A sudden unexpected event that causes damage, injury, disease, or death.
"},"accident-book":{"term":"accident book","definition":"Every organisation with more than 10 employees must record basic details about any accidents that occur. Traditionally, this is done in an “accident book”, although the records can be on single sheets, or even held on computer.
Records of incidents reported under RIDDOR must be kept for at least 3 years.
"},"accident-triangle":{"term":"accident triangle","definition":"Accident statistics form a triangle, with the fewest incidents, at the top, being the most serious. The least serious incidents, at the bottom of the triangle, are the most numerous.
By reducing the number of less serious incidents, you can reduce the number of serious incidents too.
"},"aids":{"term":"Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)","definition":"A severe disease but with a low risk of occupational infection. It is actually a collection of symptoms and infections characterised by a breakdown of the body’s natural defences. It is caused by the HIV virus.
"},"adrenalin":{"term":"adrenalin","definition":"A hormone released by the body in reaction to stress. It prepares the body for “flight or fight”.
"},"aggression":{"term":"aggression","definition":"Unfriendly and threatening behaviour that could lead to physical violence.
"},"air-bag":{"term":"air bag","definition":"An air cushion safety system designed to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
"},"ammonia":{"term":"ammonia","definition":"A toxic chemical found in some household cleaners. If it’s mixed with bleach, deadly gasses are released.
"},"amosite":{"term":"amosite","definition":"A form of asbestos also known as brown asbestos. Its harsh, spiky fibres have particularly good resistance to heat.
"},"anchored-body-harness":{"term":"anchored body harness","definition":"A work harness used by an individual that is fixed to an anchor point and is designed to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
"},"anxiety":{"term":"anxiety","definition":"A vague feeling of apprehension. Longstanding anxieties can give rise to stress-related health problems.
"},"appointed-person":{"term":"appointed person","definition":"A person in a low risk work environment who has been appointed to take control in the event of an accident. Unlike First Aiders, Appointed Persons generally aren’t trained in providing initial care to victims of accidents.
"},"arson":{"term":"arson","definition":"Deliberately and maliciously starting a fire to damage buildings or property. In Scotland, the legal term for this offence is wilful fire-raising.
"},"artex":{"term":"artex","definition":"A surface coating used for interior decorating, in particular ceilings. Up to the mid 1980s, Artex was strengthened with white asbestos.
"},"asbestos":{"term":"asbestos","definition":"A naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material since the 1950s. It was used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold), has good fire protection properties and protects against corrosion.
"},"asbestos-register":{"term":"asbestos register","definition":"A register containing the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials in a building.
"},"asbestosis":{"term":"asbestosis","definition":"A chronic, progressive inflammation of the lung caused by prolonged exposure to large quantities of asbestos.
"},"asphyxia":{"term":"asphyxia","definition":"Any situation in which the supply of oxygen to your brain is cut off. Unconsciousness and death quickly follow.
"},"assembly-point":{"term":"assembly point","definition":"A designated area of safety where people should gather in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
"},"asthma":{"term":"asthma","definition":"A condition of the lungs and airways that causes difficulty with breathing.
"},"bacteria":{"term":"bacteria","definition":"Microscopic single-celled organisms present throughout the environment. Not all bacteria are harmful, but some cause disease.
"},"biological-hazard":{"term":"biological hazard","definition":"Substances associated with living things (including microscopic organisms) that pose a threat to health. This can include medical waste, viruses, and bacteria.
"},"bleach":{"term":"bleach","definition":"A toxic chemical used as a powerful cleaning agent. If it’s mixed with ammonia, deadly gasses are released.
"},"body-language":{"term":"body language","definition":"The gestures, poses, movements, and expressions that a person uses to communicate.
"},"british-crime-survey":{"term":"british crime survey","definition":"An annual survey carried out by the Home Office into the level of crime, public attitudes to crime, and other Home Office issues.
"},"bucket":{"term":"bucket","definition":"The part of a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) that the worker stands in.
