Your questions answered - September 25

Not all outdoor workers are required to wear RPE at all times – though it is necessary when there is a significant risk of exposure to hazardous substances in the air, such as dust, fumes, or gases. As is standard, you should carry out a risk assessment to help identify potential respiratory hazards and, therefore, help you determine the need for RPE. 

In some situations, air quality monitoring may also be helpful, to assess the effectiveness of control measures and ensure worker safety. HSE has set Workplace Exposure Levels (WELs) for hazardous substances to help protect workers' health, and your RPE should therefore be selected to ensure exposure remains below these limits.

Remember that employers must always provide full training on the use, limitations, and maintenance of RPE. 

My team is asking to change to hybrid work more often when they have to do their data entry. How do I ensure their safety across different workplaces?

Since the pandemic, this is quite a common scenario and you should remember that employers are required to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, as well as being responsible for all equipment they supply.

HSE has drawn up guidelines to help employers in this situation. On top of these guidelines, you should also make sure that you have worked with your employees to undertake a risk assessment for their new workplace. 

You mention data entry: it is recommended that you consider a display screen equipment (DSE) assessment and provide eye tests if your team asks for one. Encourage them to take regular breaks, provide information on good posture and how to avoid musculoskeletal issues. Incorrect use of DSE or poorly designed workstations can lead to pain in necks, shoulders, backs, arms, wrists and hands as well as fatigue and eye strain. 

Remember the wellbeing of your employees and that their requirements will change when away from their regular workplace – and also that this will be different for each individual. Check-in with them regularly and ensure they don’t feel isolated.

In the summer, we take on more casual, temporary and volunteer workers. What are the rules around health and safety for these short-term workers?

We know that many people who currently work in what is sometimes called ‘the gig economy’ do so because they enjoy the flexibility it offers and the benefits it brings in terms of work-life balance. 

But employers have the same legal duty to volunteers and casual workers from harm as they do to other employees: employers must ensure the health and safety of all workers, including short-term, casual, and voluntary staff, by providing a safe working environment and taking appropriate measures to mitigate risks. 

Ensure that their tasks are included in risk assessments, make sure they do not work long and unpredictable working hours, and ensure you provide places to take breaks - including access to bathrooms or similar facilities.

Remember that mental wellbeing is important too: isolation and time pressure are commonly reported in this type of employment, so ensure that you address this. Be sure to include consideration of these factors in a regular review of your risk assessments.