Ayrton Group

When we think of workplace health and safety, the obvious hazards—such as heavy machinery, slippery floors, or exposed electrical wiring—often come to mind. However, many workplace risks are not as immediately apparent, and these hidden dangers can be just as, if not more, harmful. Identifying, assessing, and mitigating these unseen risks is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthywork environment.

Hidden, Unseen, and Less Obvious Risks in the Workplace

Ergonomic Risks: Poor workstation design, repetitive motion, prolonged sitting or standing all poserisks to an employee’s health and wellbeing. These risks often lead to musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs), including back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries. The effectsare cumulative and may take years to manifest, making them easy to overlook.

Indoor Air Quality: Poor ventilation, hidden mould, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from officefurniture or cleaning products can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, fatigue, and long-termhealth problems such as asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions.

Psychosocial Hazards: Workplace bullying, high-stress environments, lack of support, unclear jobroles can all cause severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Overtime, they can also lead to physical health problems like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Chemical Exposures: Cleaning agents, solvents, dust particles, and other substances that may not beimmediately visible or detectable are all less obvious issues. Even low-level exposure to certainchemicals over an extended period can lead to serious health conditions, including skin irritations,respiratory issues, and in some cases, long-term illnesses such as cancer.

Electrical Hazards: Overloaded circuits, hidden damaged wiring, improper grounding are commonplace in the workplace as well as the home. Electrical hazards might not always be visible but canlead to electric shocks, fires, and even fatalities if not properly managed.

Occupational Noise: Constant background noise, exposure to loud machinery or equipment without
adequate hearing protection can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to noise
can also lead to stress and decreased productivity.

How to Identify, Assess, and Mitigate Hidden Risks

  1. Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments
    Regular risk assessments should go beyond the obvious dangers to include ergonomic evaluations,
    air quality testing, and assessments of psychosocial factors. Engage employees in identifying
    potential hazards—they are often the first to notice subtle changes in their work environment.
  2. Implement Ergonomic Solutions
    Ensure workstations are adjustable and provide proper support. Encourage regular breaks and
    stretches, particularly for those in repetitive or stationary roles. Training on proper posture and
    movement techniques can also be beneficial.
  3. Monitor and Improve Air Quality
    Regularly check ventilation systems, clean HVAC units, and ensure there are no hidden sources of
    mould or VOCs. Consider air quality monitoring devices to detect and mitigate pollutants in real-
    time.
  4. Foster a Positive Workplace Culture
    Address psychosocial hazards by promoting open communication, offering mental health support,
    and ensuring clear job roles and responsibilities. Training managers to recognise signs of stress or
    burnout can help mitigate these risks early.
  5. Enhance Chemical Safety
    Store chemicals properly, provide adequate ventilation, and use protective equipment as necessary.
    Regularly review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals in use and ensure that employees are
    trained in handling them safely.
  6. Regular Electrical Safety Checks
    Have a qualified electrician conduct regular inspections of wiring, outlets, and electrical equipment.
    Implement procedures to prevent overloading circuits and ensure all electrical installations meet
    safety standards.
  7. Manage Occupational Noise
    Provide appropriate hearing protection where needed and consider soundproofing in particularly
    noisy areas. Monitoring noise levels and rotating employees to reduce exposure times can also help.

Why Employer Responsibility is Critical

Under Irish law, employers have a duty of care to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their
employees, whether they are working on-site, off-site, or performing tasks such as driving a work-
related vehicle. This responsibility is not only a legal requirement under the Safety, Health and

Welfare at Work Act 2005 but also an ethical imperative. Ensuring a safe working environment helps
prevent accidents, reduces absenteeism, increases productivity, and fosters a positive workplace
culture.

Employers must ensure that any off-site work is properly assessed for potential hazards, including
travel risks, remote work challenges, and site-specific dangers.

Ensure that vehicles are well-maintained, drivers are trained in defensive driving techniques, and
that the risks of fatigue, distraction, or driving in adverse conditions are mitigated.

Failure to address these hidden risks can lead to serious consequences, including legal liabilities,
increased insurance costs, and damage to the company’s reputation. Moreover, ensuring the health
and safety of employees promotes a loyal, engaged, and productive workforce.

