Safety Representative

Posted on: October 13, 2017 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Safety Representative – Safety is Everyone’s Business

The Law – Consultation

The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 2005 require all employers to ensure there is
consultation between employers and their employees. Consultation with employees involves
listening to their views and taking them into account as part of the decision making process.
The election of a safety representative by the workers fulfills this requirement.

Question:
Do you have a safety representative who has been elected by your employees?

Question:
Do you know that having a safety representative in your workplace is a vital link in the chain of
safety management?

Accident Free Workplace:
The ultimate goal for all employers is to have a happy and healthy workforce.
The safety representative can help you to keep the workplace accident free. They are actually
carrying out the working activity and may become aware of unsafe acts as soon as they exist.

They will recognise “a dodgy situation”, consult with all employees concerned and are in a position
to make recommendations to the employer to have preventative measures put in place rather than
reactive measures.

Employees can approach the them to report unsafe acts or work practices.
The safety representative is the spokesperson for your employees. You should act on their
recommendations.

They can keep employees informed on safety measures to protect their safety,
health & welfare and will also keep management informed of employees ideas/initiatives into
keeping their workplace safe for them. Employees should be given the opportunity to consider,
discuss and give their opinions on safe work procedures that concern them in their workplace.

By consulting with employees, the employer now has a workforce that is committed to ensuring that
their workplace is safe for them and anyone else to enters their workplace. They are actively
involved and have been given ownership of their health & safety.

Functions of the Safety Representative:
Under the 2005 Act, a safety representative does not have duties but does have functions and
therefore on accepting the role of safety representative cannot be held legally accountable for
reporting/or putting control measures into effect.

Training and Information:
You should facilitate for the election of a representative and provide training in this
specific role. It is essential that safety representatives have the knowledge and skills
necessary to perform their function effectively. Training Courses should include:

Safety and Health Legislation
Role of the Safety Representative
Functions of the Safety Statement
Hazard identification and carrying out Risk Assessments
Carrying out safety and health audits
Accident Investigations

Chemical Safety At Home. What You Should Know about liquid detergent capsules.

Posted on: July 27, 2017 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Chemical safety at home and what you should know.

Are you aware of the need for Chemical Safety At Home?

Do you know how you and your family can be harmed by using chemicals?

Do you know what chemicals you are using? Have you read the label?

Be Careful! According to a report by the Poison Centres in several EU countries, there have been a significant number of incidents of ingestion and eye damage involving infants and young children involving liquid detergent capsules.

Liquid consumer laundry capsules contain concentrated liquid detergent for single use within a soluble package which breaks down upon contact with water during a wash cycle to release the detergent product.

Such liquid laundry detergent products are small and colourful which makes them attractive to young children who may be tempted to put them in their mouth or play with them.

When moist, these products can burst in a child’s hand, potentially irritating the eyes and skin. They can also dissolve quickly and may burst in a child’s mouth in a very short period of time (within seconds) causing the contents to escape quickly and if swallowed can cause severe injuries such as breathing difficulties requiring intubation.

The main symptoms and consequences of exposure can be:

If ingested: severe vomiting, coughing, respiratory disorders, nausea, drowsiness and rash.
In case of contact with the eyes: conjunctivitis, eye pain, eye irritation.
In case of contact with the skin: skin rash, skin irritation, chemical burn.

These are all very severe painful symptoms.

Prevent an accident and make sure that:

all detergent products are stored safely out of the reach and sight of children at all times.
capsules are kept in their original container and fully closed when not in use.
capsules must never be left outside their original containers.
Read the label.

Online Chemical Safety Awareness Training from elearnsafety.ie

5 tips on choosing the right online safety courses

Posted on: June 14, 2017 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

How to choose the right online safety courses:

Regardless the business you’re in, having the proper health and safety training is essential. There is quite a big number of online safety courses and offers out there, how do you know which one to choose? Here are 5 tips to help you choose the right online safety courses for you:

1. Decide what you want

Knowing what you want will definitely save you time and money. Choose only the relevant courses, otherwise inadequate providers and unnecessary courses will waste your time and money.