"},"bursitis":{"term":"bursitis","definition":"Inflammation of the natural pads that lubricate our joints and make them work smoothly. Bursitis is often caused by repeated pressure on the joint.
"},"butane":{"term":"butane","definition":"A highly flammable gas used for heating and cooking, typically supplied in pressurised cylinders. Butane is heavier than air, so it tends to sink towards the ground. It can flow for long distances along the ground, and can collect in drains, gullies and cellars.
"},"chrysotile":{"term":"chrysotile","definition":"A form of asbestos also known as white asbestos. It can withstand the fiercest heat and is so soft and flexible it can be spun and woven easily.
"},"circulation":{"term":"circulation","definition":"The movement of blood round the body. A good circulation is essential to health, and is helped by taking regular exercise.
"},"collective-measures":{"term":"collective measures","definition":"Safety measures designed to protect a group of people rather than an individual.
"},"control-of-asbestos-regulations":{"term":"Control of Asbestos Regulations","definition":"The Regulations that control how asbestos must be managed and controlled. The regulations include:
The law that requires employers to control people’s exposure to hazardous substances.
"},"corrosive":{"term":"corrosive","definition":"Causing destruction of another substance, including human tissue
"},"crocidolite":{"term":"crocidolite","definition":"A form of asbestos also known as blue asbestos. It is the most lethal type of asbestos. The needle-like fibres are the strongest of all asbestos fibres and have a high resistance to acids.
"},"daisy-chain":{"term":"daisy chain","definition":"Things connected together in a series, for example several power cord extension leads connected to make one long one.
"},"dangerous-occurrences":{"term":"dangerous occurrences","definition":"Certain categories of near miss must be reported as dangerous occurrences under RIDDOR. Schedule 2 of RIDDOR contains a long list of reportable dangerous occurrences and these include:
A condition caused by the loss of too much water from the body.
"},"depression":{"term":"depression","definition":"A long-term state of low mood, characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, despair, and low self-esteem.
"},"diarrhoea":{"term":"diarrhoea","definition":"Frequent fluid bowel movements. A symptom of a disease.
"},"diarrhoeal-disease":{"term":"diarrhoeal disease","definition":"A collective term for a range of infections that cause diarrhoea and sickness, with symptoms typically lasting no more than a few days.
"},"diffuse-pleural-thickening":{"term":"diffuse pleural thickening","definition":"A disease which occurs when asbestos fibres that have been inhaled into the lungs work their way out to the pleura – a membrane which surrounds the lungs. This may cause fibrosis or scarring to develop.
"},"director":{"term":"director","definition":"A person with joint responsibility for running an organisation.
"},"disease":{"term":"disease","definition":"Any condition, other than a physical injury, that prevents your body from working as it should.
"},"drowning":{"term":"drowning","definition":"Death by asphyxiation, caused by immersion in a liquid, such as water, or a free-flowing solid, such as grain.
"},"drug":{"term":"drug","definition":"Any substance that can be used to modify a chemical process in the body, for example to treat an illness, relieve a symptom, enhance performance, or to alter states of mind.
"},"electrocution":{"term":"electrocution","definition":"Injury or death caused by electric shock.
"},"enforcing-authority":{"term":"enforcing authority","definition":"The body responsible for enforcing Health and Safety legislation. This will either be the Health and Safety Executive, or the organisation’s Local Authority, depending on the nature of the business.
"},"environmental-health-officer":{"term":"Environmental Health Officer","definition":"An expert in health and safety that usually works for a local authority and helps develop, co-ordinate, implement, and enforce health and safety legislation and policies.
"},"ergonomics":{"term":"ergonomics","definition":"The process of designing a job and job-related equipment so that it is comfortable and healthy to use.
"},"eye-strain":{"term":"eye-strain","definition":"A sensation of tired eyes, often accompanied by headaches and difficulty with focussing or seeing.
"},"fatality":{"term":"fatality","definition":"A death resulting from an accident or a disaster.
