Plant and machinery

Machinery can harm workers and bystanders in many ways, and one hazard often leads to another. For example, entanglement with a rotating part can lead to drawing in and then crushing. Machinery hazards are mechanical, such as contact with moving parts, entanglement and ejection of items, and non-mechanical, such as chemicals, vibration and noise.

Inspect plant and machinery regularly, to make sure that it stays in good condition and that every safety feature, including guards and stop controls, works. As a duty holder, develop procedures so that work equipment is suitable for its purpose, set up and used to minimise risk, well maintained, inspected and operated by trained users.

Radiation

Radiation is either ionising or non-ionising.

• Ionising radiation is made up of electromagnetic rays, such as X-rays and gamma rays, or of particles, such as alpha and beta particles. It occurs naturally, for example from radon gas, and it can be produced artificially. Exposure can cause dermatitis, skin burns, cell damage, cancer, cataracts and changes to the blood.
• Non-ionising radiation covers optical radiation (ultraviolet, visible and infrared) and electromagnetic fields (power frequencies, microwaves and radio frequencies). Exposure can cause skin burns, cancer, cataracts, conjunctivitis and arc eye.

Duty holders should identify all sources of ionising and non-ionising radiation, reduce exposure to ionising and ultraviolet radiation as far as possible, consider getting competent advice, introduce medical surveillance, provide shielding and PPE, and seek expert advice when lasers are used for displays.

Slips and trips

Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injury at work and occur in almost every workplace. About 95 percent of major slips result in broken bones, and a slip or trip can lead to other accidents such as a fall from height. They cost employers about $70 billion a year in the USA and about £512 million a year in the UK in medical and compensation costs. Slips and trips make up over a third of all reported major injuries.

Factors that contribute:

• Flooring: suitable and in good condition.
• Contamination and obstacles: most floors become slippery only when water, oil, grease, dust or other substances get on them. Half of trip accidents are caused by poor housekeeping.
• Cleaning: cleaning removes contamination but the wet surface can itself be a hazard.
• People: behaviour and personal factors.
• Environment: lighting, noise and weather.
• Footwear: it should suit the work environment.

To tackle slips and trips, take them seriously, understand the causes, believe that they are preventable and use controls. In risk assessments look for uneven floors, trailing cables and areas that are sometimes slippery, and think about older workers and people with disabilities. As a duty holder:

• get it right from the start, with suitable floor surfaces, enough light and planned pedestrian routes in new work areas
• provide designated walking routes and use them yourself
• provide suitable footwear, especially where floors cannot be kept dry
• keep floors in good condition and ask everyone to report defects such as loose finishes, holes, cracks, worn mats or spills
• check lighting during inspections and repair it promptly
• keep work areas tidy, and warn of any obstruction that cannot be avoided with signs or barriers

A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.