Diabetes: the invisible epidemic creating major health and safety risks

Diabetes: the invisible epidemic creating major health and safety risks

FIS is working with The Diabetes Safety Organisation (DSO) to draw attention to the vital issue and risks that can be posed by diabetes in the workplace. Diabetes is often misunderstood and underestimated as a condition, and its impact on individuals and the workplace is not always visible. Around 8% of your employees have diabetes and around 33% have pre-diabetes. Many employees with diabetes ‘hide’ their condition at work and/or feel unsupported by their employer, leading to poor diabetes management for individuals and greater diabetes risks for them and the business.

In a previous issue of SpecFinish, we heard from Kate Walker, Director at Diabetes Safety Organisation, who explained that the rapid increase in the number of people with diabetes means that it is very likely that some employees on site will have the condition. Employers, therefore, must understand the risks and know how to support affected employees and their colleagues. You can read he full article here https://www.specfinish.co.uk/diabetes-the-invisible-epidemic-creating-major-health-and-safety-risks/

There are 1 million people living with undiagnosed diabetes. Undiagnosed and poorly managed diabetes can lead to significant changes in eye sight, lack of sensation in feet and lower concentration levels. Additionally it causes long term damage to key organs like the heart and kidneys, increasing the number of people who exit the workplace early. With the correct support at work, people can better manage their condition, improving their productivity, concentration and over all safety.

There is limited real world data on diabetes in the workplace and we are looking for organisations to help us and themselves understand key organisational risks such as:

  • Whether work practices are compromising the ability of employees with diabetes to manage their condition according to their health providers’ recommendations
  • Whether severe hypos are being hidden/not recorded in health and safety data
  • Whether employees know how to recognise and assist a colleague experiencing a hypo
  • Whether employees with diabetes are choosing to not disclose their condition to their line manager/HR
  • Whether employees with diabetes are compliant with DVLA driving regulations
  • Whether employees understand the risks from undiagnosed diabetes
  • Whether line managers are confident in their knowledge of diabetes risks at work and ability to support employees with diabetes

The survey is confidential and can be completed here – https://forms.office.com/r/iZ1aX051Va

 

Building Inspectors Extension

Building Inspectors Extension

HSE Director of Building Safety, Philip White, has officially announced in a public letter to the industry an extension to the deadline for experienced Building Inspectors in England to finish their competence assessment. Qualified Building Inspectors must meet the following criteria and will now have until July 6 to complete their assessment:

  • Current Building Inspectors
  • Register as a Class 1 Registered Building Inspector (RBI) by April 6
  • Undergoing competency assessment by an approved scheme by April 6
  • Not informed by an approved scheme of failing the competency assessment twice

Building Inspectors meeting these conditions can continue their building control duties for the RBI class they are assessed for until July 6, by which they must upgrade their registration to Class 2, 3, or 4. The transitional arrangements are now part of the Code of Conduct for RBIs, and as of March 14, 3,261 Building Inspectors had applied for registration.

The Welsh Government has stated that Building Inspectors in Wales must register by April 6 and now have until September 30 to complete their registration.

Government confirms plans to permanently remove RAAC from all schools and colleges in England

Government confirms plans to permanently remove RAAC from all schools and colleges in England

Measures to permanently remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from all affected schools and colleges, have been confirmed this week by the government. A final list of schools and colleges with confirmed cases of RAAC in schools and colleges in England has also been published. There are 234 education settings, out of 22,000, with confirmed RAAC in some areas of their buildings – around 1%. Click here to read more.
Changes to Working Time Regulations: guidance for employers

Changes to Working Time Regulations: guidance for employers

On January 1, 2024, the UK government implemented amendments to the Working Time Regulations, which are outlined in this document. Please note that this guidance cannot provide definitive answers to all individual queries or be used in place of personalised legal advice. Employers must negotiate the changes in terms and conditions with their workers or representatives.

The main focus of this guidance is on the minimum entitlement of 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday. However, workers may have contractual entitlements to additional paid leave beyond this statutory minimum. Therefore, employers should first review individual contracts and consult independent legal advice if necessary.

It is important to note that all illustrative holiday pay calculations in this guidance are based on gross pay data (before any taxes or deductions).

Additionally, this guidance refers to ‘workers’ as individuals whose employment status is either as a ‘worker’ or an ’employee’, entitling them to paid leave.

See the guidance here

 

Join Citation on Wednesday, January 10th at 11am for an informative webinar on changes in employment law. Our discussion will focus on a range of topics including new regulations around carers’ leave, flexible working, and holiday entitlement and pay for irregular hours/part-year workers.

Be one step ahead this year by attending this webinar.

Revisions to GAI DHF Code of Practice for Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Revisions to GAI DHF Code of Practice for Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The GAI DHF Code of Practice is a significant document that is often cited in Approved Documents and equivalent regulations throughout the UK and Ireland.

Recently, the code underwent a revision process, and it is now open for public comment by industry experts. If you’re interested in providing feedback, please use the commenting template provided via the link below.

Please send your completed forms to technical@gai.org.uk by Friday 15 December.

Prioritise the Safety of Your Team with Our Free Online Fire Safety Training Course

Prioritise the Safety of Your Team with Our Free Online Fire Safety Training Course

Sign up for our free online fire safety training course and start learning today! Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards, all from the comfort of your own home. This course is specifically designed for those working in the construction industry but it is open to everyone who is interested in improving their awareness of fire safety in the workplace.

Importance of Fire Safety Awareness

Fire safety awareness is crucial for everyone. Being responsible and aware of potential fire hazards can reduce the risk of a fire taking place, improve evacuation procedures, and minimise harm to people.

Course Benefits

By enrolling in our course, you’ll have access to a range of benefits, including:

  • 12-month access to interactive online course materials
  • Certification upon passing the end-of-course exam
  • Learn at your own pace – complete the course in as little as 2 hours or take your time to explore the content fully
  • Study with flexibility – you’ll have 12 months of unlimited access to the eLearning portal
  • You decide when to learn – fit your learning around your lifestyle, whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or evening
  • 100% online learning, no tutor involvement – get started right away, no need to travel or take time off work
  • Become safer on site – upon completing the course, you’ll gain a five-year fire safety awareness qualification

Is This the Right Course for You?

If you work in construction, live in the UK, want to improve your knowledge of fire safety awareness, or want to demonstrate to your employer that you are committed to a positive health and safety culture, then this is the course for you!

Access the course here