Bothar Walk October 30th 2010 North Leitrim & Roscommon

On Saturday the 30th of October, Bóthar invites you to “come walk for us” through the picturesque countryside of North Leitrim & Roscommon.
Starting at 11am on the shores of Lough Allen and heading for the hills, the walk will continue for 10km capturing the breath-taking views the West of Ireland has to offer coming to an end once again on the shores of Lough Allen followed by lunch in the Ramada Hotel, Drumshambo.
Contribution €30 including lunch.
And for those who like a challenge, we invite you to step higher & take to the mountains for a more adventurous trek.
For more information contact Frances on 0877764748 or email fgcv@eircom.net

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New Food Waste Management Regulations

The Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations came into force on July 1st 2010 and requires that all major producers of food waste segregate it from other waste. From this date, Commercial Food Waste can no longer go to landfill.

Food waste must be recycled when produced by the following premises:
- shops and supermarkets
- public houses
- state and local authority buildings
- restaurants, cafes, bistros, hot food outlets
- wine bars
- canteens in Office Buildings and on Construction Sites
- hotels, B&B’s and guest houses
- Hospitals and Nursing Homes
- Schools and Colleges
- Railway stations
- Airports
- trade shows, exhibitions, music concerts and other similar public events

Further information can be sourced at www.foodwaste.ie or contact us today for assistance with implementing the new regulations.

Please note that a number of County Councils are allowing an exemption to small businesses who produce less than 50 kg of food waste per week to comply with the regulations until 1st July 2011. Apply in writing on a Derogation Application form to the relevant Council.

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Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann Cavan 2010

Congratulations to the Organisers, the people of Cavan Town, surrounding areas and everyone involved in making this years Fleadh such a great success.

We attended the Fleadh on Saturday and Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed both days, attending events and soaking up the great atmosphere around the town.

Looking forward to next year already!

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Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) Gas Safety Public Announcement

Following the tragedy in Castlerock earlier this month, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) issued a public safety announcement.

Full details of this announcement can be viewed at the following link http://www.hseni.gov.uk/news.htm?id=7782&health-and-safety-executive-for-northern-ireland-hseni-gas-safety-public-announcement

here are some general guidelines with regards to gas safety:

•If you’re displaying any of the following symptoms – headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness, you should seek medical help immediately.
•Contact your local Gas Safe Registered engineer and request a full gas safety check.
•Install an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm as a further precautionary measure.

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Plastic Surgeon warns Farmers on Farm Injuries

Speaking at the National Farm Health and Safety Conference in Athy, Co Kildare held on Wednesday 18th August, Dr. Anne Collins, a specialist plastic surgery registrar, presented a graphic account of the gruesome consequences of farm injuries and advised farmers to give farm health and safety the attention it deserves.

“In the case of traumatic injury involving farm machinery, plastic surgeons do the very best they can to restore severed limbs and body parts but our efforts very often have limitations in restoring the human body to its original state”, Dr. Collins stated.

Dr. Collins made her comments following a national study which revealed that the power shaft guard was missing in 80% of power shaft injuries and loose clothing and rushing were implicated in 40% of injuries. The study also indicated that survivability with power shaft injuries declines as farmers grow older with the average age of a fatal power shaft victim at 46 years compared to 28 for survivors.

Opening the conference, Mr. Dara Calleary T.D., Minister for Labour Affairs and Public Service Transformation, welcomed the presence and support of IFA President Mr. John Bryan, ICMSA President Mr. Jackie Cahill and Macra na Feirme President Mr. Michael Gowing. “Farm leaders have a key role to play in conveying the message to farmers that effective management of health and safety is crucial in running a successful farm. The only way forward is for farm organisations to work together in changing the culture so that health and safety is not seen as an optional extra but is top of the agenda for all farmers,” said the Minister.