"},"fatigue":{"term":"fatigue","definition":"A feeling of excessive tiredness, with a desire to rest.
"},"fire-action-sign":{"term":"fire action sign","definition":"A sign that explains what to do in the event of a fire.
"},"fire-alarm":{"term":"fire alarm","definition":"A special alarm used to alert people that they should immediately evacuate the building.
"},"fire-blanket":{"term":"fire blanket","definition":"A blanket made of special fire-resistant cloth, designed to be placed over a fire to smother it.
"},"fire-door":{"term":"fire door","definition":"Special doors designed to slow down the spread of fire and smoke through a building.
"},"fire-exit":{"term":"fire exit","definition":"A door used to escape from a building in case of an emergency such as a fire. These are often designed only to be used in emergency, but can be normal doors too.
"},"fire-extinguisher":{"term":"fire extinguisher","definition":"A device used to put out a fire, often in an emergency situation. They consist of a pressurised container of chemicals that when discharged can put out a fire.
"},"fire-warden":{"term":"Fire Warden/Marshal","definition":"An employee with special responsibilities in the event of a fire. They help people out of the building and make sure, as far as possible, that everyone has got out safely.
"},"first-aid":{"term":"first aid","definition":"Emergency care given to an injured person before a medical professional can get to them.
"},"first-aid-box":{"term":"first aid box","definition":"An easily accessible box stocked with first aid equipment. The contents should be based on an assessment of first aid needs. As a guide, the HSE recommends the following as a minimum provision for workplaces with no special risks:
Note: first aid boxes should never contain tablets or medicines.
"},"first-aider":{"term":"first aider","definition":"A person who has been trained in administering first aid, and holds a current first aid certificate issued by a HSE-approved provider. All workplaces must have a First Aider or – in low risk environments – Appointed Person who can take control in the event of an accident.
"},"flammable":{"term":"flammable","definition":"Easily set on fire.
"},"flu":{"term":"flu","definition":"Short for “influenza”, a viral infection of the body’s airways.
"},"fragile-surface":{"term":"fragile surface","definition":"A surface, such as a roof, that is not strong enough to support a person's weight.
"},"fumes":{"term":"fumes","definition":"Toxic or corrosive airborne chemicals.
"},"gauntlets":{"term":"gauntlets","definition":"Large reinforced gloves, with attached sleeves.
"},"goggles":{"term":"goggles","definition":"Large, fitted glasses with side guards, used as a protection for the eyes.safety spectacles.
"},"guard-rail":{"term":"guard rail","definition":"A safety barrier system, fixed around the edges of a work platform, designed to prevent people or objects falling.
"},"hazard":{"term":"hazard","definition":"Anything that has the potential to cause harm. See risk assessment.
"},"hazardous-substance":{"term":"hazardous substance","definition":"Any material that poses a threat to human health or the environment. Hazardous substances are usually toxic, corrosive, flammable, or explosive.
"},"health":{"term":"health","definition":"A person’s condition. Good health is marked by general fitness and the absence of any mental or physical illness or injury.
"},"health-and-safety":{"term":"health and safety","definition":"A general term for all the activities aimed at preserving and protecting human health in the workplace.
"},"health-and-safety-at-work-act":{"term":"Health and Safety at Work Act","definition":"The cornerstone of health and safety legislation, introduced in 1974.
"},"health-and-safety-committee":{"term":"health and safety committee","definition":"A group which regularly meets to discuss health and safety issues within an organisation.
"},"health-and-safety-dse":{"term":"Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations","definition":"Regulations introduced in 1992, that cover the use of computers at work.
"},"health-and-safety-executive":{"term":"Health and Safety Executive (HSE)","definition":"The British government body responsible for the regulation of risks to health and safety in the UK. It was created as a result of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
"},"health-and-safety-officer":{"term":"Health and Safety Officer","definition":"A health and safety expert employed by an organisation to provide them with advice and guidance on all matters relating to health and safety.
