The Welsh Local Government Association works with local authorities to assist them meet their health and safety requirements.
Working closely with practitioners, central and devolved government departments, the Health and Safety Executive and other organisations, we strive to improve local authorities' performance on health and safety at work.
We also provide the view of Welsh local authority employers to government departments and agencies to ensure they are adequately considered within their policy-making process.
The WLGA can provide health and safety advice and guidance on a number of key health and safety issues, including:
- health and safety management
- annual health and safety report
- influencing the health and safety performance of contractors through the supply chain
- provision and access to occupational health services
- the government’s health and safety, work and wellbeing strategy
- elected members' role and responsibilities
Manual Handling
Manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury at work and causes over a third of all workplace injuries which include work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Manual handling injuries can occur almost anywhere in the workplace and heavy manual labour, awkward postures and previous or existing injury can increase the risk. Work related manual handling injuries can have serious implications for both the employer and the person who has been injured. It is essential therefore that employers’ manage the risks to their employees. (HSE)
To assist Welsh local government the WLGA supports a Manual Handling Group made of the expert practitioners in the field of manual handling and MSDs from local authorities in Wales. The group aims to establish a consistent approach to best practice through the development of guidance, provision of advice and support to each other that not only manages the risks to employees but is also integrated into service delivery in areas such as refuse/recycling and social care. The group has developed a number of documents to support local authorities in Wales.
Links: Guidance on hoisting l Guidance on managing and using bed rails safely
For more information contact: Jonathan Lloyd