Training required by Regulation 9 (1)

Suitable procedures must be adhered to in relation to abrasive wheels Hazards arising from the use of abrasive wheels and precautions which should be observed.

Employers should always ensure they conduct regular risk assessments & consider the following before using abrasive wheels:

• Methods of marking abrasive wheels as to type and speed
• Storing, handling and transporting abrasive wheels
• Inspecting and testing abrasive wheels to check for damage
• Functions of all components used with abrasive wheels (including but not limited to flanges, washers, bushes and nuts used in mounting
• Knowledge of the correct and incorrect methods of assembling all components of abrasive wheels
• Correct balancing of abrasive wheels
• Proper method of dressing an abrasive wheel
• Adjustment of the rest of an abrasive wheel

What are the Do’s of abrasive wheel use?

let’s dive in together…

DO:

– Wear appropriate safety gear when using abrasive wheel

– Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting, using, and storing abrasive wheels.

– Inspect the wheel for damage before each use and make sure it is in good working order.

– Make sure the wheel is spinning at the correct speed and running true before use..

– Secure the workpiece firmly in a vise or other fixture.

– Make sure the wheel is clear of debris and the work area is clear of obstructions.

– Use only the correct wheel for the job.

– Use light pressure when grinding.

– Make sure the wheel is always in contact with the workpiece

– Make sure to keep your hands away from the wheel.

– Make sure to turn off the wheel before making any adjustments or releasing the workpiece

– Make sure to store abrasive wheels properly to avoid damage.

What are the Don’ts of abrasive wheel use?

let’s dive in together…

DON’T:

– Don’t use an abrasive wheel that has been damaged or is in poor condition.

– Don’t use an abrasive wheel that is not rated for the speed of the machine.

– Don’t use an abrasive wheel that is too hard for the material being ground.

– Don’t force the wheel onto the machine or the workpiece.

– Don’t use excessive pressure when grinding.

– Don’t let the wheel become overheated.

– Don’t use the wheel for a purpose other than what it was designed for.

– Don’t use the wheel without a guard in place.

– Don’t use the wheel in an area with combustible materials.

– Don’t use the wheel in an area with excessive vibration or shock.

– Don’t use the wheel in an area with excessive dust .

– Don’t leave the wheel running unattended.

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Workplace Fatalities

There were 38 reported work-related fatal incidents in 2021, the lowest number of any year since the HSA was established in 1989.

The construction sector saw a decline of 30% in 2022 compared to 2021

2019: There were 6’732 manual handling injuries which was a 3.3% increase on 2018.

Manual Handling injuries accounted for 14.5 % of all reported workplace injuries.

2020: The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland reported that there were 6,421 reported workplace injuries associated with manual handling

2021: The second most common associated with fatal incidents were fall from height 29%.

The most common trigger was manual handling leading to internal injury 2,656..

2022: Falling from height (9 fatalities) was one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities.

“40% of reported workplace injuries are caused by manual handling”

The Construction industry was reported as one of the most affected industries with 1,177 injuries in 2019.

Manual handling injuries account for over a third of reported injuries in the workplace. The most common injuries include back and shoulder injuries, sprains and strains, cuts and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The most common manual handling injuries in Ireland in 2019 included:

• Sprains and strains (3,624 injuries)
• Cuts, lacerations and punctures (1,147 injuries)
• Contusions (1,054 injuries).

The most injured body part for workers was the back, associated with 21% of non-fatal accidents.

Be Smart, Be Safe

1. Ensure that all workers are up to date with the latest Safety training and have the skills they need
2. Regularly inspect the workplace for potential hazards and eliminate any that are found
3. Provide a safe and secure workplace environment for employees & enforce safety regulations and procedures
4. Regularly inspect and maintain safety equipment
5. Risk Assessments: The HSA’s report highlights the importance of ensuring that workplace risk assessments are regularly carried out and reviewed, with suitable precautions and controls established.

Are you keeping safe on site?

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Working at height is any activity which takes place at a level or position that is higher than standing on ground level, for example working on scaffolding, ladders, or from an elevated platform.

Working at height can involve any work activity that poses an increased risk of personal injury through a fall from height, such as maintenance, repairs, construction, installation, and cleaning.

