June Meeting

Merseyside Occupational Health and Safety Group

www.mohasg.org.uk

Agenda 15th June 2010

Apologies:

John Edmonds
Bill Thistlewood
Eileen Blackmore

SG UK report Back

Presentation : Successful Health & Safety Management - HSG 65

Dr Andrew Cottam H&S Project Team H.S.E. Spoke at the meeting and informed the group that HSG 65 had been one of the HSE's best selling publications, but the time had come to revise and update its guidance in this area. He went on to inform the group that plans were now afoot to produce a new guide building on the legacy of this important document. Andrew was the team leader on this exercise and proposed cascading the drafts through small groups towards the end of the year.

June Presentation - Work AT Height - Visiting Speaker - Mark Clarke

Clarke Health and Safety Consultants Ltd.

Mark is the Managing Director of Clarke Health and Safety Consultants Limited. Mark has over 35 years experience in the scaffolding construction industry, Mark began his career as a scaffolder.

He also worked in scaffolding management for seven years where he worked at Shell Stanlow managing a large oil refinery.

Mark began his Health and Safety career in 1990 working on Shell Stanlow.

Mark was the co-author of the NASCs SG4:00 and SG4:05. Mark works closely with the HSE and the NASC and is a guest speaker at many Health and Safety Seminars in the UK.

Mark reported that scaffolders attending scaffolding inspection courses has resulted in reduced complaints and incidents in the scaffolding industry.

Confusion and misunderstanding of compliance and regulations is not an excuse for non compliance. HSE fully understand and support the industry monitor closely and work along side Mark. HSE understand the restraints and financial implications small contractors face.

Mark recommends that those with an interest in work at height read

SG405 appendix A. - min requirements collective protection on site.

Currently there are 8 different systems on the market. As well as being inexpensive they can actually increase productivity as well as safety on the job.

From a risk assessment it is still advised to avoid work at height where possible, use alternative technology, methods of work, rather than a scaffold, can you use a cradle or scissor lift?

Another method to be aware of is the PASMA 3 T method, now 4 bar scaffolding frame and also Betagaurd 'no brace' tower system.

Take references when employing your scaffolding company, ensure they have training records and proof of competence is essential. There are some companies out there issuing scaffolding certificates for those guys that just show up!!!!

Mark then used several photographs to show both bad and good working practice for Work at Height. Some times its hard to believe what you see in the construction industry.

You can contact Mark Clarke via his website

Reminder of next meeting : Tuesday July 20th Legal Update  Helen Devery. BLM.

No meeting till September from IOSH and Construction Group. Dates and subjects if received will be issued at our July Meeting.

our website is www.mohasg.org.uk for full programme details.

Jayne Stephens

Honorary Secretary 2010