"},"health-and-safety-policy":{"term":"Health and Safety Policy","definition":"An official statement setting out how an organisation manages health and safety. It influences all activities, including the selection of people, equipment and materials, the way work is done, and how goods and services are designed.
"},"health-and-safety-representative":{"term":"Health and Safety Representative","definition":"A person elected by employees (or appointed by a trade union) to represent employees on health and safety issues, investigate complaints, inspect the workplace, and assess risks.
"},"heat-stress":{"term":"heat stress","definition":"A condition that occurs when the body’s means of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. It can be caused by high air temperature, but factors such as work rate, humidity and clothing all play a part. Symptoms can include muscle cramps, fatigue, giddiness and nausea.
"},"hepatitis":{"term":"hepatitis","definition":"An inflammation of the liver, generally caused by a viral infection. It can be a serious condition that can lead to liver failure.
"},"hiv":{"term":"Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)","definition":""},"home-office":{"term":"Home Office","definition":"The government department responsible for internal affairs, such as law and order.
"},"hormone":{"term":"hormone","definition":"A chemical, like adrenalin, that is released into the bloodstream to produce an effect on the body.
"},"hse-inspector":{"term":"HSE Inspector","definition":"An expert in health and safety that works for the Health and Safety Executive. They inspect industrial places of work and local authorities to enforce health and safety legislation and policies.
"},"human-resources":{"term":"Human Resources (HR)","definition":"A department in an organisation that is responsible for personnel issues, including hiring, skills development, and compliance with associated government regulations.
"},"hyperventilation":{"term":"hyperventilation","definition":"Abnormally rapid breathing which can lead to dizziness.
"},"hypothermia":{"term":"hypothermia","definition":"A life-threatening condition in which the body’s warming mechanisms fail to maintain normal body temperature and the entire body cools.
"},"ill-health":{"term":"ill-health","definition":"A poor state of health, due to illness, injury, or another cause.
"},"illness":{"term":"illness","definition":"A mental or physical disease or infirmity leading to ill-health.
"},"incident":{"term":"incident","definition":"In the context of health and safety, any occurrence, including near miss situations, which has the potential to cause personal injury, death, disease, or property damage.
"},"incident-contact-centre":{"term":"Incident Contact Centre","definition":"A national organisation set up in 2001 to act as a single point of contact for reporting health and safety incidents in the UK. All RIDDOR-reportable accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences must be reported to the Incident Contact Centre.
"},"infection":{"term":"infection","definition":"An incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted to a person.
"},"injury":{"term":"injury","definition":"Damage to the structure or function of the body caused by an outside agent or force, which may be physical, chemical or biological.
"},"intuition":{"term":"intuition","definition":"Knowing something without the conscious use of reasoning. A common example is the way people can read and interpret body language.
"},"jaundice":{"term":"jaundice","definition":"A yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, associated with liver disease.
"},"lagging":{"term":"lagging","definition":"Insulation used to prevent heat diffusion, commonly used for pipes, boilers and lofts. Old lagging material can contain up to 100% asbestos fibre making it a high hazard asbestos product.
"},"legionella-bacteria":{"term":"Legionella bacteria","definition":"The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.
"},"legionnaires-disease":{"term":"Legionnaires’ disease","definition":"A rare form of pneumonia caused by inhaling the mist from water sources infected by Legionella bacteria.
"},"leptospirosis":{"term":"Leptospirosis","definition":"A bacterial disease usually causing flu-like symptoms and general aches and pains. The severe form is called Weil’s disease.
"},"likelihood":{"term":"likelihood","definition":"A measure of the probability of a hazard actually inflicting harm. Likelihood and severity together define the overall level of risk posed by a particular hazard.
"},"line-manager":{"term":"line manager","definition":"A member of staff who occupies a managerial position within the organisational structure.
"},"local-authority":{"term":"local authority","definition":"An administrative unit of government, responsible for a particular region.
