Injury can be caused by lifting or moving loads. Factors leading to injury may include: the weight or shape of the load, the fitness of the person lifting, the position the load is lifted to or from or whether there is twisting or carrying involved.
Remove or reduce the need for manual handling by using hand trucks, trolleys or lifts.
Arrange storage areas so that employees do not have to reach or twist when lifting loads.
Do not store heavy or awkward items above shoulder height.
Provide safety ladders and steps.
Provide training to employees lifting heavy or awkward loads.
Machinery
Slicing or mincing machine's are a regular cause of serious injury. Many injuries occur because inexperienced employees are allowed to operate these dangerous machines or because the guards are removed and not replaced. Compactors are increasingly common and can kill or maim. Ensure that they cannot be operated while a person has any part of their body inside the compactor.
Ensure employees are instructed in the correct use of the machinery.
Do not use slicers or mincers unless all the guards are in position.
Unplug all equipment before cleaning or maintaining it.
Check that the compactor safety interlocks are operating to prevent anyone gaining access to the compactor while it is operating. Secure it to prevent children hiding inside.
Goods lifts should be thoroughly examined at 6 month intervals by a competent person.
Violence to Employees
Employees dealing with cash or high value goods are vulnerable to attack. The local crime preventing officer of the Gardai can provide advice on how to reduce the risk of attack.
Reduce the amount of available cash e.g. by using time locked safes and display signs indicating this.
Identify higher risk times and take extra precautions during such times.
Instruct employees in the handling of disputes and in the use of security measures.
Employees should not resist if theft is the obvious motive for the attack.
Video surveillance equipment may help to deter attackers.
Lone workers are vulnerable; extra measures, e.g personal panic alarms may be required and should be tested regularly. Remember that isolation from colleagues may put employees at increased risk and may make them feel more vulnerable to violence.
Use of Chemicals
Some cleaning chemicals or items of stock can cause dermatitis, Mixtures of cleaning agents can produce dangerous gasses.
Read labels and follow instructions for use: obtain Material Safety Data Sheets from suppliers.
Provide employees with adequate protection such as gloves or eye protection; ensure they are used.
Do not mix chlorine bleaches with other cleaning agents.
Electricity
Defective plugs and sockets are the main cause of electrical accidents.
Regularly check leads and sockets to check for wear and fraying.
Ensure that all socket outlets are protected by residual current device (RCD) This is a sensitive trip switch with a test button, usually on the electrical panel.
Test the RCD by pushing the test button at least every 6 months.
Any equipment which intermittently stops or which blows fuses or trip switches should be checked.
Welfare Facilities
A comfortable temperature should be maintained e.g. a minimum of 16c for light work.
Eating facilities, including a means of boiling water should be provided or be reasonably accessible to employees.
Provide clean toilets and washing facilities with hot and cold running water.
Provide seating where employees have opportunities to sit without detriment to their work.
Cold Rooms.
Doors of cold rooms must always be capable of being opened from the inside.
Suitable gloves should be provided to prevent skin contact with freezing surfaces.