M.E.L. Health and Safety Consultants Ltd services

It is a requirement of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 that, following a major accident or dangerous occurrence, steps are taken to discover what went wrong. Our qualified consultants are available to advise on the reporting procedures, undertake a thorough investigation and prepare a report identifying the causes of the accident which includes suggestions for possible control measures that may be used to prevent any future recurrence.

Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibres that may become airborne when distributed. These fibres get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems. Breathing in air containing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases, mainly cancers of the lungs and chest lining. Asbestos is a major risk to health if fibres are released into the air and inhaled. Past exposure to asbestos currently kills 6000 people a year in Great Britain and this number is expected to go on rising for the next ten years. There is no cure for asbestos related diseases.

Environmental sampling is an important tool for determining the presence of Bacillus anthracis spores in indoor environments. Sampling can help assess the extent and degree of contamination and the risk of exposure to building occupants. Sample results also contribute to informed decisions on medical treatment and decontamination options and are ultimately used to determine the effectiveness of decontamination once complete.

As members of the Association of Project Safety (MAPS), M.E.L. (Health & Safety) Consultants Limited have a recognised competency to undertake the role of CDM Coordinator as required by the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 for all notifiable projects.  We have a great deal of experience in performing the role of CDM Coordinator and can greatly assist your business in planning, organising and managing your construction projects.

Accidents involving faulty lifting equipment or accessories are common in workplaces all over Britain. Lifting equipment can range from a small winch to an enormous tower crane, from a patient lifting device to a cherry picker. There is one thing each and every piece of lifting equipment has in common and that is the necessity to be tested at intervals specified in the Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment (or LOLER) Regulations.

The way in which the construction phase will be managed and the key health and safety issues for the particular project must be set out in writing in the construction phase plan. This plan should set out the organisation and arrangements that have been put in place to manage risk and co-ordinate the work on site. It should not be a repository for detailed generic risk assessments, records of how decisions were reached or detailed method statements, but it may, for example set out when such documents will need to be prepared. It should be well focused, clear and easy for contractors and others to understand - emphasising key points and avoiding irrelevant material. It is crucial that all relevant parties are involved and co-operate in the development and implementation of the plan as work progresses.

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people`s health at risk.  The law requires employers to control the exposure to hazardous substances in order to prevent ill health. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) that accompany chemicals and substances are often mistaken for COSHH assessments, however, they do not take into account the length of exposure or method of application that your particular company will use on a day-to-day basis.

The majority of occupations in the UK now use personal computers in order to complete their work activities and the trend to increased use is certainly unlikely to be reversed. Although the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply only to those staff formally designated as `Users` under the Regulations, the general legal duty of care and the requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations for the assessment of risks involved with work means that ALL display screen equipment (DSE) work and workstations must be assessed and any risks involved adequately controlled.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations detail Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for substances hazardous to health, including, of course a variety of dusts and fibres encountered within the workplace. To ensure that your processes remain within the limits defined by the Regulations and their supplementary documentation, sampling exercises must be undertaken using highly-calibrated equipment.

An environmental management system (EMS) is comparable to other management systems that are used to manage quality and safety. It assesses your strengths and weaknesses, helps you identify and manage significant impacts, can secure cost savings and internal efficiencies, provides benchmarks for improvements and intended benefits and helps you keep track of your progress. It can be easily and practically integrated with other day-to-day processes such as health and safety management and quality assurance.