Leiths Newsletter Issue 22 - Magazine - Page 12
page 11
Leiths News : HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
INTERNAL TRAINING
Internal training is crucial for the Company as it
empowers the individual, enhances their skills, and
boosts productivity. It also provides us with the
knowledge and abilities we need to succeed in our
roles, while also aligning with the Company’s goals.
Additionally, internal training fosters a stronger
workforce, improved morale, and reduces
incidents, and remember: If in doubt – STOP!
Planning and Delivering Training Sessions
Jules Murray recently attended a Planning and Delivering Training Sessions course at Quest Scotland in Dundee over 3 days. The 昀椀rst 2 days were
classroom based followed by a practical assessment on day 3. Written assessments were also completed as part of the course.
This was unlike any training course Jules had attended before – very few PowerPoint slides but lots of great discussion in the group and hands on
activities throughout. Turns out there is far more to delivering training than just being able to stand up in front of a class and read out some slides on
the screen.
The HSEQ department are once again delivering a full programme of internal training. These have been mainly delivered from out training suite at
Lochhills but also at our site at Midlairgs. Alex Mennie has completed the Reversing Assistant Train the Trainer course and both Ewan Bennett and
Jules Murray have both completed a Planning and Delivering Training Sessions to Groups course.
Training Courses
Within the suite of internal training, there are the
following courses:
Manual Handling: this is the act of moving
or supporting a load by hand or with your body.
It includes lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling,
and carrying. Manual handling is a common
cause of workplace injuries. Look after your
back.
COSHH: the Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health, the aim is to protect staff
from health risks associated with hazardous
substances used in our workplace.
Remember to look at the COSHH Assessment
Form before using any hazardous items.
Noise Awareness is essential for
understanding the dangers of noise exposure
and learning how to protect yourself and
others from hearing damage, also to recognize
the risks associated with loud noises and
understand safe exposure levels. Always
use your ear plugs or muffs in noisy
environments. Once your hearing is damaged
you can’t get it back.
Risk Assessment this is a systematic
process to identifying potential hazards and
evaluating associated risks, then
implementing control measures to mitigate or
eliminate those risks. If in doubt – STOP!.
HAVS – Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
that can be cause vibration white 昀椀nger, a
permanent and painful numbness and tingling
in the hands and arms, also painful joints and
muscle weakening. There is also evidence
that it may cause carpel tunnel syndrome. The
course shows how to recognise the symptoms
and how to avoid it. HAVS is preventable and
can be avoided.
Reversing Assistant – is split into two
sections, 昀椀rstly the presentation on assisting
a driver on a reverse manoeuvre safely and
correctly and the second section is the
practical element of course to practice the
key learning points and also what has been
discussed during the Reversing Assistant
presentation.
This will reduce the risk to Company
personnel and others being struck by mobile
plant, trucks or other vehicles and to reduce
the risk of damage to Company vehicles,
property or to members of the public.
Always use a Reversing Assistant when
available.
Fire Warden is a designated individual within
the workplace or building who helps ensure 昀椀re
safety and evacuation procedures are
implemented and maintained. There
responsibilities include conducting 昀椀re safety
inspections, inspecting equipment, and
overseeing 昀椀re evacuation drills. Keeping
your workplace safe.
The Department had a busy
start to the year with Stage
2 BSI audits taking place
at Lugton Lime and
Highland Lime.
These audits were undertaken over 3 days on
each site, in order to gain certi昀椀cation for ISO
9001 – Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental and
ISO 45001 Health and Safety. In addition,
Construction Product Regulation (CPR)
certi昀椀cation was also audited for the use of 昀椀ller
in asphalt mixes.
This was a joint effort between HSEQ,
Technical and the site teams who all played a
part in ensuring the requirements were met to
satisfy BSI. As a result, the sites were
recommended for certi昀椀cation.
Later in the year, Midlairgs Quarry will also be
undertaking Stage 2 audits to expand their
certi昀椀cation on site.
HSEQ Reporting >>>>
Over the last 12 months we can see that personal injury incidents have remained reasonably
low month to month. However, damage incidents, mainly vehicle collisions, have remained higher,
with an average of 5.5 per month. Take care with vehicles and plant especially when reversing,
remember to use a Reversing Assistant.
The 昀椀rst quarter has seen a slight rise in incidents compared to the same period in 2024.
Positive Safety Observations have doubled, and Near Miss / Hazard Reporting has also increased
from 37 to 47. It is encouraging to see that colleagues are taking the time to report good things
they are seeing on site, as well as any potential hazards and near misses.
