Why men die first

This week we have a compilation of images depicting the possible reasons why women outlive men.

A balancing act?

Looks like a game of Jenga!

Holding on for dear life?

Some might say resourceful?

Crikey!

I suppose we should appreciate they are protecting themselves from the sun?

Looks as if these employees did not read their health and safety manual! Or more worryingly perhaps, that these employers did not consider that balancing on a ridge to paint windows might be dangerous?!

For all health and safety queries, it’s best to speak to The HR Dept’s health and safety experts www.hrdept.co.uk 

Should employees bring their own computer to work?

We recently came across research that suggested that employees are more engaged with their work when they bring their own devices to work - click here to read more. Whether it is the latest iPad or bringing in a laptop, in our advancing modern society this doesn’t seem surprising. Employees are likely to be more productive if they are using equipment they are most comfortable with. Simply allowing employees to work on their own devices might demonstrate that the employer recognises the needs of the workforce and the fast moving technological advances. Plus, it cuts the computer equipment bills down by not having to fork out for the newest computer when one of your employees complain they don’t have a fancy operating system!

On the other hand, it is important to consider the health and safety aspects of this. There are legal requirements to ensure your employees are safe in work. Any equipment required for work needs to be maintained in safe condition. This could be done by administering PAT testing (which The HR Dept can do for you).

Security issues need to be considered too – if employees bring in their own pc’s etc, then they are also bringing in potential virus threats! Also, what happens if your employees take advantage and play ‘Words with Friends’ or other games on their iPad rather than working? Could this open up a can of worms?

Do you think your workforce would be more engaged if they brought their own devices to work? Leave a comment or tweet us @thehrdept

Winter 'Trips'

This week we have a special guest blog from Maxine of The HR Dept’s Health and Safety Service. Get in touch via twitter @MMatthewsHRHS

As the winter season approaches, employers should be hoping the only ‘trips’ their staff experience this winter are for late winter sun and skiing. Slips, trips and falls account for 33% of all major injuries in the workplace - which results in 2 fatalities a year. On average there is 1 slip, trip and fall every 3 minutes, an alarming number of preventable accidents. So with figures so high how can we reduce these, especially with winter and the inevitable snow creeping up on us?

Maxine has provided some top tips on how to avoid slips trips and falls in the workplace this winter season:

·         Carry out work place inspections - ensuring nothing is left in walkways for example; boxes, trailing cables, work equipment.

·         Get your staff involved in hazard spotting, carry out workplace risk assessments.

·         With the cold and icy weather, ensure outside areas are gritted to prevent slips and falls. Encourage staff to wear suitable footwear during the cold snap, high heels look good but are really not practical on ice and snow!

·         Ensure spillages and melted snow are cleared up – without forgetting the all important yellow sign.

·         Implement an efficient housekeeping procedure.

·         Ensure any damaged flooring is replaced or fixed.

This should get you off to a downhill start on controlling trips in the workplace…

The HR Dept is promoting awareness of Health and Safety in the workplace, and wishing all places of work an accident free environment.


@MMatthewsHRHS

Office Olympics!

With all the hype around the Olympics we have found some interesting office Olympics antics… 

(HS Dept please cover eyes and ears)

Here we having Office Rowing:

And here we have Office Hurdling! We hope there wasn't too much injury!

Let’s be honest, it made us laugh but not something we would encourage in any workplace…