Simple steps can prevent accidents in the workplace
In 2007-08, 229 workers died in accidents in British workplaces. Twenty-three of these were employed in the North West of England.
Thousands more die from occupational diseases, like mesothelioma or cancers, and in workplace road accidents.
These terrible figures tell us that health and safety at work is not just the preserve of experts. It's something everyone has to engage with and understand. Achieving good health and safety is a team effort, and if one member of the team under performs it can have dire consequences.
Today is International Workers Memorial Day. It's an opportunity to remember those whose lives have been needlessly cut short at work. But as well as remembering those who've died, it asks all of us to reflect on what we do at work.
We need to identify hazards to ourselves and others so that we can make the workplace safer for everyone. Doing this might just help ensure you and your colleagues go home safe and healthy at the end of the working day, which is surely the goal of all good employers and employees.
Nattasha Freeman, president, Institution of Occupational
Safety and Health, via email
Raise awareness with m.e. posters
At the beginning of April we launched a competition to design an eye-catching poster to raise public awareness of the illness M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) during the week May 10-16.
We have had so many entries of truly stunning quality that, in addition to the one for M.E. Awareness Week, we are going to have a different theme for every month of the year.
To share out the cost and energy, we are looking for local representatives in every part of the UK, to cover a two or three mile radius from their homes. One of our art experts will make sure the A4 poster for each particular month is ready to go. You just have to print off as many as you can display locally and hoof them around.
Everyone is very welcome to join in, whether you are just starting out, or already have some contacts in a local M.E. group. You don't need to have M.E. yourself, or know anyone with it. We need you right now, so please
email info@mefreeforall.org with "MEFFA Local Rep" in the subject line. We'll give you some advice on how to make the best impact locally.
Dr John H Greensmith,
ME Free For All, via email
We should keep gurkhas on side
It comes as no surprise that this
Government has ignored common decency and used the courts, and its own twisted interpretation to deny ex Gurkhas the right to reside in the country they have served, with
outstanding loyalty and devotion, for more than 200 years.
I cannot remember an issue that has had so many obstacles placed in its path by a government that is intent on making conditions so selective they are obscene.
The Government should reflect that if it intends to continue its imperialist role in the world it would be well
advised to make sure that the Gurkha is on our side.
Norman Abram, via email
Day to celebrate
Due to the vast increase in the numbers of politically correct, meddlesome, totally useless, petty officials we have to endure nowadays, could I propose a new bank holiday on future St George's days, called National Hang a Jobsworth Day?
Yours, only a bit tongue in cheek.
Jeff McCann, via email
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Weather for Wigan
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
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