Topics in this issue
Here’s a roundup of some of the things we’ve been talking to LBG’s Group Health and Safety team about recently:
Health & safety training
Risk assessments
Health & wellbeing advocates
Personal safety
Reports & accidents
Car parks
And finally...
Health & safety training
A major revamp of Health and Safety training has been undertaken. So, what’s new? Well, induction training has been beefed up with a fresh section, and there’s now better training on assessing risks for new and expecting mums. Plus, sections on making sure you're all clued up on fire evacuations and handling those not-so-friendly customers. And if you're moving to a new workplace, there’s a short H&S induction to get you acquainted with emergency procedures specific to that building.
Following a colleague inadvertently disturbing asbestos in a branch, a safety training pack is being created.
Risk assessments
Now, let's talk risk assessments. LBG is ditching the boring tick-box stuff and crafting custom risk assessments for different premises, so inspections actually mean something. Accord's cheering this move on, seeing it as a big step towards making workplaces more safe and sound.
Health & wellbeing advocates
We're pleased to support the rolling out of new training for LBG’s health and wellbeing advocates.
The role will be clarified and new training provided, with the “train the trainer” sessions due to start in May.
Wellbeing campaigns have already been carried out on Winter Wellbeing, Cancer Touches Everyone, and Caring for Children and Young Adults. Next up is Mental Health in May.
New style Wellbeing Festivals will take place across various sites in the coming months with “market stalls” representing the different networks. A similar offering will be developed for branches, which may include virtual events.
Accord will be involved in discussions around these sessions so we’re interested in your views about what should be included and how best to get them to colleagues. We’re concerned that homeworkers may struggle to get access.
Personal safety
We're tackling the imbalance between Telephony and Branch reporting of abusive customers head-on. It's all about making sure everyone feels safe and supported, no matter where you work.
A Group investigation is underway to try and get the same importance attached to telephony abuse as there is to branch based incidents.
Following several nasty situations over a few short weeks, Accord has asked for more safety barriers in some branches where they have a high level of incidents. This will be carried out on a risk assessment basis.
Reports & accidents
Remember, if you spot any near misses or have any safety concerns, speak up! We're all about keeping each other safe, so let's work together to prevent accidents.
The general trend for accidents in LBG is downwards with a 42% reduction in RIDDOR reports in 2023 compared to 2022, and less reports overall than in the previous few years. Slips trips and falls are still the most prevalent types of accidents.
Car parks
Accord has a concern that some of the LBG car parks are not safe. In fact Accord’s conference supported a motion to review the safety of car parking arrangements. If you think your car park is a bit dodgy, give us a shout. Safety doesn’t stop at the office door!
And finally...
It’s TUC Safety Inspection week this week, so if you’re an Accord Rep, have a look around your workplace and help to keep your colleagues safe.
Stay safe out there. And if you've got any health and safety concerns, drop our Health and Safety Officer, John, a line at [email protected]. He's here to help.