Assurance Shorts

In this article, we revisit some of the topics we have recently covered in our Safety and Assurance Bulletins, but which remain important.

Tick Season is Biting

We are receiving a high number of reports of tick activity this year. The wet and mild winter followed by a warm dry spring seems to have led to an increase in tick numbers and activity. Sites with high activity should have this reflected in the risk assessment, so all who come to site can be made aware of the increased risk.

Read more on the Top Tips to Deter Ticks (REF/33), please also click here to have a refresh of the news item we ran on Ticks back in April.

Spraying Season

The difficulties surrounding the supply of PPE is starting to ease a little at present after initially being difficult as much was diverted to Covid controls. We MUST have the correct PPE for the work we undertake. We have recently updated all our COSHH assessments so please make sure you have the most recent COSHH assessment for the chemicals you are using on site. Check the printed date in the bottom right of the assessment sheet to ensure it is a 2020 version.

We covered this topic in a recent Safety & Assurance Bulletin, which you can read here.

Breeding Birds

Birds are still in their breeding and nesting season and we must continue to remain alert while working on site. On a recent Landscaping site, the main contractor had given the instruction to clear some trees, but our team on site had spotted birds flying in and out of a tree. They checked the tree and found an active nest. This tree was left in situ and the nest protected due to the diligence of our team.

• Regularly check for signs of nesting birds.
• If you think you have found a nest on site, STOP immediately and inform your line manager.

Sun

Last month we covered the skin risks from sun exposure, but also to be aware of the need to stay hydrated and the risks associated with heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

The signs of heat exhaustion include: a headache, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite and feeling sick, excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin, cramps in the arms, legs and stomach, fast breathing or pulse, temperature of 38°C or above, being very thirsty.

If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:

1. Move them to a cool place.
2. Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
3. Get them to drink plenty of Sports or re-hydration drinks are OK.
4. Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good too.

Stay with them until they are better. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

CALL 999 IF:

You or someone else have any signs of heatstroke:

• feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
• not sweating even though too hot
• a temperature of 40°C or above
• fast breating or shortness of breath
• feeling confused
• a fit (seizure)
• loss of consciousness
• not responsive

Heatstroke can be very serious if not treated quickly.

Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help.

Please click here to read the full news article we ran on sun safety in June.