Work Right to protect workers’ health

Issued: 29 September 2023

Welcome to our latest ebulletin – keeping you up to date with the latest news, updates and events from HSE’s campaigns.

This month sees the launch of two campaigns, metalworking fluids and manual handling, and some awareness days/weeks for your diary.

HSE inspecting metalworking businesses for worker safety

HSE is inspecting manufacturing businesses to ensure that workers are protected from exposure to metalworking fluid in their machining processes.

Inspectors will be checking employers are using adequate controls to protect workers operating numerical control (CNC) machines, such as using local exhaust ventilation (LEV), and that they are providing regular health checks. Metalworking fluid is a hazardous substance that can cause harm to lungs and skin through inhalation or direct contact.  There are 3 areas where manufacturing companies, particularly smaller companies, commonly fall down on compliance: not having local exhaust ventilation (LEV) not completing regular fluid quality checks not providing regular health checks for lung and skin conditions Visit our campaign website for more details and free resources to help you prepare for the inspections.

Support World Mental Health Day on 10 October

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and drive positive change in the workplace.

Small things done regularly can make a big difference. Make it routine to talk about how people are feeling and coping with pressures and keep an eye out for any signs that individuals and teams may be struggling.

For guidance on managing workplace stress and talking to workers about it, view our Working Minds campaign.

HSE inspects construction sites for manual handling risks to prevent MSDs

HSE inspectors are checking that employers and workers on construction sites are aware of the risks of manual handling and are taking appropriate measures to protect themselves from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

MSDs are injuries and aches that can develop over time in muscles, bones, joints and nerves. They are a major cause of work-related ill health in construction.

HSE's 'Work Right construction: Your health. Your future' campaign provides advice and resources to help employers and workers prevent MSDs from manual handling:

• visit our Work Right construction website
  
  
• download Manual handling advice for builders (.pdf)
  
  
• use our Manual handling assessment charts (MAC tool) for employers (.pdf)
  
  

National Inclusion Week 2023: Take action to support your workers

This week is also National Inclusion Week 2023, with the theme of 'take action, make impact.'

This is a call for all of us to reflect on how we can create more inclusive workplaces that support, value and empower everyone. Here are some things you can do to help workers right now: visit the Work Right for Everyone campaign website read our latest news article listen to HSE's Disability in the workplace podcast