Occupational Health

At Haden Young, we understand the value of a healthy and well cared for workforce and have committed considerable resources to address Occupational Health issues.

Health Screening:

Haden Young has an Occupational Health Work Group that has steered the development and introduction of a health-screening programme. A programme to undertake health assessments of all operatives on a three yearly rolling basis is being implemented. The programme utilises a health bus that visits sites to undertake the examinations required. In addition to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, the programme considers:

• Lung function
• Audiometry
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Visual acuity
• Colour blindness
• Balance co-ordination
• Urine analysis

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome:

Within Haden Young we have been working with power tool manufacturer Hilti to ensure that we comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations and we have put in place a number of measures to do so.  We have developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) procedures. We have also:

• Completed risk assessments for all vibrating tools and equipment used by our workforce. This included actual field tests to monitor and measure vibration levels of hand tools. The findings of these tests confirmed that no reliance could be placed on manufacturers “test bed” data. Vibration levels in use were found to be much higher than the factory test bed results
• Implemented a risk reduction programme, centred on our “Buy Smooth” policy. This requires that Hilti hand held vibratory tools and inserts are purchased or hired where practicable.
• Issued a HSE HAVS Pocket Card INDG296P, to all employees.
• Held training sessions with Hilti and Haden Young health, safety and environmental advisors for project management and supervisors to heighten awareness and advice of measures being implemented
• Held site employee training and awareness sessions on HAVS and issued follow up posters to maintain awareness
• Prepared a Haden Young/Hilti ‘Product Selector’ and issued that to operatives, during training, to identify the amount of drilling/grinding/cutting that can be undertaken safely during an eight hour working day based on Health and Safety Executive exposure levels
• Issued and analysed health surveillance questionnaires, which have been completed by employees. This is an annual exercise
• Hired an independent occupational health services provider to carry out health surveillance for operatives. This was used to identify actual and potential cases of HAVs and to ensure persons at risk are advised of suitable control measures
• Modified our audit programme to include more specific requirements to monitor HAVS.
• Advised our sub-contractors of our programme and requested information on their management of HAVS.

 

Back Injury Prevention:

Back injury prevention is also a priority and Haden Young has introduced a programme of manual handling training that involves use of video and review of site activities to ensure this becomes relevant and real to our operatives.

Haden Young engage a company that specialises in back injury treatment; to provide ongoing physiotherapy following a work related back injury, which aids recovery and can prevent further worsening of such injuries.