gwent.pnn.police.uk or by telephone: 01633 642348.

Traveline Cymru’s Free IPhone App Has Arrived!

Traveline Cymru has launched its FREE iPhone application to help you access up to date travel information at your fingertips.

The fully bilingual app is the latest addition to Traveline Cymru’s range of mobile phone services providing detailed information for public transport users. Incorporating key features from their website, you are now able to plan any journey across Wales, view full bus timetables and maps, or check travel alerts for any possible delays before starting your journey.

So whether you’re a regular traveller or going on a one-off trip, you can now access important travel information at the touch of a button. To download the Traveline Cymru free iPhone app please visit the iPhone App Store. To view the app and for more information click here.

This information will help organisations to encourage staff to choose greener travel options and will help to implement your travel plans necessary for a workplace health award.

Dealing with Alcohol and Drugs in the workplace – a manager’s guide

A resource has been produced by Work2Health in collaboration with the University of Glamorgan and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The aim of this resource is to provide clear guidance and a step by step approach for those managers who have to deal with drug and alcohol incidents in the workplace.

Campaigns October/November 2011

• World Mental Health Day – 10th October

• World Arthritis Day – 12th October

• World Osteoporosis Day – 20th October

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month – 1st-31st October

• Healthy Lung Month – 1st-31st October

• National Stress awareness day – 2nd November

• World Diabetes Day – 14th November

Related Links

Welsh Government Standard Newsletter: Issue 22:  English or Welsh

Mental Health Promotion Wales Newsletter

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Work Related Stress E-bulletin – Keep up to date with the latest news and updates from the HSE stress team

Visit the new Healthy Working Wales employer support website:

If you or a colleague would like to receive this e-bulletin directly then please contact: Nicola Jones, Public Health Wales.