"},"local-exhaust-ventilation":{"term":"local exhaust ventilation","definition":"A hood or fan that captures and removes fumes at the point they are being produced, before they escape into the air.
"},"lower-digestive-tract":{"term":"lower digestive tract","definition":"Also known as the lower gastrointestinal tract, it comprises the small intestine, large intestine and anus.
"},"lung-cancer":{"term":"lung cancer","definition":"A cancerous lump or tumour in the lungs caused primarily by tobacco smoke, but can also be caused by breathing in significant amounts of asbestos fibres.
"},"management-of-hs-at-work-regulations":{"term":"Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations","definition":"Regulations introduced in 1999 that define what employers are required to do to manage health and safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
"},"mask":{"term":"mask","definition":"An item of personal protective equipment designed to protect the face and airways from fumes and other airborne hazards. There are many different types of mask, and it’s essential to select the correct one according to the hazard.
"},"medication":{"term":"medication","definition":"A drug used to treat, prevent, or relieve the symptoms of a disease, illness or infection.
"},"mesothelioma":{"term":"Mesothelioma","definition":"A form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. It mainly affects the linings surrounding the lungs and the lower digestive tract. The disease can take around 20 to 40 years to develop.
"},"microbiological-organism":{"term":"microbiological organism","definition":"A virus, bacterium, or other microscopic living thing.
"},"microscopic":{"term":"microscopic","definition":"Too small to be seen with the naked eye.
"},"mobile-elevating-work-platform":{"term":"Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)","definition":"A type of elevated work platform that can be moved along the ground whilst extended. May also be known as a lift platform or cherry picker.
"},"movement-book":{"term":"movement book","definition":"A shared diary used to record where people will be on certain days and times.
"},"nausea":{"term":"nausea","definition":"A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach.
"},"near-miss":{"term":"near miss","definition":"An event or situation that could have resulted in an accident, injury or illness, but did not.
"},"non-toxic-gas":{"term":"non-toxic gas","definition":"A gas which is not harmful in itself. However, it may cause asphyxia if it displaces the air people are breathing.
"},"personal-alarm":{"term":"personal alarm","definition":"A small hand-held alarm that emits a loud shriek or siren, disorientating an attacker, and possibly attracting help.
"},"personal-measures":{"term":"personal measures","definition":"Safety measures designed to protect an individual rather than a group of people.
"},"personal-protective-equipment":{"term":"Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)","definition":"Safety devices, such as goggles, masks, and boots, worn by workers to protect against hazards.
"},"personal-protective-equipment-regulations":{"term":"Personal Protective Equipment Regulations","definition":"Regulations introduced in 1992 that require employers to provide personal protective equipment wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways.
"},"pesticide":{"term":"pesticide","definition":"Any chemical or biological agent that kills plant or animal pests. Pesticides are very likely to be toxic to humans.
"},"platform-trolley":{"term":"platform trolley","definition":"A large flat board with wheels, designed to carry heavy objects.
"},"pneumonia":{"term":"pneumonia","definition":"An infection in the lungs.
"},"poison":{"term":"poison","definition":"Any toxic substance.
"},"posture":{"term":"posture","definition":"The way someone sits or stands. The position of different parts of a person’s body relative to one another.
"},"primary-fires":{"term":"primary fires","definition":"Primary fires are particularly serious fires that harm people or cause damage to property. To be classed as a primary fire, a fire must meet at least one of the following conditions:
See also: secondary fires
"},"rash":{"term":"rash","definition":"Marks on the skin caused by an illness, corrosive substance, allergy, or other cause.
"},"reasonable-force":{"term":"reasonable force","definition":"The amount of force that it is acceptable to use when defending yourself from an attacker.
"},"reasonably-practicable":{"term":"reasonably practicable","definition":"Organisations have a legal duty to define processes and procedures for undertaking work that are “so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health”.
Determining what’s “reasonably practicable” involves assessing the risk to be avoided, the sacrifice (in money, time and trouble) involved in taking measures to avoid that risk, and comparing the two.