Hidden and less obvious risks in the workplace can have significant long-term impacts on employee
health and safety. By conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing targeted mitigation
strategies, and fostering a culture of safety, employers can protect their workforce and ensure a
safer, healthier work environment. In today’s competitive and regulatory landscape, prioritising
hidden risks is not just good practice—it’s essential.

Fire safety is a critical aspect of workplace health and safety that cannot be overlooked. Ensuring a safe working environment not only protects employees but also safeguards assets and maintains business continuity. 

In recent years, incidents of workplace fires are rare, which is a good indication that businesses are taking fire safety seriously. But business owners cannot become complacent. One of the most effective ways to enhance fire safety in the workplace is through regular fire safety audits.

The Importance of Fire Safety Audits

Fire safety audits are systematic evaluations of the fire safety measures within a workplace. These audits identify potential fire hazards, assess the effectiveness of existing safety measures and recommend improvements to prevent fires. The benefits of conducting regular fire safety audits include:

Legislation on Fire Safety

In Ireland, fire safety is governed by several key pieces of legislation:

Mitigating Potential Fire Hazards

Preventing workplace fires involves identifying and mitigating potential hazards. Here are some key strategies:

The Role of Fire Safety Training

Fire safety training is a crucial component of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. Training ensures that employees are aware of fire risks and know how to respond in an emergency. Key elements of fire safety training include:

In conclusion, fire safety audits are essential for maintaining a safe workplace. By complying with legislation, mitigating potential fire hazards and providing comprehensive fire safety training, employers can significantly reduce the risk of workplace fires and ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. As stated on the Health & Safety Authority website, “The safest way to deal with fire is to prevent it”.

Regular fire safety audits are not just a legal obligation but a crucial step in fostering a proactive safety culture within any organisation.

At Ayrton Group, we offer a full range of fire safety management and training. So, if your business requirements support on any aspect of fire safety management, get in contact with us today. 

Many of us will be familiar with the year-round workplace safety risks of our workplaces, however there are a number of risks that are specific to times of the year. During the summer months, we see seasonal risks associated with hot, dry weather – particularly where work activities occur outdoors. Besides being a risk to your employees, uncomfortable working conditions can lower productivity levels. The following list recaps some of the simple things you can watch out for as the summer months settle in. 

 

Sun Safety 

Exposure to the sun should not be confused with heat. UV rays pose hazards to workers, particularly those who spend long periods of time working outdoors such as construction workers, by causing damage to the skin. Even in overcast conditions there is still a risk of exposure to UV rays, so taking precautions on a daily basis is an important habit to keep. 

Short term effects include sunburn which ranges from a mild reddening on the skin, to more serious burns that will blister and peel. Sunburn can also contribute to fatigue and dehydration. 

According to a recent IOSH report, one UK study found that the level of UV rays that workers are exposed to over a lifetime could cause non-melanoma skin cancer. In fact, the report states that more than 3,000 cases of skin cancer reported every year are caused by outdoor work in construction and other industries. Outdoor workers are at an adverse risk of excessive exposure during the summer due to the nature of their work, meaning proper protection from UV rays and sun exposure is extremely important. 

There are a number of precautions that should be taken to be Sun Safe with regards to workplace safety. Sunscreen should be applied on a regular basis, and this sunscreen should be a broad spectrum that protects against UVA and UVB rays (Irish Cancer Society). Bear in mind that sunscreen will wear off due to sweat so reapply as needed. Wearing light and loose fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible such as long sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats and sunglasses can also protect your skin and eyes. 

 

Heat-related illness

It takes time to acclimatise to hot weather conditions, and very often in Ireland we see spurts of extremely hot weather and even heat waves. As these conditions can be unpredictable, it’s important to be aware of the dangers extreme heat can cause in the workplace. 