2. Be informed and up-to- date

Being an employer means you’re the one who takes responsibility for your employees and business reputation as well.

Providing safe working conditions and safety training for workers is the employer’s responsibility too, which should be kept in mind while selecting the proper training.

Don’t judge a book by its cover! Search for the content behind shiny websites, and make sure of that the chosen online training will provide the necessary information and all relevant topics are included.

Be aware of the industry specific workplace safety requirements, which you can verify on the website of Health and Safety Authority for example, but there are some safety courses which are always useful regardless of the industry.

Fire safety or first aid training is a basic requirement for every employee, but the best is to consult with safety professionals first.

3. Know your employees

Do your employees need a quick refreshment training or could they proceed to online HACCP level 2? Which certificates have they obtained already?

If you’re not sure about the answer, get to know more about their qualifications first.

Online health and safety course offers may vary, since there are different levels of training and various topics that they cover.

4. Search online

Google is your friend. Search online and find the perfect training. If you find something that seems suitable, write to the provider and get contacted. Make sure that they know well your needs and you trust their expertise.

You can ask about the available course offerings and the delivery methods: safety courses with online availability make life much easier.

5. Look for feedback and test reliability

Get the most from searching on the internet. Search for reviews and feedback about the providers your starting to contact.

There are organisations and institutions that approve courses or providers. If a company is advertising QQI course for example, make sure they are registered providers; IOSH approval applies to course material and not a training organisation. Some certification applies to the organisation and not the actual course you wish to undertake.

Online health safety training. Why Choose them?

Posted on: October 25, 2016 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Online health safety training. Why Choose them?

Online health safety training courses are becoming more popular as it a cost-effective way to continue or gain new education. The need for further training can be identified by employers or dictated by new laws and regulations in force in certain areas.

However, despite the fact that online health & safety training courses are cost-effective and valuable, some organisations are still slow to move from traditional types of training to online learning.

What are the advantages of online online health & safety training courses?

Online training can be fully customised to suit the needs of your employees and your organisation.
Online training can be taken at any time and do not disrupt the daily work flow.
Online training are flexible. Learners can study at their own pace.
Information can be accessed anytime with a simple Internet connection.
Results are available immediately. With technology it is possible to assess and provide results in real time.
Online learning can track the time spent learning to meet legal requirements.
E-learning provides evidence of continuous learning and improvement.

Online online health safety training courses in Ireland are gaining popularity as key safety courses can be accessed conveniently on different devices such as desktop, tablet and mobiles.

At Safetyatwork.ie we have over 20 years of experience in the health and safety industry and we have gained extensive and invaluable experience teaching various health and safety courses. Our online health & safety training courses are written by our OFAAA certified and HSA approved Occupational First Aid Instructors.

All our online online health safety training courses help employers meet statutory requirements in providing their employees with satisfactory training and knowledge in First Aid and Health and Safety Management. We provide training in the following areas:

IOSH Working Safely
Food Safety (HACCP)
Fire Safety
Manual Handling Awareness
Paediatric First Aid
Workplace Safety
Child Safety for Au Pairs
Employer’s Legal Requirements

Why you need a health and safety training online course at work?

Posted on: August 30, 2016 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Why you need a health and safety training online course at work?

Why you need a health and safety training online course at work? Employees have a duty under the Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 to reasonable care for their own safety.

Although there is a strong emphasis on employer duties and responsibilities the employee also has a number of legal duties in relation to workplace health & safety.

Talk to your boss or supervisor, if you have a question about safety make sure you ask before it’s too late. Ask about the company safety statement and make sure you are aware of its contents. The company safety statement will contain very important information about safety procedures that you must make sure you are aware of.

You may have been given a lot of information during the health and safety training course or safety induction but until you actually start working you won’t know about the practical implications of safe working systems

Make sure that what you are doing does not endanger yourself or others around you. If it does not feel safe, do not take the chance.

Always be alert in your workplace. Something in your environment could have changed. There may be moving vehicles or machinery.

Don’t think that worker safely is just the responsibility of your employer. It’s your responsibility too.