"},"regulation-on-clp":{"term":"Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP)","definition":"The law that enforces the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals directive (GHS) across the European Union. It requires suppliers of chemicals to provide information about the dangers of their products, and to package them safely.
"},"reinforced-footwear":{"term":"reinforced footwear","definition":"Shoes or boots designed to protect the feet from hazards.
"},"riddor":{"term":"Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)","definition":"Regulations that require employers to report some work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences.
"},"risk":{"term":"risk","definition":"An overall measure of the likelihood of a particular hazard actually causing harm and the severity of harm that would be inflicted. See risk assessment.
"},"risk-assessment":{"term":"risk assessment","definition":"The process by which hazards in the workplace are identified, along with their level of risk. As a result, safe systems of work can be put in place in order to avoid the hazard completely or reduce the risk.
"},"roof-light":{"term":"roof light","definition":"A window set into a roof.
"},"sack-truck":{"term":"sack truck","definition":"A two-wheeled trolley that makes it easy to carry heavy loads.
"},"safe-system-of-work":{"term":"safe system of work","definition":"The way in which a job must be carried out, in order to minimise the health and safety risks. Also called an “SSW”.
"},"safety-data-sheet":{"term":"safety data sheet","definition":"A sheet of information that must be provided by the supplier of a commercial chemical. It provides information on the nature of any hazard, and describes how to handle, store, and dispose of the substance safely. It also describes what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a spillage.
"},"safety-net":{"term":"safety net","definition":"A safety measure fitted beneath work areas, such as fragile roofs, roof edges and work platforms, designed to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
"},"safety-spectacles":{"term":"safety spectacles","definition":"Large, clear glasses offering limited protection for the eyes. See goggles.
"},"secondary-fires":{"term":"secondary fires","definition":"Secondary fires are generally small outdoor fires, not involving people or property. They include refuse fires, grassland fires and fires in derelict buildings or vehicles, unless these result in casualties or rescues, or involve five or more pumping appliances, in which case they’re classed as primary fires.
"},"self-defence":{"term":"self-defence","definition":"Actions taken by a person to disable an attacker long enough to escape from them.
"},"severity":{"term":"severity","definition":"The level of harm that is likely to be inflicted by a particular hazard. Severity and likelihood together define the overall level of risk posed by a particular hazard. See risk assessment.
"},"skin-cancer":{"term":"skin cancer","definition":"A potentially deadly disease of the skin.
"},"specified-injuries":{"term":"specified injuries","definition":"Types of non-fatal injuries to workers that are specified – and must be reported – under RIDDOR. They include:
The adverse reaction people have to excessive work pressures, or other types of demands placed on them.
"},"stroke":{"term":"stroke","definition":"Damage to a part of the brain when its blood supply is suddenly reduced or stopped.
"},"symptom":{"term":"symptom","definition":"A sign of disease.
"},"tendonitis":{"term":"tendonitis","definition":"An inflammation of a tendon (the tissue which connects a muscle to a bone).
"},"the-working-at-height-regulations-2005":{"term":"The Working at Height Regulations 2005","definition":"Regulations which apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.
"},"toe-board":{"term":"toe board","definition":"A board fitted at the edges of a work platform to prevent objects or people from falling.
"},"toxic":{"term":"toxic","definition":"Harmful or deadly to living things.
"},"trade-union":{"term":"trade union","definition":"An organisation of people employed in a particular type of work, formed to protect and promote their common interests.
"},"tuberculosis":{"term":"tuberculosis","definition":"A bacterial disease that usually attacks the lungs.
"},"upper-limb-disorder":{"term":"upper limb disorder","definition":"A general term that refers to pain in the arms, hands, neck or shoulders. The pain results from repetitive activities or activities that require controlled posture.
"},"violence":{"term":"violence","definition":"Threatening and aggressive behaviour, or a physical assault, directed at another person.
"},"virus":{"term":"virus","definition":"Tiny organisms that can infect living things and cause diseases.