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature and overheats. There are a number of factors that will contribute to heat stress, such as the rate or intensity of work, humidity levels, hydration, and the weight or insulation levels of clothing. Some of the most common symptoms include poor concentration, heat rash, muscle cramps and fainting. Heat exhaustion can lead on from this if not treated, and symptoms could include headache, giddiness, nausea, damp skin and even severe thirst – a late and serious symptom. If these symptoms are not treated, heat stroke may occur. This is the most severe heat related disorder that occurs, and can even result in death if not detected and treated early enough. Symptoms to watch out for include chills, irritability, disorientation, rapid shallow breathing and fainting.  

Other dangers

Extreme heat and physical labour or exertion will increase the rate at which our bodies lose water, depleting hydration levels and thereby causing a health and safety risk. Symptoms include thirst, fatigue, muscle cramps, confusion, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating and hot, dry skin.

Very often, visibility can be reduced due to glaring sunlight and steps should be taken to mitigate this risk. These steps should include the clear identification of work zones and the use of barriers surrounding them. If the work zone is on or near a road, a lower speed limit should be introduced, and workers should be equipped with the appropriate level of high visibility apparel. 

 

Summer safety tips  

Here are some simple workplace safety precautions you or your employees can take when working during the summer and hot weather. 

 

If you are unsure where to start with a workplace safety plan for the summer months, want to ensure your plan and processes are up to standard, or to fine tune and improve your precautions, you can speak to a member of the Ayrton Consultancy team today. Contact us today to find out more. 

With 30 years of experience in the health and safety industry, we’ve heard our fair share of tall tales about health and safety.  Oftentimes, we hear that health and safety controls are “just an excuse for not letting things happen” – but it’s the opposite that is true: comprehensive health and safety planning and regulations allows for activities to take place safely under their guidelines. 

Keep reading to find out about some of the most common myths and misconceptions around health and safety.

 

Myth: Complying with Health and Safety is expensive. 

Truth: Yes, there is certainly a cost associated with conducting proper Health and Safety reviews, and implementing the correct procedures. However, when we weigh up this cost in comparison with the costs associated with accidents and injuries, it is more often than not far less expensive – and more productive.

If an employee suffers an injury during the course of their work, the business can lose out on productivity – being down a team member, the associated investigation costs, replacing the member of staff during their absence (including the cost of hiring & training this new team member) and any insurance-related costs and claims that might arise. The proper procedures are an investment for your business, rather than an expense.

 

Myth: Health and Safety means no fun. 

Truth: Safety procedures aren’t about stopping activities from happening, but instead making sure that they happen safely. Think about all of the fun and interesting activities that you can do – but with proper Health and Safety regulations in place. Would you do a bungee jump without knowing it was safe?  These regulations are in place to protect you and your employees.

 

Myth: Health and Safety is just a tick the box exercise and is a nuisance. 

Truth: Health and Safety is much more than a tick the box exercise! It’s there to protect you and your employees, and it should be taken seriously. While there can be a lot of paperwork or admin work involved in preparing documentation like Safety Statements and Risk Assessments, these activities are necessary to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the risks, responsibilities and correct reactions should something happen.

 

Myth: I work in an office. There’s no Health and Safety risks there. 

Truth: This is possibly one of the biggest misconceptions about working in an office environment. The typical office can pose many hazards for employees; most notably musculoskeletal issues, eye strain and hand and wrist pain. There are also risks of slips, trips and falls, electrical safety, fire safety, manual handling and even falls from heights. Every workplace – even an office environment – should have access to a competent first aider and safety officer, along with adhering to all workplace Health and Safety requirements.

 

Myth: This is mostly common sense, we don’t need training in common sense. 

Truth: While it’s true that some Health and Safety risks may seem obvious, in a panicked situation common sense doesn’t always register. This is where the proper training and knowledge can assist in having a plan that you can rely on. On top of this, there are many situations that you may not consider risks or even notice, that can cause serious issues or harm. This is where a qualified and competent Health and Safety officer or consultant is essential, as their experience and training can unearth these hazards and help you to put a plan in place to prevent them from happening.

 

Myth: Health and Safety tries to stop things from happening, and just tries to ban activities that we’ve always done. 

Truth: If safety procedures were designed with the intent of stopping things, we wouldn’t have the likes of ladders, wings, or even ice rinks. What Health and Safety procedures aim to do is to reduce the risks associated with the activities that we undertake. Your Health and Safety officer or consultant will aim to ask the right questions at the right time, to ensure everyone’s safety.

