Blogs - The Health and Safety Supermarkethttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/en-gbCopyright: (C) The Health And Safety Supermarket, see http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/privacy.aspx for terms and conditions of reusehttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/images/thehealthandsafetysupermarket_web_logo.jpghttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_plan_your_work_and_work_your_plan_312.aspxThis is just one of seven top tips we can give you in helping you to prevent workplace accidents. Apparently, a worrying number of workplace accidents go unreported every year. Make sure you report them! The other top health and safety tips can be found here.   http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_hsms_what’s_that_all_about!_302.aspx  Listen up folks, it stands for Health and Safety Management System, and refers to the policy and practices a business outlines and undertakes in order to improve health and safety throughout the organisation. Mainly, it aims to reduce accidents and the spread of illnesses in the workplace, and basically makes the company appear well in the public eye! Click here for more details.http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_a_good_deal_cleaner_293.aspxIn recent years, there have been many reports and media coverage on the issue of workplace hygiene. For example, one study showed that employee absenteeism reduced by 21% following the introduction of personal pumps for all employees. The resulting cost reductions are huge for an action so small. Click here to read more on this issue. You can be proactive in your workplace, starting from a little thing such as providing cleaning wipes/cloths for each work desk or providing touch-free soap dispensers. These will stop germs from breeding and spreading there way round the office. Try making the change today!   http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_the_workplace’s_deadliest_killer_asbestos_284.aspxDo you work in construction, shop fitting or building trade in general? You guys are most at risk from asbestos than anyone else. Did you know that asbestos causes 1000 deaths a year through cancer? If your company doesn’t carry our thorough asbestos surveys, or if they do and then don’t train you on how to handle asbestos properly, then you had better stop working and seek advice from your safety representative! This article will tell you the do’s and don’t of asbestos handling, so make sure you give it a read and keep safe! Don’t forget that your workplace needs the correct health and safety equipment to allow you to do your job safely. TheHealthAndSafetySupermarket.com offer great value an extensive range of health and safety products, so take a look and see what big savings you could make! http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_cost_of_cleaning_uncovered!_275.aspxOffice cleaning is an essential office task, and knowing how much it costs can help your business budget and allocate funds a lot better. This article reveals the process of estimating how much your cleaning should cost, by splitting the different types of tasks into 3 layers. Have a read and have a go at calculating your office cleaning cost. Having a clear idea of what you need and how often, can save you time and money when obtaining quotes and negotiations from cleaning companies! Take a look at our wide range of office cleaning products at guaranteed low prices- see what savings you could make today! http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_work_smart_work_clean…work_green!_267.aspxIt’s so important nowadays to use eco-friendly products not just in the office, but in our everyday lives as well. AF International is a business that is being proactive in reducing it’s environmental impact through many practices, a few of which include: the adoption of waste reduction and recycling practices wherever practical, and continually investigating ways of minimizing energy consumption. They provide a full range of specifically manufactured cleaning products for use around workstations and offices. Their cleaning products have been tested for anti-bacterial efficacy, and they’ve come out on top! The results indicate that their products achieved a 99.9% in various types of bacteria, mould and yeast, including E-Coli. If you want to keep your workspace clean and are keen to use eco-friendly products, then check out the range of AF cleaning sprays and wipes today! http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_“practice_fire_safety_watch_what_you_heat”_256.aspx With so many cases of work-related accidents around the UK, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your workplace provides you with the right protective clothing and fire equipment. To find out more about flame-resistant clothing, click here. And to find out more about fire safety in the workplace, click here. Make sure you take the necessary measures before it’s too late! I also managed to found these unusual quotes about fire: Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves.  ~Italian Proverb If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire, then you got a problem.  Everything else is inconvenience.  ~Robert Fulghum Fire and gunpowder do not sleep together.  ~Proverb The fire you kindle for your enemy often burns yourself more than them.  ~Chinese Proverb If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid seeing yourself in the mirror, because I bet that's what really throws you into a panic.  ~Jack Handey   http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_the_difference_between_life_and_death_245.aspx In the UK more accidents happen in the home than anywhere else. Every year, there are roughly 4000 deaths as the result of home accidents. So the place you are most likely to need first aid skills is in your own home. Obviously, in emergencies you should always dial 999 first, but in the time that it takes for an ambulance to arrive (an average of 8 minutes), you could save a life with a bit of common sense and basic knowledge of first aid. Check out our article on basic first aid techniques, it’s so quick to learn and could literally be the difference between life and death! http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_atissue!_234.aspx So, after reading this article, I carried out my own little experiment in my office. I was surprised to find that after sneezing into their hands, 6 out of 10 people did not wash their hands straight after! Did you know that in a busy area, one sneeze can infect up to 150 people in 5 minutes?  