A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ACCIDENTS

What do I do if I have an accident at work?

All accidents and other incidents with the potential for injury or damage must be reported using SafetyNET "Report an incident" tool. Check your Departmental Statement of Safety Policy for any specific local arrangements in place.

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DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT (DSE)

I use a computer at work, can I get free glasses?

No. The fact that you have a computer does not automatically entitle you to free glasses.  If you have been identified as a "DSE User" ie someone who uses a computer for significant amount of time during their normal working day, you are entitled to a free eye test and free glasses (if specifically needed to use your computer).See UCLs Eyecare Scheme at the following link:

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/occ_health/health_advice/eyecare.php

I've had my workstation assessed but I'm still not comfortable.

If the changes made as a result of the workstation assessment don't resolve pain, discomfort or health issues then ask your Manager to refer you to Occupational Health for advice.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/occ_health/what_do_we_do/management_referral.php

Do I need a DSE assessment if I use a laptop?

Yes, if you use the laptop for prolonged periods then ask your Manager to arrange for an assessment.

I work at home with DSE do I need to have my worksatation assessed?

If you regularly work at home as part of your job and it's in your terms and conditions of employment then ask your Manager to arrange for an assessment.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/docs/work_life_balance.php

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/estates/safetynet/guidance/dse/working_at_home.pdf

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FIRST AID

What training is available for first aiders?

There are two certificate courses available.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/estates/safetynet/training/

Which course should I attend?

A first aid assessment will determine the number required and the course they should attend.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/estates/safetynet/guidance/firstaid/index.htm

LONE WORKING

What is Lone Working?

Working without close or direct supervision or remote from colleagues i.e. colleagues may be in the next room or on other floors in the same building. Lone workers can be peripatetic (routinely walks between work locations) or in fixed locations. Lone working can occur at any time i.e. either during normal working hours or out of hours.

Is it legal to work alone?

Although there is no general prohibition to working alone, there is a legal duty to assess the risks of the work. If the task is to be carried out by someone while they are alone the risk assessment must consider the hazards of being alone in addition to the hazards involved with the work itself.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/estates/safetynet/guidance/lone_working/index.htm

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

What is the minimum/maximum temperature allowed in my workplace?

The law says that during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings must be reasonable.  The minimum temperature should be 16°C, but if your work involves severe physical effort, it can be as low as 13°C. These temperatures may not ensure reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement and relative humidity.  There is no maximum prescribed working temperature. Further guidance can be found on the HSE website at the following link:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm

My workplace seems very cramped, is there any guidance on how much space each person should have?

The Health and Safety Executive recommend that there should be at least a minimum 11m3 for each person in a workspace.  This figure doesn’t take into account any furniture or equipment in the workspace so in reality it is unlikely that people will have this amount of clear space to themselves. What has to be ensured is that people are provided with adequate space to do their work and that there is good access/egress to and from their workstation and when moving around the room.

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