 

Myth: I use the gym, so I already know how to lift something heavy.

Truth: Just as with your workout, the correct technique when lifting something is essential in preventing strain or injury.  The situation in which you might lift in the gym is different to how you would approach something in a work situation. Did you know that a third of all workplace injuries reported to the HSA are caused by manual handling activities? Manual handling training covers any role that involves moving heavy loads and is important to help you to understand and minimise the risk of injury.

 

Myth: All of these procedures will just reduce our productivity. 

Truth: Health and Safety does not negatively affect productivity, in fact it will help to improve it. Having a Health and Safety plan in place will ensure that your workload is planned out efficiently and safely. This means jobs get done, and safely. What really impacts on your business’ productivity is staff being absent from their work due to injury or illness.

 

Myth: Safety equipment isn’t necessary, it’s uncomfortable and I can’t do my job properly while I’m wearing it.

Truth: While certain equipment can feel cumbersome to work in, remember that safety equipment such as helmets, goggles and gloves are absolutely essential in protecting workers from injury. These recommendations are in place for a reason and help to ensure your wellbeing, and your ability to continue doing your job without serious injury.

 

This list is by no means exhaustive, and if you are reviewing or implementing Health and Safety procedures for your workplace, you should always seek the assistance of an experienced professional. Our Consultants would be more than happy to assist you in assessing the needs of your business. Get in touch with our team today by email to info@ayrton.ie, or phone 01 838 5595 or 021 421 0331.

As we welcome in the new year and all that it brings, now is a great time to take a step back and ensure that your business is in a good place and prepared for the year ahead. No matter what types of business goals you are setting this year, health and safety procedures should be included in your priorities. Managing health and safety properly, such as through a risk assessment, is not only good for you and your employees, but also good for business. 

Take a moment to think – when was the last time you undertook a workplace audit? Are your safety statements, risk assessments, and staff training up to date – and to the required standards?

There were 26 workplace fatalities in 2022, and while there was a decline of over 30% from 2021, there is more work to be done in reducing these numbers. The key to this is through the implementation of comprehensive health and safety statements in all workplaces. 

At Ayrton Group, we provide bespoke safety consultancy services that can be tailored to the needs of your business. Workplace safety consultancy services are an efficient way for you to address your organisation’s health and safety needs, ensuring that you comply with all relevant legislation. 

 

What is a Safety Statement, and why do I need one?

A safety statement is a legal requirement under Section 20 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act of 2005, and is based on the principle that safety can be managed because most accidents are foreseeable and can usually be prevented. They are, essentially, your written commitment to managing safety and health in your business and how you are going to do this. It should be used as a reference point for management and staff to promote workplace health and safety, giving reference to specific policies, procedures, equipment and responsibilities. 

As part of our Safety Statements consultancy service, we will conduct a comprehensive audit of your premises, procedures, equipment and staff to identify and assess any hazards and risks. The completed safety statement will include: 

 

What are risk assessments?

A risk assessment is a written document that identifies the hazards in the workplace that are under your control. It should assess the risks presented by these hazards, and detail the implementation of control measures to reduce the risk of these hazards causing harm. 

At Ayrton, our risk assessment consultants are qualified and competent in conducting risk assessments in the areas of ergonomics (online and in person), manual handling and the general workplace. As part of this service, we will complete a comprehensive audit of your workplace to identify, assess and help to reduce risks. 

Risk assessments can include: 

There are many types of risk assessments for different industries and scenarios, such as dynamic risk assessments for those working in changing circumstances, however it’s important that these documents are kept up to date. As workplaces, teams and processes change, so should your safety assessments to reflect the new or altered environment. 

 

At Ayrton, our bespoke safety consultancy services are tailored to the needs of your business. We understand that your business’ success is built on safety, so we offer a broad range of consultancy services for businesses across all sectors. These include risk assessments, gap and root cause analysis, workplace audits, safety policies and legislative compliance. 

 

If your New Year’s Resolution is to review your health and safety policies, speak to a member of our team today and rest assured with expert advice from our team of experienced professionals. Contact us today to find out more.