I think I’ll stock up on a few (hundred!) boxes of tissues… http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_do_you_know_what_extinguishes_what_231.aspx. . . we are talking fires here!Check out our article on Guardian Fire Extinguishers which features ‘Extinguishing Chart’ showing the fire classification and whether you should use a: Foam, BC Powder, ABC Powder, Carbon Dioxide or Water extinguishers . . . this may just save your bacon and lots more besides!http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_first_aid_at_work!_224.aspxHave you ever wondered what your employer’s responsibilities are with regards to their First Aid provision? Most of you probably know that, by law, your employer must provide a First Aid Box … but what kind? Have a think about the employees who work in your office … if they spend a lot of time on the road it is worthwhile equipping them with a travel First Aid kit, similarly if you have employees who work on their own or remotely then a personal First Aid kit is a must. Next thing to consider is the number of employees … a standard First Aid box with a couple of plasters isn’t going to cut the mustard with a large open plan office; most First Aid boxes will indicate how many employees they should typically serve – if needs be, get a few for a large office!  To see where you stand legally, please click here for excerpts from the Approved Code of Practice and Guidance covering Health + Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_don’t_forget_to_register______carbon_commitment_211.aspxAt the beginning of April this year, The Carbon Reduction Commitment came into effect. This is a mandatory carbon-trading scheme designed to stimulate energy efficiency and encourage carbon reductions within qualifying companies.  Those that qualify include organisations whose half-hourly metered (HMM) electricity use is at least 6,000 Megawatt hours (which is the equivalent of around £500,000 worth of electricity per year), though it is worth bearing in mind that every business, which uses a half-hourly meter will be required to participate in some way. Organisations who qualify must register or make an information disclosure to the Environment Agency by 30th September 2010. For some Top Tips on saving energy in your workplace - Click here http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_check_out_our_the_logitech_ergonomic_keyboard_203.aspxA fantastic product designed to help in reducing the effects of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). RSI has dramatically increased since the introduction of computers and by law employers are required to help with the prevention of this injury by providing adequate workstations to ensure employees are comfortable when using their computers. The keyboard has a split-key design, adjustable keyboard height, a cordless laser mouse and a detachable soft palm rest for additional support all with a 5 year guarantee! For all your health and safety requirements visit the www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com and for all your office supplies including: keyboards, mice, wrist rest, foot rests and back supports try www.theofficesuppliessupermarket.comhttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_gsh_legislation_192.aspxThis is just a reminder for those of you working in a company where you carry out chemical labelling, new GHS Regulations are due to replace the current HSID labelling system from 1st December 2010. Full enforcement is not due until 1st June 2015 however GSH must be in place before then in order to avoid heavy fines. For an article on what to look out for while during the transition period, please click here. Click here for safety signage and postershttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_second_part_of_our_series_materials_guide_177.aspxIn the articles section you’ll find the second in our 2 part series looking at Materials used in regular, everyday signage. The material you use can make a massive difference to the longevity of your sign; last week I suggested vandal proof material might be a bit extreme in the office kitchen so this week I’ll illustrate my point at the other end of the scale … I wouldn’t hold out a lot of hope for a lightweight sticker in a school corridor, I think you get my drift! Click below for: Part 1 Part 2 Take a look at our range of safety signs and for all your other requirements on health & safety, fire and security visit our website: www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.comhttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_types_of_material_for_signs_171.aspxDid you know there were more then 10 different types of material available when choosing a sign?  Granted it’s not something we think about everyday, but with legislation stipulating signage we need in our offices, it’s worth having a look at our materials guide in order to ensure you buy the most appropriate for your needs.  Anti-vandal material sounds like a great idea, but you’d hope you wouldn’t need it in the kitchen of your office!Take a look at the 1st part of our 2 part series For your Safety Signs click herehttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_do_you_know_your_safety_signs_160.aspxCould you say what colour, what shape a Mandatory sign is? To understand which sign is for what, what they mean and whether you are up to date with your signs in the workplace check out our simple guide For all your health and safety requirements check out our website: www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com we stock a full range of safety signs, cleaning and janitorial products, health and hygiene suppliers and fire and security protection.http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_can_you_cope_with_a_fire_or_are_you_a_hazard_147.aspxDo you know where the fire extinguishers are, which type to use for which fire and how to operate one? Are you aware they come in different sizes and more importantly different types for different classes of fire? Click here to link through to our article on Fire Safety And check out our range of fire extinguishershttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_avoid_the_danger_and_complete_your_risk_assessment_now!_136.aspxNew legislation this month will increase the penalties for breaches of health and safety regulations, a risk assessment health check could prevent your business getting seriously injured. Check out our article which takes you through the 5 stages  Recommended Products: Safety Signs Fire & Security Antibacterial Gels & Cleanershttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_myth_risk_assessment_is_too_complicated_for_me_to_do!