Archives
Child abuse and the vivid horrific reality of it have hit the headlines recently. With cases such as Baby P and Alfie Goddard being brought to the public’s attention. Both these young boys suffered severely at the hands of their parents and guardians. Despite social services being made aware of the unimaginable circumstances these children were living in, nothing was done to protect them and save them from the cruelty they endured daily, resulting in their avoidable deaths.
ITV is currently airing its fourth series of the hugely popular Dancing on Ice, and last night’s entertainment was unforgettable. The rather clueless but determined novice Todd Carty, aka Mark Fowler from Eastenders, provided a hilarious set as he stumbled his way over the ice and off the rink only to return at the end of the routine. His comedic session drew laughter from the judges, the presenters and from the audience – both at home and in the studio. His antics resulted in the lowest scores ever from the judges but only made his popularity soar. He has been kept in by the voting public and I can’t wait to see what he will do next.
It is a startling statistic provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that on average 13 people a year die at work falling from ladders, and nearly 1,200 suffer major injuries. In 2003/2004, 67 people died and nearly 4,000 suffered serious injury as a result of falling from height in the workplace. This shocking figure was four times the average and demanded more attention to the regulations of using a ladder in the workplace.
Take Care when Manually Handling
Manual handling, which is “any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force”, is the main function, and a necessity, for many jobs in the UK. When you lift, pull or push anything at work, you must ensure you follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to avoid any painful injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that “work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including manual handling injuries, are the most common type of occupational ill health in the UK.”
Clocking Accidents on the Road
A fascinating study has found that putting the clocks back in winter causes a huge increase in the number of road accidents. The University of Cambridge’s Centre for Technology Management has discovered that in Great Britain 450 serious injuries and a massive 104 deaths could be prevented by being one hour ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). The injuries caused by the change of clock time results in £200 million per year in NHS costs, and £7 billion since 1971. This staggering figure is of course paid for by the British tax payer.
You may think it is an obvious thing to state, but it is the right of all employees and members of the public to be provided with proper and suitable seating. Although this need is usually catered for, there are several cases where employees and members of the public have been severely and fatally injured, causing not only pain but often embarrassment.
Driving Whilst Under The Influence Of Drugs
Driving whilst under the influence of drugs is an offense and against the law. Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 states ‘a person who, when driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle on a road or a public place is unfit to drive through drink or drugs is guilty of an offense’.
Attacked whilst at work is becoming increasingly more common, particularly in the health care profession. 8,746 reports of violence against NHS staff were reported last year. Statistics show that NHS staff are more likely to be attacked at work than involved in a Road Traffic Collision.
Depression is currently on the rise in the UK. Many of us are reported to be going to see our GP in order to report our feelings of depression than ever before. It is important not to confuse depression with feeling of being down in the dumps. We all feel that way from time to time. However, if these feelings persists for longer than 2 weeks it is important that you seek advice from your GP regarding your feelings and possible illness.
Many of you may have seen this hit TV series Ice Road Truckers, a reality TV show which follows the employees of one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Ice Road Truckers was originally aired in the US reaching viewing figures of 3.4million when it debuted in 2007. More recently it has been shown in the UK and gained a large following.
