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Wednesday 24th August 2011
25 August 2011
“Shop fitting is a serious business and more care and attention needs to be taken when it comes to dealing with hazards like asbestos and respirable crystaline silica dusts,” said David Ackerley, chairman of IOSH’s construction group.
“When any retail outlet is being refurbished, those involved should be aware of the potential risks that making aesthetic and structural changes can have, not only to workers, but anyone in the vicinity.
“In the current economic climate, it’s understandable that people are looking to save money where they can. However, when looking to make any sort of saving, they must not put lives at risk."
The warning follows last month’s conviction of Marks and Spencer and two of its contractors for putting people at risk of exposure to asbestos-containing materials during refurbishment work. Sentencing will take place on 26 September.
Steve Clark, chairman of IOSH’s retail and distribution group, said: “I have worked in the retail and distribution field for 18 years and completely understand the issues both construction contractors and retailers face when embarking on a refurb’ project.
“From a retail perspective, the whole process needs to be managed stringently. There is no room for mistakes, especially when the general public and staff are still going about their day-to- day business at the same time.”
Health and safety professionals and business owners from both the retail and construction industry will gather in Daventry, Northamptonshire, on 22 September to discuss the issues surrounding retail refurbishment.
Talks from the National Association of Shop Fitters, Capita Symonds, ADSA, Cathedral Interiors and Sainsbury’s Group will give those from the industry the opportunity to share best practice advice and ideas.
Other news for Thursday, 25 August 2011:
Serco profit boost defies 'headwinds'
Unite delivers strong half-year results
Carillion’s profit suffers in first six months
IOSH calls for care during refurbs
Lost in translation
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is warning retailers to take extra care to protect employees and shoppers when refurbishing premises.
“Shop fitting is a serious business and more care and attention needs to be taken when it comes to dealing with hazards like asbestos and respirable crystaline silica dusts,” said David Ackerley, chairman of IOSH’s construction group.
“When any retail outlet is being refurbished, those involved should be aware of the potential risks that making aesthetic and structural changes can have, not only to workers, but anyone in the vicinity.
“In the current economic climate, it’s understandable that people are looking to save money where they can. However, when looking to make any sort of saving, they must not put lives at risk."
The warning follows last month’s conviction of Marks and Spencer and two of its contractors for putting people at risk of exposure to asbestos-containing materials during refurbishment work. Sentencing will take place on 26 September.
Steve Clark, chairman of IOSH’s retail and distribution group, said: “I have worked in the retail and distribution field for 18 years and completely understand the issues both construction contractors and retailers face when embarking on a refurb’ project.
“From a retail perspective, the whole process needs to be managed stringently. There is no room for mistakes, especially when the general public and staff are still going about their day-to- day business at the same time.”
Health and safety professionals and business owners from both the retail and construction industry will gather in Daventry, Northamptonshire, on 22 September to discuss the issues surrounding retail refurbishment.
Talks from the National Association of Shop Fitters, Capita Symonds, ADSA, Cathedral Interiors and Sainsbury’s Group will give those from the industry the opportunity to share best practice advice and ideas.
Other news for Thursday, 25 August 2011:
Serco profit boost defies 'headwinds'
Unite delivers strong half-year results
Carillion’s profit suffers in first six months
IOSH calls for care during refurbs
Lost in translation