"},"weils-disease":{"term":"Weil’s disease","definition":"A severe form of Leptospirosis, causing jaundice and liver damage.
"},"wilful-fire-raising":{"term":"wilful fire-raising","definition":"The Scottish legal term for the offence of deliberately and maliciously starting a fire to damage buildings or property. In England and Wales, the legal term used is arson.
"},"winching-equipment":{"term":"winching equipment","definition":"A winch is a mechanical device used to wind up or let out the tension of a rope or cable.
"},"work-restraint-harness":{"term":"work restraint harness","definition":"A work harness used by an individual that prevents the possibility of a fall occurring.
"}},"title":"Glossary"},"lac":{"title":"Lifting & Carrying","title2":"Lifting & Carrying"},"lac-01":{"title":"Getting ready for lift off!","description":""},"lac-01-010-010":{"title":"Three steps to safety","intro-text":{"p1":"When it comes to lifting and carrying, it always pays to use your brain before your biceps! And that means taking a methodical approach."},"question-header":{"text":"You can do a lot to keep yourself safe and well by following the three simple steps shown here. But in what order do you think you should you work through them?"},"question-footer":{"text":"Move the steps into the correct sequence. Select Confirm when you’ve finished to see how you did."},"drag1":{"label":"Make sure it’s safe to lift and carry."},"drag2":{"label":"Plan and prepare your route."},"drag3":{"label":"Use the right lifting technique."},"drop-label1":{"text":"1"},"drop-label2":{"text":"2"},"drop-label3":{"text":"3"},"feedback-text":{"p1":"Yes, that’s right, well done. Let’s run through these each of these steps now.","p2":"Not quite. Select Continue to run through the correct sequence.","p3":"Not really. Select Continue to run through the correct sequence."},"final-text":{"p1":"First, and foremost, make sure that it’s safe for you to lift and carry. If you’re in any doubt, don’t even attempt it.","p2":"Secondly, plan and prepare your route, so you don’t end up trying to navigate around an obstacle course with your hands full!","p3":"Thirdly, lift and carry in a way that puts minimum strain on your body, in particular on your back.","p4":"Over the rest of this course, we’ll explore each of these steps in more detail, so you’re clear about what you should do to avoid issues and minimise risk. Let’s start by looking at how you can assess whether it’s safe to lift and carry…"}},"lac-01-010-020":{"title":"Should you lift and carry?","intro-text":{"p1":"So, how can you decide if it’s safe for you to lift and carry something? Well, it’s all a matter of thinking TILE. In other words, considering the Task, the Individual, the Load and the Environment. Select each of these four factors to find out more. Select Continue when you’ve finished."},"option1-label":{"text":"Task"},"option1-text":{"p1":"Think through the whole task before getting started. For example, you might be quite capable of moving a box of printer paper next door. But moving a whole room full up two flights of stairs is likely to be a completely different proposition! So, consider how many items need to moved, where they need to be moved to, and how quickly they need to be moved there."},"option2-label":{"text":"Individual"},"option2-text":{"p1":"Consider your capabilities as an individual before attempting to lift anything. Some people are physically stronger than others, so there’s no upper weight limit that applies to everyone. The key thing is that you can comfortably lift the object, without having to strain hard. And if you have a medical condition – such as a back problem – or are pregnant, don’t take any risks."},"option3-label":{"text":"Load"},"option3-text":{"p1":"It’s important to carefully assess the load you’ll be lifting. Is it very heavy? Is it bulky or unwieldy? Is it difficult to hold on to? Does it have sharp edges? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then it may well be unsafe for you to attempt to lift and carry it."},"option4-label":{"text":"Environment"},"option4-text":{"p1":"Will you be working in a cramped space? Is the floor uneven or slippery? Is it particularly hot or cold? Are the lighting conditions poor? Before getting started, assess all aspects of the environment that could make the job more demanding or dangerous."