One of our members had a visit from the HSE on Wednesday, 20^th of November 2024.

An amiable and helpful lady called Tania.

Luckily, I was in the area so that I could attend immediately;

The company’s forethought regarding health and safety and my monthly visits indicated their commitment to H&S appeared to change her objective from looking for problems to a support role.

She advised us that the subject of the investigation was employee health.

The people who use BEMA for their H&S support will be aware of these issues because I have been highlighting them for my first year at BEMA.

Asbestos

She asked us if an asbestos survey had been completed; we quickly brought up the survey from their Health and Safety Management Portal. It was a little dated, but she was happy they had one.

She advised us to inspect the identified asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) regularly. I advised her that I do a complete site inspection quarterly, which covers ACMs. She was very satisfied with this approach.

Legionella

We went past the Gent’s toilet. The quality of the toilets and facilities is first-class, and she was delighted. She identified a shower and asked how often it was used; it was used daily, and she was satisfied with that response. I informed her that I was hot on Legionella due to prior experience.

The site did not have a Legionella risk assessment, which could have been awkward if she had asked. However, it is not a legal requirement; it is highly recommended.

This may have been different if we had not had the asbestos survey; she may have pushed further for proof of legionella control.

COSHH

After a critical incident on one of our member sites, I have stepped up the COSHH for all our members; this process is very time-consuming but is slowly being covered.

I informed her that COSHH is already covered but is being updated to meet regulations and safety data sheets (SDS) changes. She did not ask to see the documentation, but it is available on the portal if required.

As we walked through the lab, she glanced sideways at the chemicals in use. These chemicals are very harmful and require specific precautions. All procedures are in place and visible. She did not comment, but no expense has been spared in creating a safe environment for use and training on the precautions to take and what to do in an accident.

Industrial diseases

Tania asked if they checked for industrial diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contact dermatitis.

We informed her that the welding is self-contained, fumes are extracted to the outside, and the TIG welder has LEV.

Contact dermatitis is controlled by safety gloves being available and worn, suitable hygiene measures and regular checks.

Tania said this is fine, but ideally, it would be checked by an external occupational health person.

Conclusion

This visit went very well; however, it may have taken a different turn if we had not supplied an asbestos survey for one of her first questions.

I visited another engineering firm in Yate, and they, too, had a visit for the same subject: HSE is about.