2005 - September
The pile of paper set aside for recycling is starting to take over the office. One of your staff has said that it now presents a fire hazard. Is this correct, and if so, what should you do about it?
As winter approaches you’re looking for a source of power for your portable appliance when mains electricity isn’t available. In light of a fatality and subsequent HSE prosecution, what factors should you consider?
A long-service employee has developed a hearing impediment. Does this mean you have to adapt your emergency procedures? If so, what quick and cheap measures can you adopt?
Identifying a competent contractor
A business development has created the need for some major construction works to be completed on your site. Use our free questionnaire as part of your selection process to ensure your contractor can comply with your standards.
Recent research has indicated that standing for prolonged periods at work can cause lower limb problems. How can you prevent such problems?
Attaching a trailer to one of your forklift trucks could make life easier for your warehouse workers. Can you attach a trailer to any forklift, and what considerations should you make when selecting a trailer?
Workplace impact on ill-health and productivity
As you’re aware, health and safety legislation lays down minimum environmental standards for your workplace. But did you know that compliance can also boost productivity and cut sickness absence? What does the latest research say?
As you’re aware, Regulations preventing discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief were introduced at the end of 2003. Following a recent case, what’s the latest on allowing extended leave for religious reasons?
A subscriber recently contacted us with a query about redundancy. They’d never faced this situation before and wanted to know what to do first. Is there such a thing as a redundancy timetable?
Suppose you serve a dismissal notice on an employee which says the dismissal date is to be in, e.g. three months’ time. Later, you agree an earlier release date with the employee. Which is the effective date for unfair dismissal purposes?
You’ve added a “pay in lieu of notice” clause to your employment contracts. Will using it really be risk-free, and if not, what should you consider before attempting to enforce it against an employee?
Whilst it’s okay to dismiss an obese employee in some circumstances, you must get the procedure right first. What can happen if you don’t?
Managing under-performing staff could well be one of the biggest hidden costs cutting into your profits. Recent research shows that managers spend over five weeks a year dealing with poor performers. What can you do about it?
You’re thinking about implementing a shift system for the first time. With statistics showing that an accident is twice as likely at the end of a long shift, what factors should you bear in mind?
Recently, one of your suppliers has started loading far more onto their trailers than previously agreed, making the deliveries unsafe to unload. Who would be liable in the event of an accident and how can you address the problem?
The term “Sensible Risk Management” is being discussed as a new approach to safety. What is it and how could it affect your business?
On a recent visit, a fire safety inspector said that your ageing fire hose system could be harbouring the Legionella bacteria. If he’s right, what can you do to reduce the risk of infection?
In a recent case a company was prosecuted for failing to properly assess the risk of explosion during maintenance works. What’s to learn and how could a hot work permit help protect your business?
We often refer to Approved Codes of Practice and official Guidance notes. But what’s their true legal status, when do they have to be followed and when is it OK to do your own thing?
Right to be accompanied at investigatory meetings
As you’re aware, staff have the right to be accompanied at a disciplinary hearing. But does this right also apply to any initial investigatory meeting that you may need to hold? What does recent case law say?
An employee has asked if he can borrow a spare computer for home use. You don’t have a problem, but want to know what precautions to take first. So what should you consider and why?
Recently, a visitor to your premises threatened an employee. You’ve decided to introduce a formal violence-at-work policy and want to know what it should cover. What are the most important legal issues to include?
An employee asks for some time off for what appears to be a legitimate reason. However, he’s actually seen doing something quite different. Is this a clear case of gross misconduct?
You’ve probably heard it several times before. An employee returns from holiday only to tell you that he was sick for the duration of his break. What do you do? Reinstate his holiday? Pay him SSP? And what about other situations?
Employees have the legal right to ask for unpaid leave to look after a dependant. But how far do they have to go in communicating the reason for the leave?
You’re familiar with the need to consider disability issues when recruiting and retaining staff. But are you aware that dyslexia may count as a qualifying disability? What do you need to know?