_134.aspx The reality Carrying out a risk assessment should be straightforward. It’s aboutfocusing on real risks and hazards that cause real harm and, more importantly,taking action to control them. HSE Risk Assessment information Recommended products: For your 1st Aid, Protective Clothing & Safety Signs click here For your Fire & Security protection click herehttp://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_even_more_secure_site_to_buy_health_and_safety_products_116.aspxSymantec have just audited our web site and certified <website> as safe and secure with their Norton SafeWeb certificate.  Click the link to read more about our Internet Security.http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_payment_options_now_include_purchasing_and_procurement_cards_for_police_government_and_healthcare_96.aspxWe have now increased the number of payment options available at checkout to include purchasing and procurement cards in addition to all debit cards and credit cards including American Express (Amex). Specifically the payment options have been extended to include : Police Purchasing Cards Police Procurement Cards Government Purchasing Cards Government Procurement Cards Civil Service Purchasing Cards Civil Service Procurement Cards Healthcare Purchasing Cards Healthcare Procurement Cards If there are queries on any payment option please contact us on 0113 391 1107.http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_popular_products_on_the_site__safey_signs_94.aspxWe're seeing a surge of orders for all sorts of safety signs on the site.  In part this is thanks to the looming financial year end for many government organisations but that only explains half of the increase in sales.   There's a pretty broad range of safety signs on the site including branded product like Stuart Superior and with prices from 79p for a no smoking sign to £13.99 for a Fire Exit sign it's well worth browsing the site and collating your order.   Orders over £49.99 are delivered free and below that there's a small charge to contribute to delivery (£5 delivery for orders £20 - £50) and £7.99 for orders under £20.   We can also provide bespoke pricing on all Health and Safety equipment from the site if you want to place a large order - just contact us with details of what you would like and we'll quote for your specific requirements.http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_the_weather_can_be_your_problem_too_65.aspxBritain has just suffered it's longest spell of cold weather for decades and it seems to have caught many people off guard. Whilst many business owners are moaning about the fact their staff can't make it into work because of school closures etc, there's also the issue of making sure your employees are safe when they do make it in. Even though we can't control the weather (yet!), we do have a responsibility to make sure that when staff and visitors are on our premises that they have a safe environment to work in, therefore you should ensure you take all reasonable steps to keep accessways clear of snow and ice. You should obviously take steps to grit and salt walkways (you do keep grit and salt available don't you?) but sometimes you might just need to keep people away from certain areas, if you can then you should put up signs warning people of dangers. Luckily, the fear of slipping has been around for a while and so signs warning people away are plentiful. We have loads of them so if you need to find some warning signs, check out our selection!http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_health_and_safety_in_the_workplace_42.aspxHealth and safety in the workplace has been given a bad name lately. When mentioned, it’s usually in the context of “health and safety gone mad” and so we tend to switch off automatically when someone talks about it. However, it has actually saved many lives and a good health and safety policy is actually a very useful thing to have – especially in busy offices or places where machinery is used.  Basically, all health and safety means is that you should use common sense when dealing with potentially dangerous situations. Although it doesn’t aim to fill our lives with restrictions, it does try to ensure that the right equipment is used in the right places. Without wishing to patronise, it’s hoping that one person’s view of health and safety is the same as another’s.  This can be critical in the workplace because there is likely to be a high turnover of staff, some from very different backgrounds and with varying outlooks on life. You know yourself that some people are OK with heights whereas others are absolutely terrified.  A good health and safety policy will ensure that a person who has no fear doesn’t put their life in danger by dangling out of a fifth floor window. Similarly, a good policy will ensure you buy the best health and safety equipment from a place that can offer you the best advice. We obviously aim to do that but you need to trust your vendor – and trust the people who will be servicing your needs.  We only use local delivery companies with knowledge of the companies and organisations in the area. We’re not a faceless organisation who simply boxes up our janitorial supplies and sends them out – we care and if you care about health and safety – you should choose the best. http://www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com/blogs/blog_luckily_health_and_safety_has_come_on_a_bit_in_the_last_decade_or_two_23.aspxHealth and safety has always been an issue in the workplace and it's true that things have come on a lot since the days when there was absolutely no regulation at all. Even though we sometimes laugh at health and safety when it's mentioned and pour scorn on 'political correctness gone mad', it does have a serious role to play. There are serious issues to be tackled when considering H&S in your workplace and it's not enough to simply expect staff to look after themselves. These days we employ people from different cultures, backgrounds and educational standards and although something may seem 'obvious' to us, it doesn't necessarily follow that it will to them. I remember someone at my first company that insisted the radiation given off by a photocopier was dangerous and she would jump out the copier room every time the machine fired up. In effect, the light emitted by the copier was actually less that the fifty fluorescent tubes that lit the office - but it just shows that people need to be told certain things (not that they'll believe you!). Anyway, you surely remember the videos that HR used to make you watch at your company induction day, well here's a classic from years ago. Thankfully, things are a bit different now, and it's OK to laugh!