Leading Safety Innovation with our Clients

Leading Safety Innovation with our Clients

Our clients involved in the Data Centre Project in London have also been using R-Link, A watch that is of a major assistance to safety on a construction site. In this months newsletter, we explain what R-Link is and the impact it can have on a site:

The R-Link smart watch uses the latest ultra-wideband technology to alert an operator when they are within dangerous proximity to moving vehicles or restricted areas.

How it Works:

R-Link is a holistic eco-system to link you to your employees, dependent only on an internet connection through a public mobile phone network or local wi-fi.

Assign an R-Link watch at the start of the working day. Your employee or visitor’s credentials, as entered in the Reactec Analytics software, will then control what type of protection they receive throughout the day.

Use R-Link beacons to create a no-go zone around dangerous plant.

A single R-Link gateway at the watch charging areas, automatically and safely transmits data to the powerful cloud-based Reactec Analytics software under GDPR compliance.

The Reactec Analytics turns the R-Link data on risk levels, near misses and employee activity into intelligence to create a safer, more sustainable work environment.

What problem(s) is this trial hoping to solve?

Reducing the risks surrounding People and Plant Interface – the equipment also provides essential data on when and where current Risk Control Measures are being breached, this then allows us to focus our attention to the required area and establish further controls.

 

The Data Centre Project in London

Here are some pictures from our client for the Data Centre Project happening in London. These photos were taken with Drones which have numerous benefits in construction from a safety perspective.

What is photogrammetry and reality capture?

Reality capture is the process of creating digital representations of your construction sites.

This allows you to:

  • Improve site documentation and communication Clearly and accurately track changes over time Make comparisons between designs and as-built Reduce the risk of expensive rework.
  • Save time spent on in-person inspections Virtually visit the jobsite from anywhere Easily share this data with stakeholders.

Pre-construction

Reality capture in this phase has benefits for the estimating team and beyond:

  • Communicate existing conditions to bidding trade partners.
  • Give stakeholders higher confidence in their proposal.
  • Help the trades to coordinate prior to mobilization.
  • Communicate important site logistics (e.g. laydown areas, parking, storage, offices, connex, dumpster locations).
  • All images are mapped by date and location for future reference.
  • Construction Value to project teams.

The benefits of frequent reality capture throughout construction:

Virtual access to the jobsite for internal team and stakeholders (architects, owners, etc).

Reference images for use during OAC meetings, trade partner meetings and daily huddles.

Resolve trade damage claims Mitigate risk and minimize rework Stay on budget and on schedule.

Can be used:

  • Façade inspections
  • Internal snags
  • External snags
  • Progress shots
  • High risk confined space inspections
  • Rescue situations
  • Training
  • H&S monitoring.
  • Site team, and design team collabs.
  • Cut/fill volumetric readings
  • Thermographic reading
  • Orthomosaic drone models.

 

Amendment to Occupiers Liability

The Occupiers Liability Act has been updated. The Courts and Civil Law (Misc. Provisions) Bill 2023 having passed through both houses of the Oireachtas was sent to the President on 3 July 2023 to be signed into Law.

The Bill is substantial and seeks to reform a number of areas to include insurance, court processes and legal services. Whilst the main focus of the Bill is to amend the terms of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 (which has the express intention of seeking to reduce insurance costs associated with certain activities). It also amends the Civil Liability Act 1961 introducing a new ‘period payment index’ for damages awarded by way of periodic payments.

The most significant is the new Section 5(A) regarding a voluntary assumption of risk. From an occupiers perspective this Bill provides that the common duty of care under Section 3 (referred to previously) will not impose on an occupier any obligation to a visitor in respect of risks that they willingly accepted where that visitor is capable of comprehending the nature of those risks. This is key where individuals for example attend on site, functions, participate in activities.

The determination in relation to voluntary assumptions of risk is whether or not the visitor or recreational user has been communicated with those risks; has had an interaction with the occupier; or has had an interaction with the occupier of the premises which would demonstrate that the visitor or recreation user was aware of same. The Bill provides (Section 5(A)(4)) that the Civil Liability Act shall not apply in relation to making a determination where a visitor or recreational user has willingly accepted a risk. Again, this is key in circumstances where occupiers (and insurers) will be aware of difficulties that arose in respect of recreational users and visitors.

