Comments by Trevor Muddimer

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

To comment on Ians question, TUPE is the key legislation.
Do let us know how it goes, your experience could help others.

Regards Trevor Muddimer
Consultant in Workplace issues, Resource Efficiency etc.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

I agree with Carl, TUPE is designed for such cases.
In general, it protects the workers when the 'contract holder' changes.

I suggest you discuss it with the dealership.
It is possible that they are unaware of TUPE,
but they can seek advice once they are made aware.

Please let us know the outcome.

Trevor

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

There is an IOSH debate suggesting that the vibration figures supplied by tool manufacturers need to be doubled in order to accurately calculate the exposure limit for a tool.

Does the expert or the Forum have any experience of this?

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

Internal plants not only help to remove contaninents from the air, importantly, they also add humidty to the workplace and bring a feeling of wellbeing.
There are many examples - one being:
www.plants-in-buildings.com/Plants-in-buildings.com.php
I also advise use of 'natural light' this is again improves a feeling of wellbeing. If upgrading lighting include this in the spec, or if using high frquency lighting, change lamps to a colour code in the 900 region (965 pererred). If unsure, try this in a contained space - these lamps may cost a bit above average, but as with internal plants, the result is well worth the small overhead.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

Tupe applies to protect the workers in contract transfers.
However, if after taking over the task and assessing the contract 'in action' - the incomming contractor wishes to shed excess staff (as against underperforming staff) which party carries the redundancy costs? Assuming this to be the new contractor or the client via new contractor.
We could debate the pros / cons and our experiences of outsourcing another day perhaps?

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

I echo the words of caution above.
Stress has many symptoms and aids to recovery vary.
Keeping this emotive issue in perspective is not easy.
Having a stress policy assists the process (see sample http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/stresspolicy.pdf ).
I also commend www.stress-ip.co.uk as a reliable source on this interesting but difficult subject, they are used by IOSH for training on this subject.
Note: I am not employed by StressIP - just a satisfied customer.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

The proposed Services Directive, would allow workers from other European countries to work in Britain on wages and safety levels they would get in their home country .
Any thoughts?

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

Thanks for the discussion and thoughts.
Infection control in hospitals where the infection is currently being treated may be a good team to comment on prevention?
If 'gatherings of people' may be a risk, then situations such as public transport, supermarkets, sport events and faith gatherings (church etc) will be affected?
I too look forward to hearing more from the upcoming FM events on this issue.
Regards Trevor

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

I can relate to these comments.
Often the FM is a generalist available 24*7, with the patience of Job!

Qualifications tomorrow would ideally be degree in the now emerging FM skill.
The FM will be an accountant of course, able to derive a quality factual presentation using a rolling live budget.
The FM will also be a lawyer, able to review and comment on leases alongside service charges and provision?
Catering will be close to the FM's heart, being a expert seems relatively easy here, as long as the Gross Margin is managed alongside the food, fire and safety regs etc.
KPI's will be ongoing, and as an expert in cleaning the FM will ensure standards are high. No 'biting insects' will survive his/her inspection!
Water, Fire, Emergency and evacuation plans, Disaster recovery.... who needs sleep with these to cover off?
Fleet management, leases, accidents, pool vehicles, tracking and training.
Issues that no one wants to think about let alone tackle, blocked loos? (never happen), Gypsy invation? (impossible).
Health and Safety is a way of life, surely the FM is already formally qualified in this?
The FM will handle travel planning in a seamless and integrated way.

Yes'twas me - many many years service and for most of the time it was fun.
Next stop for me is consultancy, sharing the joys of a role that was so varied that every day was different. My wings may be singed, but at least I still have them!

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

The best resource I know of on Stress is www.stress-ip.co.uk

Stress In Perspective.

I hope this is of help.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

There are companies specialising in supplying and operating Workplace Gyms, I'm sure they would know the restrictions?

I suspect:

1/ supervision and/or a minimum of two users at any time.

2/ all users trained (as at any normal gym).

I do know of a school where parents were allowed to use the gym after school hours. A lone parent was taken ill but had no support, a really sad situation we would all want to avoid.

I've also heard of mobile gyms (in a large lorry), which save floor space and come fully maintained, with instructor to site.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

Vibration is a topic of concern, where exposure times vary depending on the severity of the vibration.

Do we have any experiences to share on exposure periods, or experiences of vibration risk removal or mitigation?

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

I seek fullness of understanding for the forum.

The assertion is that new items Shall/Must be tested before use?

Perhaps a Workplace Law expert would like to comment?

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

Patrick supplies useful references.

My query was around the key word 'must'.

I find some service suppliers 'misuse' legislation to generate business.

I commend the HSE guidance in:

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdf

My advise is to ensure the service 'advised' by a supplier is shown to be compliant with legislation and 'commensurate with the risk'.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

I do appreciate the PATesting issues and suspect that the depth of UK implementation is unique in the EU.

I'm as keen on the environment as any of course, I point out the case to aid our forum.

However, I would like to know the reference in legislation that says new equipment must be tested? Perhaps an expert could comment - would a judge expect us to do this?

Regards Trevor

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

There is much healthy debate on this topic which is good.

I am not qualified to discuss Roberts 1. above - perhaps an insurer could comment?

Point 2 is interesting. In our experience, sometimes it is more cost effective to replace than retest mains leads and/or extension leads?

Regards Trevor

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

I use Perrys Recycling on 01935 851 555

www.perrys-recycling.co.uk

Also Specialist Metal Services on 01375 8555 000.

Both are reliable routes for wastes with certification etc.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

I have seen prices quoted for a complete unit (inc several detachable leads) or for individual parts/cables.

I suggest one asks for detailed examples when seeking PATesting quotes.

Also, happy customers are usually keen to supply a reference, ask for details.

Trevor Muddimer
Member - 42 posts

Several years ago we agreed a no alcohol policy with the workforce.

No alcohol in the workplace, the restaurant, at lunchtime or in the blood the next day (as with driving).

Further, if we held a social evening (e.g BBQ) onsite, we would offer a mini bus in and/or overnight parking and taxi home. And at the Christmas party at a hotel for instance, the same level of support with option of overnight stay.

Either the risk to a companys most valuable resource is taken seriously or the liability remains.

Sorry if this does not fit the debate totally, but it is the approach we chose and have enjoyed for many years.