}},"lac-01-010-030":{"title":"When in doubt…","text":{"p1":"If you have any concerns about a lifting and carrying task, then you shouldn’t attempt it… at least, not without some form of assistance.","p2":"A helping hand from a colleague may be all that’s needed – a burden shared is, after all, a burden halved.","p3":"Alternatively, you may have access to specialised equipment that can help take the strain…","p4":"Platform trolleys are boards with swivel wheels on the bottom. You simply load them up, then push them where they need to go. They can be great for transporting large numbers of items, but only if you’re moving over relatively even terrain, as the wheels won’t cope with steps or ruts.","p5":"Sack trucks are like crowbars on wheels! They can be particularly useful for moving large objects, since levering something up off the ground is much easier than lifting it. While they usually don’t have the capacity of platform trolleys, they’re more portable and manoeuvrable. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes too, with some even able to go down stairs.","p6":"If you do a lot of lifting and carrying at work, then you really should have access to the kind of equipment we’ve looked at here and been trained on how to use it safely. If you haven’t, you should raise this with your line manager or Health & Safety Representative."}},"lac-01-010-040":{"title":"Plan and prepare","question":{"question":"Once you’re sure it’s safe for you to lift and carry something, the next step is to plan and prepare your route. So what do you think you should always do at this point?","instruction":"Select your answers, then select Confirm to see how you did.","option1":"Choose the shortest possible route.","option2":"Prop open all doors along your route.","option3":"Remove any obstructions from your route."},"feedback-text":{"p1":"Yes, that’s right. The only thing you should definitely do is remove any obstructions from your route. Select Continue for further feedback.","p2":"Not quite. The only thing you should definitely do is remove any obstructions from your route. So what’s wrong with the other options? Select Continue to find out.","p3":"In fact, the only thing you should definitely do is remove any obstructions from your route. So what’s wrong with the other options? Select Continue to find out."},"final-text":{"p1":"While it’s a good idea to minimise the amount of ground you’ll need to cover, the key thing is to choose the easiest and safest route. So, for example, don’t choose to go down a narrow, busy corridor just because it shaves a few yards off your journey!","p2":"For security and fire safety reasons, some doors should never be propped open, even for a short time. If you’ll be encountering doors of this kind, ask a colleague to open them for you as and when you need to pass through."}},"lac-01-010-050":{"title":"Summary","text":{"p1":"In this section, you learned about a simple three-step approach to lifting and carrying.","p2":"As you saw, before even attempting to lift anything, you first need to assess whether it’s safe for you to do so. Consider the Task, the Individual, the Load and the Environment.","p3":"Once you’ve done this, you next need to plan and prepare your route to ensure there aren’t any nasty surprises along the way.","p4":"All of which brings us to step three: the actual lifting and carrying. This is where your technique is key and it’s what we’re going to be looking at in the next section. Select Continue to move on to the next section now, or Home to return to the course menu."}},"lac-02":{"title":"Using the right lifting technique","description":""},"lac-02-010-010":{"title":"It’s all about technique…","text":{"p1":"When it comes to lifting and carrying anything, it’s important to use a technique that minimises the strain on your body, in particular on your back.","p2":"Let’s visit the lifting laboratory now where you’ll be able to explore this for yourself…"}},"lac-02-010-020":{"title":"The lifting laboratory","intro-text1":{"p1":"Welcome to the lifting laboratory! Here you need to work out how to lift the heavy load shown here with the crane. To start off with, select Continue to see what happens on the crane driver’s first attempt."},"intro-text2":{"p1":"Ouch, that didn’t go too well. It looks like the load is simply too heavy for the crane to handle… or is it? Now it’s your chance to have a go. The only difference this time is that you’ll be able to change the angle of the crane’s lifting arm. Select Continue to get started."},"intro-text3":{"p1":"Select the up and down arrows to adjust the angle of the crane’s lifting arm. When the angle is where you want it, select Go to see how you get on lifting the load. If you get stuck, select Show Answer to see the solution."},"angle-button-up-label":{"text":"CRANE ARM