Archives

March 20, 2009

Accidents in the Building Industry

In recent news, two workmen from Reading fell to their death after an unsupervised colleague mistakenly loosened bolts on a crane they were working on. The crane was in the process of being dismantled after its use in building work at Durrington High School in Worthing.

By Editor

March 04, 2009

Computer Casualty Injury Advice

The use of computers has transformed our lives. We use the technology at work to communicate, to store data, to produce reports and projects while at home we shop, read and play on our computers. But are they safe?

By Author

March 02, 2009

Spinal Injury Breakthrough

In the complex and dangerous realm of the spinal cord, scientists are on the verge of breakthrough. The body cannot naturally repair functions in the brain or the spinal cord and surgery is incredibly risky as the spinal cord is the connecting point of nearly every nerve to the brain. If the spinal cord is damaged there has been little hope for complete recovery. However BBC News reports that a team of scientists at the University of Cambridge is “developing a treatment which could potentially allow damaged nerve fibres to regenerate within the spinal cord.” This brings great hope to people who suffer with major conditions such as paralysis and others like a loss of sensation. According to the report over 40,000 people in the UK suffer with spinal injuries that have a great impact on their life.

By Author

February 27, 2009

Working Longer Hours Puts Us ‘at risk for Dementia’

In this time of economic crisis, there is great concern with job security. The Times estimates that 50 million jobs could be lost in 2009 worldwide. This startling statistic makes employees appreciate their jobs and could encourage an adjustment to the work/life balance with an increase in working hours. But is this really the best reaction to the global economic meltdown? The Telegraph has reported that long working hours could actually increase the risk of dementia.

By Author

February 06, 2009

Child Abuse Claims

Child abuse and the vivid horrific reality of it have hit the headlines recently. With cases such as Baby P and Alfie Goddard being brought to the public’s attention. Both these young boys suffered severely at the hands of their parents and guardians. Despite social services being made aware of the unimaginable circumstances these children were living in, nothing was done to protect them and save them from the cruelty they endured daily, resulting in their avoidable deaths.

By Author

February 05, 2009

Injuries while Dancing on Ice

ITV is currently airing its fourth series of the hugely popular Dancing on Ice, and last night’s entertainment was unforgettable. The rather clueless but determined novice Todd Carty, aka Mark Fowler from Eastenders, provided a hilarious set as he stumbled his way over the ice and off the rink only to return at the end of the routine. His comedic session drew laughter from the judges, the presenters and from the audience – both at home and in the studio. His antics resulted in the lowest scores ever from the judges but only made his popularity soar. He has been kept in by the voting public and I can’t wait to see what he will do next.

By Author

February 03, 2009

Avoid a Fall at Work

It is a startling statistic provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that on average 13 people a year die at work falling from ladders, and nearly 1,200 suffer major injuries. In 2003/2004, 67 people died and nearly 4,000 suffered serious injury as a result of falling from height in the workplace. This shocking figure was four times the average and demanded more attention to the regulations of using a ladder in the workplace.

By Author

January 30, 2009

Take Care when Manually Handling

Manual handling, which is “any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force”, is the main function, and a necessity, for many jobs in the UK. When you lift, pull or push anything at work, you must ensure you follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to avoid any painful injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that “work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including manual handling injuries, are the most common type of occupational ill health in the UK.”

By Author

January 29, 2009

Clocking Accidents on the Road

A fascinating study has found that putting the clocks back in winter causes a huge increase in the number of road accidents. The University of Cambridge’s Centre for Technology Management has discovered that in Great Britain 450 serious injuries and a massive 104 deaths could be prevented by being one hour ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). The injuries caused by the change of clock time results in £200 million per year in NHS costs, and £7 billion since 1971. This staggering figure is of course paid for by the British tax payer.

By Author

January 28, 2009

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

You may think it is an obvious thing to state, but it is the right of all employees and members of the public to be provided with proper and suitable seating. Although this need is usually catered for, there are several cases where employees and members of the public have been severely and fatally injured, causing not only pain but often embarrassment.