Mr. Martin O’Halloran, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, also welcomed farm leader support and urged all farm bodies to make a special effort to improve what is turning out to be a black year for health and safety on farms. “With 18 deaths on farms so far this year accounting for almost two thirds of all work related deaths, there is clearly a lot of work to be done”, he stated. “Farmers need to be alert at all times to health and safety issues but particular attention is required when working with tractors, machinery and other farm vehicles as these have been associated with the majority of farm deaths so far this year.” Quoted from The Health and Safety Authority Website

If you need advice or assistance with completing your Farm Safety Statement or complying with the Farm Safety Code of Practice, please contact us today for further details and information. The Farm Safety Code of Practice Document has been designed with Farmers in mind and offers practical solutions to hazards and safety issues that can arise on every farm. It could potentially help save your life or the life or your child.

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Safety Wise Advice Services now available on Twitter, Facebook and Linked In

Safety Wise Advice Services are now available on Twitter, just click on the logo to the right of this post and you can follow our tweets.

You can also join us on Facebook and become a fan, just click on the Facebook Logo to the right of this post.

We will keep you updated on all the alerts, trends and news in the Industry and more.

Connect with us on Linked In, join in on discussions on relevant topics.

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New Look Website

We are pleased to unveil our new look website. Design changes were carried out by Webforge Web Design Solutions.

We hope you like the new layout and and look forward to bringing you additional and new features in the coming weeks.

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Need help with HR and/or Health & Safety Issues in your business?

Free confidential consultation sessions available with expert Consultants on a one to one basis to discuss issues such as Safety Statements, Risk Assessments, Training, Contracts of Employment, Disciplinary Issues, NERA Inspections etc

Find out how you can avoid litigation and unnecessary fines by ensuring your business is compliant and has the correct procedures and systems in place.

Date: 16th June 2010,

Venue: Leitrim County Enterprise Board Offices, Carrick On Shannon

To make an appointment, Contact Geraldine McGovern (071) 9645524 info@safetyadvice.ie

or Carmel Murphy (071) 9642748 www.hrsolutions.ie .

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Grain Storage Structures Safety Alert from the Health and Safety Authority

“In response to continuing safety concerns re work in grain storage structures the Health and Safety Authority wish to advise as follows:

Owners and operators of facilities which have grain storage structures (elevator shafts, bins and silos) should be aware that such structures may be confined spaces due to their enclosed construction. Activities associated with entry to these spaces needs to be assessed as part of the safety management system in line with the Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces”.

Storage structures for grain have significant hazards associated with them. Due to the enclosed nature of these structures, the atmosphere inside can become oxygen depleted and/or a toxic atmosphere can accumulate from the decomposition process of organic matter. Carbon dioxide (which is heavier than air) and other gases can cause the displacement of oxygen over the grain.

All operators and owners should ensure that storage structures are sufficiently ventilated and controls are in place to ensure the safety of personnel entering these structures. Personnel should be adequately trained with appropriate emergency procedures and equipment in place.

Never enter a confined space to rescue a worker who has collapsed unless the proper personal protection equipment is available and you have received the appropriate training on confined space entry.

The HSA Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces includes the Confined Space Regulations 2001, a guide on interpretation and implementation of the regulations and a sample permit-to-work forms. Download the Code of Practice .” taken from the HSA Website

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NI motorists offered speed awareness courses

“Motorists in Northern Ireland who break the speed limit are to be offered the chance to avoid a fine and three penalty points on their licence if they agree to undertake speed awareness courses.

The initiative is being introduced in an attempt to reduce the number of drivers killed on the roads every year.

In 2009, 115 people died in traffic accidents in Northern Ireland, one third of them aged between 17 and 24.

The speed awareness course is designed to educate drivers on the real dangers and consequences of speeding.

The scheme is aimed primarily at young drivers and involves classroom workshops and online learning.

It will cost £85 and will not be available to drivers who break the speed limit excessively.

In future the scheme may also be applied to those caught driving while holding a mobile phone, not wearing a seat belt, or jumping a red light.” taken from RTE.ie News Headlines


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