Under Health & Safety law employees have a legal duty to:

Comply with relevant laws and protect their own safety and health, as well as the safety and health of anyone who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
Ensure that they are not under the influence of any intoxicant to the extent that they could be a danger to themselves or others while at work.
Cooperate with their employer with regard to safety, health and welfare at work.
Not engage in any improper conduct that could endanger their own safety or health or that of anyone else.
Participate in safety and health training offered by their employer.
Make proper use of all machinery, tools, substances, etc. and of all Personal Protective Equipment provided for use at work.
Report any defects in the place of work, equipment, etc. which might endanger safety and health.

The elearn.ie IOSH accredited health and safety training online course provides an excellent grounding for all employees. The health and safety training course is internationally recognised and teaches employees about:

Legal duties
Risk assessments
Use of personal protective equipment
Effective control measures
Environmental protection

Online Health and Safety Training|S&H Management System

Posted on: February 15, 2016 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Online Health and Safety Training | Safetyatwork.ie | Online Health and Safety Training

What is a Safety and Health Management System? | Online Health and Safety Training

A Safety management system is how the employer ensures effective implementation of health & safety policy in the workplace. Safety management systems can include or aspire to ISO 18001, Safe T cert (Construction) or other industry specific standards

Safety training forms an important part of the safety management system by improving the competencies of both managers and staff. Online health and safety training is fast becoming an essential part of the safety management system for many organisations. It assists with many components of the safety management system including implementation, measurement and auditing.

online health and safety training

The 5 key aspects of a Safety and Health Management System are:

1. Policy

2. Planning

3. Implementation

4. Measurement

5. Auditing

1. Policy

Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires that an employer compiles a written safety statement that is specific to the workplace. The policies in the safety statement should be clear and signed off by senior management. They should provide a direction for the organisation to follow, or a vision of how the company will be, once fulfilled. They will declare the level of intent the company will take to implement these goals. Policy sets out the company’s health and safety aims and objectives. One of the company’s objectives should always be to provide a sufficient level of training and instruction for staff.

2. Planning

The planning process will help decide how policies are going to be implemented. Who will be responsible for each aspect of the safety management system. At each level certain skills and expertise will be required. An employer should, during the planning stage, allocate sufficient resources to safety personnel in order for them to be effective

To deliver the objectives, a management structure with responsibilities, scheduling and reporting protocols must put in place. These objectives and targets should be assigned to all relevant managers and employees.

3. Implementation

This stage is crucial, and depends on a well thought out plan. Measurement of implementation will also inform and help revise the plan. Personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge will ensure that implementation is as effective as possible.

Implementation is the task completion or actualisation stage of the plan. Implementation will involve all staff either in participation, task completion or organisation and management of the health and safety management plan. This step is crucial to the success of your safety and health management system. If implementation does not occur, the further step will be redundant and all previous steps will have been wasted. Training and instruction of staff will help ensure effective implementation

4. Measurement

Measurement systems should be decided upon in the planning stage. This will include responsibility of data collection and who reports to who. The types of measurement used will vary according to objective. But it is imperative that measurement takes place to gain information on how the plan is going. Measurement will include qualitative and quantitative data. For example:

“Has there been a decrease in accidents? Yes/No”
“What proportion of employees are aware of the new protocols? 75%”

This stage tends to generate a lot of paperwork, online training and progress measurement helps to reduce the amount of paperwork generated and also makes it easier to track progress

5. Auditing

This is the analysis and review stage of your data. How well has the plan worked so far? Where has it been most and least successful? What were the factors affecting that success/ failure? Auditing fits into your safety and health management system as the analyse and report back step. It is crucial to have a feedback loop, reporting results, findings and advice back to the policy and objective setters at top. Without this feedback, continuous improvement of health and safety issues cannot occur. Our online health and safety training system will help inform managers and staff with key responsibilities as to what they should be looking for during an audit.

