Corporate Manslaughter And You

New legislation introduced in April means that quarry managers who fail to fulfil their health and safety obligations will now be at fault for workplace injuries in the eyes of the law and those responsible may be prosecuted.

With the British Safety Industry Federation claiming that almost half of all accidents are caused by companies ignoring the need for personal protective equipment (PPE), or providing unsuitable PPE, directors urgently need to take a close look at their own operations.

According to Stuart Jukes, sales director at PPE specialists Praybourne, there are no excuses for not taking proper care of your workforce. ‘Knowing your workforce is correctly dressed in conforming PPE gives you peace of mind and, at the same time, shows your staff that you care for their well-being,’ he said.

PPE, he stressed, is a full head-to-toe solution, from boots to headwear and everything in between. For example, base layers have become more significant than when they were simply for keeping staff warm; today they offer both comfort and functionality.

Moisture-wicking fibres draw perspiration away from the skin, which, as well as helping to prevent heat stress, reduces the chance of moisture clinging to the skin, which can turn cold over a period of time and cause discomfort.

Likewise, flame-retardant clothing and underwear can protect the wearer in hazardous situations, which some quarry workers may be exposed to.

‘A flame-retardant jacket is of no use when worn in conjunction with a non-flame-retardant garment underneath,’ said Mr Jukes ‘Layering is the key to successful safety. The same applies to anti-static clothing and underwear. This prevents an individual’s clothing from generating a spark, which, in the wrong environment, could have serious consequences.’

A Teflon-coated range of garments not only maintains the high-visibility characteristics of the fabric after laundering (when compared with non-coated fabrics), but also offers a water-repellent layer to protect the wearer from light rain showers.

With such a wide range of PPE available, Praybourne say it is difficult to see why any employer would risk the safety and comfort of employees by not sourcing the correct garments, especially since the introduction of legislation covering corporate manslaughter charges that can be bought against company directors and managers.

‘It is vital to ensure that the company you buy your PPE from has all the right documentation,’ said Mr Jukes. ‘They should be able to provide a declaration of conformity with every sale, if requested, and supply copies of all the relevant certification to EN471:2003.

‘It’s not enough just to trust what the salesman says. I think the new law is a positive move because it will assist in the removal of sub-standard garments from the market, which can only be of benefit to those who need to wear them on a daily or regular basis.’

Praybourne themselves recently became one of the first companies in the UK to have every single garment in their high-visibility range comply with the new EN471:2003 standard, providing proof of the company’s reputation for innovation, quality and forward-thinking.

The company prides itself in a reputation for working above and beyond the minimum required standards, as shown by their latest development, EN471 long- and short-sleeved polo shirts that have been tested and certified to a solar protection factor (SPF) greater than 50.

With both Pulsar and Pulsarail polo shirts achieving an SPF of 50+, the highest rating for sun protection, Praybourne say purchasers can be confident and assured they are protecting their workforce from harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays when working outdoors for long periods of time during the day.

The recent entry into the market of the company’s’ chevron classic foul-weather clothing range has proved very successful and has been well received universally thanks to its innovative styling and its use of angled tape. For the first time, reflective tape has been fixed to high-visibility garments at more striking and eye-catching angles, instead of the traditional horizontal stripes.

Available in yellow and GO/RT orange options, the range includes jackets, trousers and body warmers, offering the wearer flexible and practical protection.

‘Imagine your employee in cheap clothing. It’s uncomfortable, likely to restrict their movement and has a poor effect on their morale,’ said Mr Jukes. ‘This is easy to reverse by providing better-quality clothing. The employee will then feel valued, will work harder and will be more productive overall, as well as giving a more professional corporate look.’