Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

C. Work environment characteristics
1. Postural 
constraints?
2. Floor 
suitability?
3. Even 
surface?
4. Thermal/humidity 
suitability?
5. Lighting 
suitability?
D. Individual 
characteristics
1. Unusual capability required?
2. Hazard to those with health problems?
3. Hazard to pregnant workers?
4. Special information/training required?
E. Other factors to consider
1. Movement or posture hindered by protective 
clothing?
2. Absence of correct/ suitable PPE?
3. Lack of planning and scheduling of basics/rest 
basics?
4. Poor communication between managers and 
employees?
5. Sudden changes in workload or seasonal changes 
in volume without mechanisms to deal with 
change?
6. Lack of training and/or information?
7. Any learning disabilities?
Any further action needed?
Yes/No
Details:

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11.1 
Introduction
This chapter covers the scope and main requirements 
for work equipment as covered by Parts II and III of 
the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 
(PUWER). The requirements for the supply of new 
machinery are also included. Summaries of PUWER and 
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations are given in 
Chapter 17. The safe use of hand tools, hand-held power 
tools and the proper safe-guarding of a small range of 
machinery used in industry and commerce is included.
11.2 
Suitability of work equipment and 
CE marking
When work equipment is provided it has to conform to 
standards which cover its supply as a new or second-
hand piece of equipment and its use in the workplace. 
This involves:
➤
its initial integrity
➤
the place where it will be used
➤
the purpose for which it will be used.
There are two groups of law that deal with the provision 
of work equipment:
➤
one deals with what manufacturers and suppliers 
have to do. This can be called the ‘supply’ law. 
One of the most common of these is the Supply of 
Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992, which requires 
manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that machin-
ery is safe when supplied and has CE marking. 
Its 
primary
purpose is to prevent barriers to trade 
across the EU, and not to protect people at work
➤
the other deals with what the users of machinery 
and other work equipment have to do. This can be 
called the ‘user’ law, PUWER 98 and applies to most 
pieces of work equipment. Its