Workplace Law Magazine is available only to Premium Members of the Workplace Law Network. Produced 6 times each year, it is distributed in hard copy format in the first week of the month, and is also available online.
Health hazards: keeping a lid on panic
For workplace managers, the importance of communication is stressed all the time - especially in tricky HR situations such as redundancy or disciplinary proceedings. In health and safety it is equally important - communicating policies, getting employees on board and creating your health and safety culture.
Communicating in a crisis is harder! How, for example, would you communicate to your employees that a worker has a lung disease caused by your office printer? What action would you take if the media got hold of a story about asbestos being present in your premises, potentially exposing tens or hundreds of workers to the health hazards?
Get it wrong and, not only will the press have a field day with your reputation, but existing employees could flee in fear of what else they might be exposed to, and, with your reputation in tatters, you would have serious trouble recruiting new staff. All this on top of the potential prosecution you are facing due to your health and safety failings. Put simply, this could be the fall of your business.
In this issue ...
Latest
Legal calendar
Key legislative dates and events taking place during February and March.
Case law
- Pleural plaques and actionable damage
- Forged asbestos certificates result in jail sentence
- £150,000 compensation for pipe fitter exposed to asbestos
Comment
Low-energy light bulbs - saving the planet or just a big headache?
Everyone wants to be involved in helping the environment by 'doing their bit', but not to the detriment of their health, says the Migraine Association.
WIFI - is there a real hazard?
As new technologies emerge, they often bring with them scare stories. As Wireless Local Area Networks become more common, is there any reason for concern, asks Robert Fife, Head of Health and Safety at Anderson Strathern.
Focus
Health hazards - keeping a lid on panic
Effective management of hazards to health in the workplace is as much about the messages you give out when an incident occurs as it is about the action you take to control the hazard itself. Workplace Law Magazine investigates some key examples of good communication.
Office printers: the latest workplace hazard
If reports about the dangers of printers and light bulbs are to be believed, then office health and safety should be taken much more seriously - which is exactly what Mike Hosking, health and safety advisor for Skandia UK, has been saying for years.
Mesothelioma: key cases in the right to compensation
The case of Barker v. Corus could have had a significant impact on mesothelioma sufferers' rights to claim compensation from employers. Kelly Mansfield meets member of the team acting on behalf of Barker, Ruth Davies.
Network
Who cares for the carers?
Occupational health consultant Greta Thornbory reveals how 30 years' industry experience have taught her the importance of caring for workers.
Clinic
Workplace Law Network premium members ask the legal experts for advice on hazardous substance issues.
Challenge
The emissions mission
Dave Hampton wants to get the world off its carbon addiction, by proving the you can be a happy family guy living on a massively reduced carbon dose.
Technical
Legal update
In-depth information and guidance on: VDU use and employers' eyecare obligations; and air conditioning - good practice.
The data
This month's statistics
Five pages of key statistics and information on health and safety and employment law.
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