Minimising Risks
Code of practice
The Approved Code of Practice to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations sets out the principles which employers must follow when deciding the appropriate preventive measures to apply. The approach which the Code recommends is essentially an ergonomic and holistic one. The main principles include:
- Avoid the risk altogether e.g. by not using a particular tool or process.
- Combat risks at source rather than applying palliative measures.
- Adapt work to the individual especially as regards the design of workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods, with a view to eliminating monotonous work and work at a predetermined rate.
- Take advantage of technological and technical progress to improve working methods and make them safer.
- Ensure that the measures form part of a coherent policy of reducing risks, which takes account of the way work is organised, working conditions, the working environment and any relevant social factors.
- Give priority to measures which protect the whole workforce.
- Ensure that workers understand what they need to do by providing information and training
The HSE have also published specific guidance for employers on preventing RSI which stresses the need for risk assessment and for applying ergonomic principles so that the job fits the worker rather than the other way around. The guidance makes it clear that employers should look at:
- Organisational factors
- organisation of work
- job rotation
- management style
- work rate
- monitoring
- consultation
- bonus systems
- stress
- Task and equipment factors
- use of force
- repetitive movements
- rapid movements
- twisting movements
- awkward postures
- overstretching
- lack of rest breaks
- design of tools and equipment
- Individual factors
- training
- height and build
- personal protective equipment
- Environmental factors
- stressful noise
- lighting levels
- flickering lights
- cold temperatures
- vibration
Back to Synopsis
Minimising Risks
General Lifestyle
Ergonomics
Alternative Technology
Workplace Health & Safety
What can you do
General
Reporting Hazards
Stress Management
Workplace Assessements
Trade Union
What can your employer do
General
Work Culture
Tasks & Equipment
The Individual
Physical Environment
Monitoring Health / Stress Management
Code of Practice
What is RSI - Conditions & RSI - Treatment & Managing RSI - Advice & Research - RSI Hazards
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