Using work equipment safely gives practical advice on how to select, use and maintain equipment, including machinery, and it covers all situations where the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 applies.
The HSE said that every year workers suffer serious and sometimes fatal accidents and this leaflet is aimed mainly at those who have responsibility (directly or indirectly) for work equipment and how it is used.
The executive advised: “If you are an employer, manager, supervisor or hire out equipment for use in the workplace, this guidance will help you understand what you can do to reduce the chances of an accident happening.”
Timothy Walker, HSE's director general, said: “It is essential that the number of accidents involving work equipment is reduced. This guidance provides simple, practical advice on how to reduce these accidents and I recommend it to all those who provide equipment for use at work.
“Accidents not only cause human suffering, they also cost money, for example in lost working hours, insurance premiums and fines. By using safe and well-maintained equipment operated by competent staff, you can prevent accidents and reduce these personal and financial costs. This leaflet will help to achieve this.”
Copies of Using work equipment safely (INDG229rev1), ISBN 0-7176-2389-0 are available in priced packs of 10 or single free copies from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, tel: 01787 881165 or fax: 01787 313995. Priced publications are also available from booksellers.
HSE information can also be seen at: www.hse.gov.uk
:
Subscribe for free