Falling from height can cause fatal or serious injury, therefore, it is important to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those working at height.

Workplace Fatalities

Today, Working at Height remains one of the leading causes of fatalities in Ireland each year.

According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) of Ireland, between the years 2014 and 2018 there were a total of 70 fatalities associated with working at height.

The annual fatality rate has decreased over this period due to a heightened awareness of these statistics & the focus on safety training.

However, the risk of life-threatening incidents remains present for anyone working at height in Ireland.

The HSA has undertaken a number of campaigns which promote the importance of Working at Height safety, and they continue to strive to improve safety measures and practices in Ireland.

· Falling from height (9 fatalities) has been reported as one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2022

· There have been four fatalities recorded so far this year related to working at height on Irish construction sites

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment should include a careful examination of what harm could be caused from working at height with an effective plan to eliminate serious harm or risk. Either through avoiding the activity or, by carrying it out in a safe manner using work equipment that is appropriate to the task and the level of risk.

Employers Responsibility

When working at height, employers must ensure that there are suitable and sufficient safety measures in place to prevent employees from falling. This includes providing safety harnesses, ladders, safety rails, and other appropriate measures to ensure safe access. Any activity carried out at height should be risk assessed, and protective equipment, such as PPE, hard hats, should be supplied.

Employers must always ensure that all employees should have received proper training in fall protection before commencing any work at height.

Working at Height Safety checklist:

• Work at height must be planned and organised
• A risk assessment must be carried out
• Appropriate work equipment used
• Competency of worker
• Equipment used is properly inspected and maintained

The HSA has issued several guidelines and safety protocols for employers and employees to ensure safe working at height practices.

To reduce the rate of fatalities associated with Working at Height in Ireland, it is important to focus on both educating employers on their duty of care and improving safety protocols and equipment.

Be Smart, Be Safe

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In Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is responsible for the implementation of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act (2005).

A construction risk assessment helps determine at-risk parties, create awareness around the risks present on-site, assess current loss prevention measures in-place, ensure contract requirements are upheld, and decide if additional controls need to be instituted.

Regular risk assessments are essential in construction and any workplace, to identify potential hazards and assess the risk of injury or ill health that these hazards may pose.

It also helps to identify any additional control measures that may be required to protect workers and reduce the potential for injury or ill health. This can help to prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and increase overall productivity.

Each particular workplace will have different hazards and risks depending on the kinds of activities carried out in the workplace, and the risk assessment must be tailored to suit this unique environment.

Risk Assessment in 5 stages

Plan & Consult

Collect information on how the task is performed and identifying the key stages in the task. This should be a team effort involving consultation with those that normally do the job.

Detail

Collect all technical details to include information on the load weight, load size, number of manual lifts, general information on postures observed and the work environment

Identify

Identify the problems or risk factors that could lead to potential injury. Tailor the plan including tasks, consultation & technical details to ensure all identified risks & hazards can be minimized & avoided.

Solutions

Identify what improvements you can put in place & investigate potential solutions. (i.e. mechanical aids, reduce the need for travelling long distance or reducing the size of the load to be carried). Employees should be consulted as part of this process.

Review

Once your Risk Assessment is completed & potential hazards have been identified, you must create a plan of action to resolve & eliminate these hazards as much as possible before proceeding with any tasks. Review the effectiveness of the control measures & plan in relation to avoiding the risk of possible injury.

Tips for conducting your Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment Do’s

• Identify potential hazards and assess risks

• Have a risk management plan that outlines the procedures to manage risk

• Ensure that the plan keeps up to date with changes in the industry, technology, and regulations

• Train staff in safety procedures and ensure that they adhere to them

• Use appropriate safety equipment and clothing

• Take measures to ensure that the work environment is safe and secure

• Provide emergency plans and equipment

Risk Assessment Don’ts

• Don’t ignore potential hazards.

• Don’t assume that the risks are insignificant.

• Don’t overlook the importance of safety.

• Don’t skimp on safety equipment or training.

• Don’t allow inexperienced or untrained workers on the site.

• Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to safety.

Don’t learn safety by accident…

Be Smart, Be Safe

with Training24

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