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EMPLOYERS urged to sign upto the MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE

A new commitment has been launched aimed at employers to help improve the mental health wellbeing and care of employees in the workplace. The Mental Health at Work Commitment identifies a framework containing 6 standards, which are

prioritise mental health in the workplace by the development and deliverance of a systematic programme of activity

proactively ensure that work designs and organisational culture drives positive mental health outcomes

promote an open culture around mental health

increase organisational confidence and capabilities

provide mental health tools and support to individuals

increase transparency and accountability through internal and external reporting

The initiatives have been launched as part of the Mental Health at Work Campaign which is presented by MIND and funded by The Royal Foundation as part of their Heads Together project. Employers need to take proactive steps to creating mentally healthy workplaces by signing up to this pledge. Resources are available to help employers prevent poor mental health and promote wellbeing in the workplace. PLEASE GO TO www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/commitment for more information and sign upto the pledge

HSE releases annual work related injury & ill health statistics

The HSE have now released its work related injury statistics for 2018/2019.

The report includes the statistics for work related ill health, workplace injuries, days lost and enforcement action taken.

In 2018/2019 we saw

147 fatal injuries whilst 581,000 workers sustained non fatal injuries. 1.4 million workers suffered from work related illnesses, 602,000 workers reported experienced work related stress, depression or anxiety with 498,000 workers suffering from a work related musculoskeletal disorder.

The figures published just highlight the need of managing risk and the continued promotion, review management and monitoring to continuously improve the health safety and wellbeing of our workforce.

Top 20 Building Contractor “trials exoskeleton vest”

Trials are underway for a “exoskeleton vest” which is aimed to reduce the exertion of lifting and extending working lives for construction workers.

The vest ultimately supports workers arms when lifting above chest height which then transfers the strains usually imposed on the shoulders, back and upper arms to the legs which in turn reduces fatigue and risk of injury.

it was quoted “The vest unit relies on spring loaded links between the arms, back and waist pieces to provide lift assistance but is not powered”. The trial focused on tasks where operatives spend mosdt f their working day with their arms raised such as installation of dry lining or ceiling tiles with one worker stating he could feel a difference within one hour of wearing the vest.

 

Trials continue… will be interesting to monitor this new invention, definitely a step forward in increasing workers lives 🙂

NOTE: the manual handling guidance limits DO NOT change as a result of this trial becoming industry use.