Results of an audit should be thoroughly reviewed and fed back to the planning stage in order to better inform the plan and improve the safety management system for the future.

online health and safety training

Online training courses: 10 benefits of Online courses

Posted on: January 18, 2016 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Online Training Courses | Safetyatwork.ie | Online Training Courses

There are massive benefits in taking online training courses. Many challenges face the modern learner. High tuition costs, work and travel commitments and time constraints are associated with traditional educational institutions. Therefore it is no wonder that online training courses have become so popular. Students ranging from second level, third level and working professionals have been seeking out alternatives that fit their needs more suitably. The advantages are numerous and clear. Online training courses now make up an integral part of our higher education and training programs. They have been shown to be just as effective as face-to-face classroom education. The reputation of online training courses has grown continually.

Here are 10 benefits of taking online courses,

1 The variety of online training courses available!

From professional certificates to doctorates, arithmetic to zoology, there is most definitely an online training course that will interest you. The vast array of subject material and qualifications available provides prospective student with massive choice and a variety of options.

2 Its much more affordable!

Online courses offer a more affordable option than traditional institutions. Though not all tuition fees for online degrees are less expensive than face to face courses. The associated costs are substantially reduced. Commuting costs are removed. Textbooks and course materials are found free online. Many educational institutes now accept credits earned from completing free massive open online training courses. This reduces traditional tuition fees considerably. Free online training courses allow students to fulfill all education requirements at a reduced to no cost.

3 It’s more convenient and flexible!

Online training courses allows students to study and work as they choose. They can plan study schedules to suit themselves and work around work and other commitments. It also allows students to study optimally. Working when they are at their peak energy, whether that’s early morning or late at night. There is no need to schedule special trips to a library. Course material is always accessible online. All of this makes online education an excellent option for students who may have pressing work and family commitments.

4 You decide the learning environment!

Online courses allow you to create a comfortable learning environment that suits you. You can choose to study late at night lying on bed in your pyjamas. Take an assessment during a lunch break in work. Or complete a module while enjoying a coffee at your local coffee joint. There are no physical class sessions. Subject material and classes are electronically sent to the student, who will then read them and complete assignments as they wish.

5 Continue earning in your full time job!

It is now a reality facing most students today that they need to work to support themselves while studying. Online training courses allow them to organise studying in their free time and continue working full-time unimpeded by their educational aspirations. They do not need to seek time off or interfere with working duties. It also allows students to explore areas of interest that may conflict with the work they are currently employed in. Allowing people to upskill and seek promotion or change career completely.

6 It could advance your career!

There is a wealth of professional certificates and Master’s level programs available online. Making an independent decision to pursue and complete one of these can show prospective and current employers that you are ambitious and want to remain informed and prepared for any new challenges. Online training courses allow people to complete entire degrees while working, to up-skill while in-between jobs, or change career while raising a family. It also allows you to explain discontinuity gaps in your CV.

7 It can improve your technical skills!

The skills students learn while participating in their online training courses can translate to many professions. Online training courses improve your computer skills through navigating different learning management systems. You also become adept at document creation and sharing, incorporating audio/video materials into your assignments and researching relevant information online.

8 Cuts out the commute, save the planet!

When taking an online training course, you do not need to travel to and from an educational institute. You remove the stress and time costs of traffic and finding parking. It allows you to take courses from institutions and universities across the globe and removes any geographical barriers that exist in traditional education models. It is a much more environmentally friendly method of education.

9 It allows you to transfer credits!

If a college or university is unable to offer enough places for a module demand, students can choose to complete a recognised online training course in its place. These credits can be transferred across. It can also replace summer school modules allowing students to return home or work for their holidays.

10 It allows you to interact and concentrate more!

For shy students, online education allows them to interact with the classroom chat and class in a way that they might be less comfortable doing so in a classroom environment. It also reduces distraction by other students and increases concentration. It allows you to spend as much time as required, rather than a set 40 minute class to absorb the lesson material.

So there you have it, these are just 10 benefits of taking an online training course but there are many more. Online students are able to manage their time, learn the materials that are presented, and complete assignments on their own schedules with much more flexibility and control than traditional education methods.

For online safety training courses click here.