Therefore in relation to the Occupiers Liability Act the new legislation for the benefit to occupiers (in particulars in light of the new Section 5A) and it is expected that it will rebalance the duty of care owed by occupiers to visitors and recreational users.

It also limits the circumstances in which a court shall impose liability on an occupier of a premises where a person has entered onto the premises for the purpose of committing an offence. Finally, the Bill provides for a number of scenarios whereby a visitor or recreational user has voluntarily assumed a risk which subsequently results in harm hopefully making meaningful the waivers that are signed (for example) by individuals who enter onto a premises and/or individuals who enter onto a premises in order to commit an offence subject to assessment of the occupier of its risks.

Agricultural Contractor and Farmer Fined €30,000

On Friday, 28th of July 2023, at Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford fined an Agricultural Contractor €30,000 for breaches of health and safety legislation.

On Friday, 28th of July 2023, at Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford fined an Agricultural Contractor €30,000 for breaches of health and safety legislation.

The prosecution arose following an investigation into a fatal accident that occurred on the 22nd of January 2021 on a dairy farm in Kilkee, Co. Clare. The contractor was hired by the farmer to dig out an excavation and build a slatted tank.  A neighbouring farmer, not being an employee of the contractor, was helping level a freshly poured concrete floor when an old pre-existing wall that formed part of the excavation collapsed on top of him. He received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The contractor pleaded guilty to the following offences under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Construction Regulations 2013:

– Section 12 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 as it relates to Section 77 (9) (a) in that the contractor failed to manage and conduct work activities in such a way as to ensure the safety of individuals at the place of work, not being his employees.

– Regulation 51 (1) (a) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (SI 291 of 2013) as it relates to Section 77 (9) (a) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, the contractor did fail to ensure that adequate precautions were taken in an excavation to guard against dangers to persons from a fall or dislodgement of earth, rock or other material by means of suitable shoring or otherwise.

In the same case, Judge Francis Comerford also fined the farmer €3,500 for breaches of health and safety legislation.

The farmer pleaded guilty to the following offences under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2013: Regulation 6 (1) (b) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2013 contrary to Section 77 (2) (c) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 in that he failed to appoint in writing a competent project supervisor for the construction stage for construction work on his farm.

Workplace Fatality on Tipperary Farm

On Thursday the 6th of July, in Clonmel Circuit Court, Judge John Martin handed down a 12-month prison sentence on an employer who had earlier pleaded guilty to charges in breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

On 26th June 2016, a telehandler being used to carry out work on a farm holding at Coleman, Fethard, County Tipperary went out of control and overturned. As a result, an employee suffered fatal injuries and another employee suffered serious injury.

The employer, who was the farm owner and the owner of the telehandler, failed to manage and conduct work activities in such a way as to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the safety health and welfare at work of his employees.

Furthermore the employer failed to maintain the telehandler in such a way as to reduce risks to the users of the telehandler as it was in a dangerous condition, unsafe and unfit for use in that the brakes, accelerator cable, transmission selector, cab door and seat belt were not maintained.

Noise & Its Occupational Exposure Limits

Here is some information about noise in the workplace, with answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ).

 

What legislation is available to protect workers from noise exposure?

In Ireland, the Regulations are the General Application Regulations 2007, Chapter 1 of Part 5: Control Of Noise at Work.

And in the UK, it is the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

What are the risks for employees exposed to high levels of noise?

If exposed to high noise levels over long periods of time, permanent loss of hearing can occur.  High noise levels can also interfere with communications in the workplace, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

How is the noise level measured?

This is measured in units known as decibels dB (A). However as a rough guide, if it is difficult to hear a normal conversation at a distance of 2m from the person speaking, it is likely that the noise levels in the area are above the levels permitted under these regulations (i.e. over 80dB (A)).

What action should be taken when the noise exposure level is too high?

