Violence and aggression and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) HSE recently undertook a series of assurance inspections in the NHS. These inspections focused on how effectively the findings and recommendations from HSEâs 4-year inspection programme on the risk management of workplace violence and aggression and MSDs have been considered and implemented. The assurance inspections involved engagement with senior management at selected NHS Trusts and Boards alongside âon the groundâ inspections. They found that areas of concern identified in the previous report, specifically around risk assessment, training, roles and responsibilities, and monitoring and review, remain prevalent within a number of the NHS organisations inspected. HSE has shared the latest report on these assurance inspections with relevant NHS stakeholder groups and unions. NHS employers are invited to review these findings and assess their own organisationsâ effectiveness in managing these risks. If any Trusts and Boards have still not received this report, please contact HSE via email to request a copy. HSE's recently published guidance is aimed at those in maternity units who are responsible for preventing harm from high levels of exposure to nitrous oxide. It has been developed by HSE together with maternity specialists in the NHS and is also relevant for professionals working in other parts of the healthcare sector, outside of maternity wards. Find out more on HSE's website by viewing: the guidance: Using nitrous oxide (gas and air) safely in maternity units our press release: Protecting Britainâs midwives from excessive nitrous oxide exposure
Ensure you understand your duties when conducting TExT of microbiological safety cabinets (MBSCs) and other laboratory-based local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems.  There is increasing evidence to suggest that some sectors using MBSCs and other laboratory-based LEV systems do not fully understand their TExT duties under Regulation 9(2) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (as amended). While testing to the relevant standard (for example, BS EN 12469: 2000) is encouraged, this does not fulfil all the requirements of Regulation 9(2) of COSHH, which has additional information and testing requirements.  You can find information about what a suitable record should contain in paragraph 186 of the associated COSHH Approved Code of Practice. HSE's publication Controlling airborne contaminants at work: a guide to LEV contains further advice on how to conduct TExT of LEV systems. HSE advises you to review your organisation's procedures, competencies and processes related to the TExT of LEV systems in laboratory settings and keep suitable records to avoid any enforcement actions.  Housing company fined £900,000 after putting residents at risk of disease. The company was fined following an outbreak of legionella at its sheltered housing accommodation, putting vulnerable residents at risk of contracting Legionnairesâ disease. HSE's investigation found that the company: managed the risk of legionella in the water system poorly failed to adequately train and supervise staff
The residents were a particularly vulnerable group due to their age and underlying health issues, putting them at a higher risk of contracting Legionnairesâ disease. HSE's website has guidance on legionella and Legionnaires' disease, including how employers and those in control of premises must assess and manage sources of risk. Read more in our press release: Housing company fined £900,000 after putting residents at risk of disease HSEâs most recent health and safety statistics highlight that stress, depression or anxiety account for about half of work-related ill health cases. In healthcare, stress rates are particularly high, with 3,240 cases per 100,000 workers. You can make good mental health at work a priority by tackling stress. HSEâs Working Minds campaign has a range of free tools and resources to help you learn about workplace stress, how to assess the risk and what steps to take: download the new campaign calendar for 2025 complete the free Working Minds online learning download a stress risk assessment template and see examplesÂ
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