31 January 2024 workshop

Health and safety should enable us to work effectively, and not be a barrier which obstructs our work. During this presentation we considered how to practically manage health and safety by gaining a greater understanding of how to identify and control the risks arising from work activities. Health and safety is a journey not a destination so the importance of reviewing and revising what we do and how we do it, is essential in a dynamic working environment. We then discussed the Plan – Do-Check – Act model within this context. Guidance and advice is available from a wide range of sources, we will look at how to tap in to this resource network and keep up to date with developments and legislative changes. What happens if things go wrong? We looked at Accident injury and RIDDOR reporting requirements and procedures, and at accident statistics and case studies in various industry sectors and how we can use this data to prevent similar occurrences.

Bruce Kirkham has over 40 years' H&S management experience in the public and private sectors. He has worked in a broad range of industry sectors, construction, education, transport, health care, manufacturing, including the high risk safety critical environments within the emergency services, military and offshore oil & gas industry. A NEBOSH tutor and assessor, accident investigator, H&S auditor and expert witness.

This presentation was delivered by Dr Slinger and focused upon the health risks associated with exposure to airborne dust and particles at work. Dr Slinger began by defining what dusts and particles are of concern and where they are commonly found in industry. He then focused on the health conditions which are commonly associated with these particles and demonstrated why we should be concerned about such exposures. We then considered if employers and employees are doing enough to prevent exposure and subsequent disease or does more need to be done. Finally, Dr Slinger provided some common-sense solutions and approaches that employers and workers can adopt to protect themselves against these microscopic particles.

Dr Peter Slinger is a Health and Safety consultant with a broad range of experience across both Public and Private Sectors. He has comprehensive experience working as an Inspector in the UK, enforcing Health and Safety Legislation across many Industries. For the past 20 years Peter has run his own consultancy business here on the island providing professional Health and Safety services to a wide range of clients. He has a PhD in the field with supporting legal and technical qualifications. Previously, Peter worked as Senior Lecturer in Health and Safety at Manchester Metropolitan University and he is still actively involved in providing Health and Safety training here on the Isle of Man.

• The Presenter thoroughly explained their points and answered questions when asked
  
  
• The presentation gave me an insight into the dangers of working with particles
  
  
• A good reminder of health and safety principles
  
  
• Good, very good and beyond expectations
  
  
• A really welcome event

Q. Where can I find the RIDDOR statistics for the Isle of Man?

A.   The RIDDOR statistics will be posted on our website shortly, please keep an eye on our page for these.

Q. When will be seeing updates to your legislation?

A. The Inspectorate are working hard to update pieces of legislation, however there will be times when prioritization needs to be reassessed due to outside demands. Please keep an eye for consultations coming soon.