When the level is above 85dB (A) the employer must:

  • Identify the reasons for the excess noise and put in place a programme to reduce it.
  • Provide the services of a registered medical practitioner to carry out hearing checks and audiometric testing.

What type of PPE should be used?

  • Earplugs and similar devices.
  • Full acoustic helmets.
  • Earmuffs which can be fitted to industrial helmets.
  • Ear defenders with receiver for LF induction loop.
  • Ear protection with intercom equipment.

For more answers to FAQ and guidance for Noise in the workplace, please click on the following link: HSA Noise FAQ

 

 

JMG Environmental Clean Up

Our team is specialised in Safety, Quality, Environmental, ISO Consultancy, and Recruitment, and it is our aim to provide the highest quality services on the market. Our team of experts go above and beyond to provide expertise, guidance, and solutions to our clients, candidates, and consumers. Sustainability and environmental quality is at the forefront of JMG’s core values, and we are committed to improving our wider community.

Our Irish division recently collaborated with Clean Coasts in Monkstown, Dublin for a corporate volunteer day to clean up the coast. JMG Solutions Ltd., also contributed a charitable donation to the Clean Coasts community grants scheme.

 

Clean Coasts’ corporate volunteering program allows companies to learn more about Ireland’s coastline, and the impact of litter on marine life and our environment. As a team, we made a positive impact on the community, learned about sustainability, and grew together as a team. For more information about Clean Coasts, and the incredible work they do with initiatives such as #2minutebeachclean, Think Before You Flush, and #plasticfreejuly, visit https://cleancoasts.org/

 

 

 

 

As a group we cleaned up the Seapoint beach, which has been awarded a Blue Flag, and we cleaned up the surrounding residential areas. We enjoyed a nice lunch after the clean up, and shared our favourite parts about the corporate volunteering event, and about JMG Solutions in general.

Asbestos Exposure: The Dangers

 

 

SEAI Funded Energy Audits

Use the SEAI Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA), adopting eco-friendly practices & energy-efficient choices with the help of grants. Establish how your company can access this government funded financial support

 

JMG Solutions Speaker Series- Justin Manley

About Justin

Up until a few years ago, Justin was a highly skilled pipe technician and a team leader within the utilities industry. On the 28th October 2015, the decision to attend to a burst water main with a colleague proved to be one of life or death.

Whilst repairing a burst water main a miscommunication resulted in the mains water being switched on before the job had been completed,and the pressure of the water forced a torque wrench into Justin’s face at circa 80mph. Justin was knocked unconscious and was at the bottom of a hole which was rapidly filling with water.Fortunately he was wearing his hi-vis vest which meant he could be seen underwater, especially as a street light was directly above the hole. Whilst still unconscious his colleague got into the hole and dragged him out, and by chance a local resident who worked for St.Johns Ambulance was able to stabilise him until help arrived.

After undergoing numerous operations in a specialist hospital, Justin lost all vision in his right eye. But more devastating news was to follow when the Surgeon informed him that due to the severity of his head injury, it would be inevitable that he would get an infection and was likely to live for no more than 4 years. Justin chose to undergo an operation that carried a 50% risk of fatality .

During his convalescence, Justin returned to his old depot to give a talk to his former teammates, recounting the accident and talking about his road to recovery. The prospect of not returning to work was a daunting reality and doctors’ orders meant that he could not resume his previous role. Despite 15 years’ experience on the job, Justin stressed the need to be prepared for an unexpected event and know exactly how to react to protect yourself and those around you. His talk had a huge impact on his colleagues. Both Justin and the management team felt that if he could reach a larger audience, Justin could help even more colleagues understand the importance of workplace safety , and mental well-being . And so, in 2019 Justin decided to start up his own public speaking business in the hopes that he could help prevent something like this happening again. Justin has gone to win two awards for his hard hitting presentation The Construction Excellence Award and the Chairmans Award for the future water awards . Justin pushes himself well out of his comfort zone at every presentation in hopes of getting his message out there.

For more information on how you can get involved in our speaker series, reach out at info@jmgsolutions.org