Online Training Courses | Safetyatwork.ie | Online Training Courses

HACCP Food Safety Training: Online course

Posted on: January 18, 2016 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

HACCP food safety training

HACCP food safety training – 7 principles of HACCP

HACCP food safety training | Safetyatwork.ie | HACCP food safety training

When you decide to pursue HACCP food safety training, you will need to choose an excellent HACCP food safety training course. Our online HACCP food safety training course provides you with comprehensive information and certification needed to ensure your food safety management plan is a success. Training in food safety relies upon using the principles of HACCP to identify risks and control them before they threaten food and your customers. Our online HACCP food safety training course will help you in creating your very own food safety management plan.

Here are the 7 Principles of HACCP,

1 Conduct hazard analysis

Review each step in your operation (e.g. purchasing, delivery, storage, preparation, cooking, chilling) to identify what could go wrong and prepare preventative measures. For example, could bacterial cross contamination (biological hazard) occur due to our storage of cooked and uncooked meats. Is uncovered food at risk of contamination with cleaning detergents (chemical hazard). Is the handle of a pot cooking on the stove proving to be an obstruction in a passageway (physical hazard). A food safety hazard is any biological, chemical, or physical property that may cause a food to be unsafe for human consumption.

2 Identify critical control points (CCP’s)

A critical control point (CCP) is a step, or procedure in a food process which ensures a food safety hazard can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to an acceptable level. The most common CCP is cooking where managers designate critical limits. Storage proceedures such as refrigeration and seperation of ingredients may also be identified.

3 Establish critical limits

Set limits to enable you to identify when a CCP is out of control e.g. when cooking chicken breasts, the centre of the chicken breast must reach a minimum temperature of 74°C for 2 and a half minutes to ensure pathogens are destroyed. Setting a refrigeration range of 0-5°C. Critical limits also aid as a ‘point of no return’ in setting into motion a corrective action.

4 Establish a system to monitor control of the CCP

It is important to have a system to monitor and record what is happening at each CCP once critical limits have been identified. These monitoring systems usually involve measuring parameters such as time and temperature. Monitoring should be kept simple, clear and easy to do e.g. probe cooked chicken to ensure that it has reached critical temperature. Labelling of cooked food for re-heating shelf-life.

5 Establish corrective action in response to a CCP limit being reached or surpassed

When monitoring indicates that a CCP limit has been surpassed. A corrective action must be taken. If he temperature of the food in a refrigerator rises to 13°C due to a mechanical fault. Firstly, the food must be discarded. Then the refrigeration unit must be repaired or replaced to ensure the correct temperature of 5°C is achieved. Another example is if produce is found to have been stored incorrectly or contaminated, raw meat mixed with cooked meat. All contaminated cooked produce must be discarded.

6 Establish verification systems to ensure the HACCP food safety management system is working effectively

Continuous improvement and correction of the system is very important. It is crucial to have a review system, record and review all non-compliance incidents. Are incidents reducing? What is the cause of this issue? Can it be reduced through a better corrective action or does it require extra training? There must be a protocol for adapting any changes in equipment and what changes you should make arising from the new equipment. Eg; temperature mapping a new fridge, altered cleaning procedures for new food processors etc.

7 Develop a documentation system for all procedures and records relating to each principle and it’s application

Appropriate documentation and records must be readily available and kept for the successful implementation of a HACCP food safety management system. You must demonstrate documents, signage and practices in compliance with the current legislation. You must ensure staff training is recorded and labelling procedures are clear and adhered to uniformly. The level of documentation required will reflect the nature and complexities relating to individual businesses. A HACCP food safety management system should aim to ensure control is maintained without generating excessive paperwork.

The 7 principles of HACCP are the basis on which your entire HACCP food safety management system will be built. If you are interested in becoming HACCP certified through our HACCP food safety training course, please contact us here

HACCP food safety training | Safetyatwork.ie | HACCP food safety training

Online Food Safety Training – Haccp ireland

Posted on: December 3, 2015 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Online Food Safety Training from Elearn.ie

Questions that the FSAI recommend you ask before engaging with a online food safety training company

Does the trainer have appropriate food safety qualifications?

Our trainers are qualified to Masters Level in Environmental Health & Safety Management

Not only have our trainers been working with food service companies for the past 9 years in food and health & safety compliance we also have first hand experience in the food service industry

Can they provide follow-up support?

We are here for you whenever you need us and will be happy to arrange a call out visit for any follow up issues you may have.

