Keep your fuel tank secure
Fuel Tank Security is a vital element of fuel storage due to its expensive nature. Not only is commercial fuel subject to theft, but with the government’s removal of rebated fuel (red diesel / gas oil) for use on construction plant, the risk of theft is even greater from machines left on site.
When thieves cannot gain access to the tank via the filling point they will resort to other means i.e. putting holes in tanks, removing fuel lines etc. This is a major issue not only for the business but also the environment.
All Flannery depot-based fuel storage is covered by 24hr CCTV, but with the geographical locations of customers sites it is not always possible to do so.
You can play your part in helping to reduce fuel theft:
- Never leave the storage tank unlocked, let the next person unlock/lock it
- Always lock the fuel cap after filling machines both in the depot and on site
- Ensure that machines are parked away from perimeter fences to deter opportunistic theft
If you have a fuel card:
- Never keep it in the vehicle or leave it on display
- Never write the PIN on the card
- Never lend your card to anyone else
ADT Stability when discharging a load
One of the most common causes for a dump truck to tip/ roll over is reversing or positioning to discharge the load on an uneven surface or slope. Even a slight slope alters the trucks centre of gravity and increases the chance of a tip-over as the weight of the load and centre of gravity shifts during discharging.
Click here to view the OperateSafe Bulletin covering best practice for ADT when discharging loads.
People Plant Interface
On average, approximately seven workers die each year as a result of accidents involving vehicles or mobile plant on construction sites.
Remember, the worker on-site may be able to see your machine – but you can’t always see them! Click the bulletin to read the recent OperateSafe Bulletin identifying best practice in relation to the PPI.
Remember, PPI zoning and procedures can vary across customer sites, so always ensure you follow the site- specific risk assessment and safe systems of work.
Driving Law Changes on Mobile Phone Use
On the 25th of March 2022, rules in The Highway Code came into force to make any hand-held use of a mobile phone while driving illegal, except in limited circumstances.
This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. The law applies to you if you’re:
- Supervising a learner driver
- Stopped at traffic lights
- Queuing in traffic
- Driving a car that turns the engine when you stop moving
- Holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode.
Correct PPE on Site
Wearing the correct PPE is an essential part of ensuring you remain safe and well whilst you are at work. Even where engineering controls and safe systems of work have been applied, some hazards might remain.
PPE is needed in many cases to reduce the risk of injury and health related issues. For example:
- The lungs (from breathing in contaminated air)
- The head and feet (from falling materials)
- The eyes (from flying particles or splashes of corrosive liquids)
- The skin (from contact with corrosive materials)
- The body (from extremes of heat or cold)
PPE must be properly looked after and stored when not in use.
If it is reusable it must be cleaned and kept in good condition.
Always ensure you wear the correct PPE even for those jobs that ‘only take a few minutes’.
Ensure that you make proper use of PPE and report its loss or destruction or any fault in it. Using PPE, and wearing it properly, is vital to avoid unnecessary injury in the workplace. Choosing not to wear PPE can be dangerous especially when it could save your life.
April is Stress Awareness Month!
Stress is a normal reaction by the body to the demands of life and nobody is immune from it. However, chronic stress is linked to anxiety, depression, heart disease and problems with our immune system so it is important to recognise the signs of stress as soon as possible to avoid serious repercussions later.
Watch Gary’s story here – it’s about spotting the signs of mental health issues in your colleagues and friends. Help lift the weight and start the conversation.
Flannery Mental Health First Aiders:
- Phil Williams – 07968 566 556
- Tom Owen – 07793 244 396
- Jacqui Heap – 07538 199 976
- Sophie Francis – 07930 696 998
- Paul Beard – 07341 731 855
- Barry Gaffney – 07760 754 212
- Siobhan Thornton – 07852 968 918
You can download the Construction Industry Helpline app now for free, which helps to support the 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline. This is designed to be the ‘ultimate self- help tool’ for those who would like more information about how they can take steps to help themselves out of a dark space or, if necessary, how to seek the correct help externally.
Key support areas include:
- Mental Wellbeing; covering anxiety, depression, anger, suicidal thoughts, sleep and building resilience
- Physical Wellbeing; covering aches and pains, nutrition, weight management cancer, alcohol and drug addiction
- Financial Wellbeing; covering budgeting, debt management, tax and legal advice, retirement planning and emergency financial aid
- Information about support and guidance in your local area
Each section of the app offers learnings about a variety of conditions or issues, self- assessment tools, coping strategies and referral pathways to access expert advice and support.
Drugs and Alcohol
The construction sector is rated as the 2nd most dangerous job in the UK. Workers’ safety within this sector and its associated trades are high risk due to the nature of the work, and the dangers that come with it.
Statistically, a construction worker or an associated trade is more likely to be killed at work than someone in another sector.
Combining this with drug and alcohol use can only increase the dangers further, leading to an increase in workplace accidents and potential fatalities. The slightest lapse in concentration or focus can have devastating consequences, especially when heavy plant, machinery and vehicles are being used or when working at height.
A recent construction survey found that:
- 35% said that they had noticed their colleagues under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst on
- 59% are concerned about the effects of drugs and alcohol within the industry
- 39% believe the issue of drugs and alcohol could be better addressed within the industry
Alcohol abuse – An alcohol problem is defined as any drinking, either intermittent or continual, which interferes with a person’s health and/or social functioning and/or work capability or conduct.
Drug abuse – The use of illegal drugs, the deliberate use of prescribed or over the counter drugs (when not for a medical condition) and the use of solvents, either intermittent or continual which interferes with a person’s health and/or social functioning and/or work capability or conduct.
Keeping yourself, the workforce and members of the public safe –
Operators and depot staff are reminded that Flannery and our customers operate in accordance with strict drugs and alcohol policies.. Therefore, your role requires you to undergo pre- appointment drugs and alcohol testing, unannounced random drugs and alcohol testing and, ‘for- cause’ drugs and alcohol testing following an accident or incident and/or suspicious behaviour.
Don’t put yourself and others at risk. If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, you can schedule an appointment with occupational health through your local training team.
Women in Construction
Flannery are working collaboratively to encourage women to consider the construction industry for their choice in career.
As part of this, we recently held a ‘Women in Construction’ day at the Operator Skills Hub. We hope the event countered some stereotypes around women in construction. There is a place for everyone in our industry and we hope to continue to welcome many more amazing ladies into the Flannery family.
Following on from our event in Birmingham supporting women entering into the construction industry, Flannery Plant Hire are pleased to announce that we are subscribed as a Silver member of Women into Construction for 2022.
Together, we hope to continue to provide remote mentoring to women who are interested in entering into the industry, with the aim to then provide work placements and job opportunities.
