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Health & Safety at Work

If you are interested in workplace assessments, audits, or training programmes for any of the following please contact us by post, telephone or email. (For contact details please Click on "Contact" button above).

Musculoskeletal disorders

Hu-Tech has a long, well-established reputation for helping organisations address the risk of musculoskeletal disorders at work and of finding solutions through appropriate ergonomic design. This may include the design of the equipment, furniture, ways the task is done, and the work environment as well as the organisational context in which the work is done.

We work closely with clients to understand the specific issues relating to their business and to develop an appropriate programme to maximise the return on investment. We regularly undertake workplace ergonomic assessments in relation to musculoskeletal disorders for groups of workers, or for individuals who have a particular musculoskeletal problem, to help them remain in work or return to work.

Disability and rehabilitation

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) introduces new laws and measures that set out to give disabled people new rights. These rights are in the areas of employment, getting goods and services and buying/renting land or property. Employers and service providers will have to 'take reasonable measures' to ensure they are not discriminating against disabled people. Some of the changes that may be required are in the layout of the workplace and the way the work is done.

As an ergonomics consultancy with years of experience in access requirements, workplace and facilities matters, we will be able to advise you not only on the nature of the changes you will need to consider, but also we will be able to offer you specific measurements and details of the features necessary. We will advise you on what will be necessary to not only meet the needs of people with disabilities, and the legislation, but also to meet the needs of your business.

Individual assessments

For a number of years we have been carrying out detailed workplace assessments for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders or some types of disability.

These assessments are not straightforward risk assessments that comply simply with health and safety legislation. They go beyond this to be a more technical report that investigates the nature of the person's difficulties, the effect on their work and what should be done to address the problems.

We produce a structured report that explains the background to their condition, treatment received, the work they carry out, and conclusions are drawn as to the resulting difficulties. We make detailed recommendations that are prioritised with respect to; workstation layout, work organisation, psychosocial issues, equipment requirements etc.

We specify the exact type of equipment required and from where it can be obtained. Our recommendations are prioritised within realistic time-scales according to the level of potential risk and cost.

Health and safety

Hu-Tech's health and safety services are used by organisations throughout the UK needing sound practical advice on compliance with legal requirements but not wishing to be burdened with unmanageable or bureaucratic systems.

We are able to undertake comprehensive health and safety audits to identify breaches of legislation, guidance and recognised standards. Audits also include a review of documentation such as risk assessments, safety policies and manuals, statutory registers, etc. The reports clearly identify priorities to be addressed and help the company ensure resources are targeted at the key areas.

We often work in partnership with our clients by acting as the statutory competent person, preparing documentation and systems of work, providing training, undertaking environmental monitoring, or carrying out statutory examinations and testing.

Thermal environments

Many tasks require employees to work in environments that are outside the normal comfort range, or to wear clothing that may put them at risk of developing heat strain. Hu-Tech has considerable skill in advising companies on work in hot / humid conditions, or with forms of PPE which may carry a risk of heat strain. We are able to conduct physiological studies to measure the impact of the environment on the workers, and advise on appropriate control measures.

We are also experienced in more moderate thermal environments, for example offices where there may be complaints about temperature and humidity. We are able to conduct surveys (of physical measurements of temperature and humidity, and subjective responses of individuals to the environment), and advise appropriately.

Compliance with Regulations

Regulations are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring health and safety at work. Some recent Regulations relate particularly to ergonomics issues and we can help you ensure you meet the requirements of the law, either by reviewing and discussing your arrangements, assisting with risk assessments, suggesting risk reduction measures or providing training.

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

These Regulations are aimed at protecting computer users from developing health problems that can be associated with computer use Hu-Tech has considerable experience of working with a wide range of companies to assist them to comply with these Regulations. Different companies may choose to take different approaches; whether you wish for expert assistance in undertaking assessments, or for in-house assessors to be trained, or you would like all computer users to attend a short workshop concerning the health risks associated with computer use and how to avoid them, we are able to help. We can also comment on suitability of furniture and equipment, and can provide detailed individual assessments for those who experience problems.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

The Regulations adopt an ergonomic approach to reducing the risk of hazardous manual handling, through assessing factors related to the task, the load, the handling environment and the individual. We are able to help with risk assessments, provide training to in-house risk assessors, or provide awareness training to the workforce.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

The Approved Code of Practice accompanying these regulations state that when selecting work equipment, employers should take account of ergonomic risks.

The Guidance states that operation of the equipment should not place undue strain on the user. Operators should not be expected to exert undue force or stretch or reach beyond their normal strength or physical reach limitation to carry out a task. This is particularly important for highly repetitive work.' Hu-Tech can assist in helping you select appropriate equipment to take account of ergonomic risk to avoid the risk of injury to users.

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

These Regulations require that (among other things) PPE is selected to ensure it is appropriate in relation to the risk/ circumstances of use, that account is take of ergonomic requirements and the state of health of the wearer, and the fit and adjustment of PPE to wearer are appropriate. PPE should be assessed for its suitability and compatibility with other forms of PPE or clothing. Please contact us if you would like to discuss the ergonomics of your PPE.

Fact-sheets:

Driving Ergonomics - PDF