Is management participation encouraged?

Management involvement is crucial to the success of the training. It is important that the trainer and management work together to ensure that all food safety aspects relating to the business are addressed in the course.

What do some of their previous clients say about them?

Have a look at some of our testimonials in our “about us“ section

Is the training provider interested in identifying your specific needs?

We believe making the training specific to your needs is the only way to deliver proper training. Give us a call to talk more about this process

Are they willing to show you some of their training aids or previous work?

Our training course is available to view for free through the guest log in. Click here to go to our Online Food Safety Training.

How often does food hygiene training have to be done?

There is no frequency set out in legislation for training. It is up to food businesses to decide when the staff require refresher training.

What does the enforcement officer (e.g. environmental health officer) look for when assessing food safety training?
The enforcement officer will not necessarily want to see a certificate from a particular training course; rather, they will observe the hygiene practices and verify the food safety knowledge of staff. They may ask to see food safety records or ask about the food safety training that has been provided.

The eLearn.ie Food Safety course is designed to introduce participants to food safety and hygiene issues and is based on the HACCP criteria set down by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s Guide to Food Safety Training Level 1.

On completion of this food safety training course, participants will be able to understand their requirements under Irish food safety legislation as well as following best work practices.

Who Should Do This Course?

The Basic Food Safety & Hygiene course covers the legal requirements of what staff are required to know before they start handling food in your premises. This course is ideal for those:

With no previous experience
With light food handling duties
Performing low risk duties

Training Delivery

The online food safety training course is delivered fully online with estimated 2 – 2.5 hours total study time.

Upon successful completion the student will receive Food Safety (HACCP) Level 1 Certificate.

Online Food safety training – eLearn.ie || or contact us today!

Safety training and tips for working in Ireland

Posted on: October 29, 2015 by: eLearn.ie | SafetyAtWork.ie

Safety training- tips-dublin

The importance of a safe work environment

Health and safety training can often be seen as an annoyance or something that is unnecessary. However, work related accidents happen in Dublin all of the time. The Irish Times reported, that 46 people died last year in Ireland, due to work related accidents. These and other accidents were recorded by the Health and Safety Authority. The Chief executive of the HSA, Martin O’Halloran, was reported saying that their investigations showed that “ these tragedies could have been prevented. The likelihood of an accident occurring can be greatly reduced by ensuring that safety is at the core of all work activity, anything less is an invitation to disaster.” While fortunately the majority of work related accidents do not result in death, injury and other problems can arise. Safety training a key to preventing work related accidents. Safety should be the priority of every company.

Here are some safety tips for employers and employees.

Remember To Wear Safety Gear

A reason why many accidents happen is due to a failure to wear safety gear. Make sure there is an abundance of safety gear at your work,so that it is not an effort for your employees to and is easy for employees to find.

Take Your Time

Countless of accidents could have been prevented if people took their time. This is especially true at work where people often feel pressured to perform quickly. When it comes to being safe, time should not be an issue. This will benefit the employees and the company.

Alert Any Safety Concerns

A vast amount of accidents could have been avoided if the proper attention was given. For example, people often ignore small things like a spillage in a restaurant or shop floor. However those small things can create massive accidents.

Get Advice Specifically For You

Safety At Work are one of the few Dublin companies that specialise in the safety of your work and it’s employees. As every company is unique, each with their own concerns, it is important to visit SafetyAtWork to arrange a consultation.

Be Trained

Public safety training are provided by Elearn.ie to suit a variety of jobs. Elearn allows people to complete their courses online, on their own time. These courses have been written by OFAAA certified and HSA approved Occupational first aid instructors.

Safety Training Courses

Food Safety (HACCP)
Child Safety for working with Children
Employers Legal Requirements
Requirements for Employers

These safety training courses and others can be tailored for you. Elearn’s range of online courses can be taken at any time and any place that suits your schedule. This approach to saftey training, has shown to allow users to really be engage in what they’ve learned, rather than simply ticking boxes. You can register with Elearn as either an organisation or an individual. After registration Elearn can also provide you with follow up support if desired. For more information check out Elearn.ie

Dublin safety training and tips