Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Admin  
#1 Posted : 29 March 2007 14:48:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Sam Talbot
We have an outbreak of spitting on the floors in our works by a few individuals.

I've been asked what H&S Acts or Regs would cover this.

My first reaction is that this is an HR problem, however there does not seem to be anything in our works rules to cover this (makes you wonder what they'll do next).

Apart from possibly Section 7 of HASAWA, does anyone have any ideas?

Regards,
Sam.
Admin  
#2 Posted : 29 March 2007 15:22:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Tabs
Yes, have HR draw up a hygiene policy and include spitting, littering, disposal of gum, etc.

It is disgusting to see, but if it is happening on an industrial walkway I struggle to see any great health risks. It is a social acceptance, and therefore HR issue.

I cannot recall any legislative references.
Admin  
#3 Posted : 29 March 2007 15:38:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Amanda
I disagree with my colleague on this as I do see it as a H&S issue. TB is spread in sputum along with other diseases. To be spitting etc on the floor is putting the cleaners health at risk surely, along with others who may step in it and try to clean it off.
Admin  
#4 Posted : 29 March 2007 15:40:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Darren J Fraser
Discipline a few, that will soon put a stop to it.
Admin  
#5 Posted : 29 March 2007 16:11:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By steve e ashton
There used to be the "Health and Morals of Apprentices Act" ?Eighteen sixty something?.

Measures introduced to prevent the spread of TB.

This should definitely be seen as a health issue, and subject to disciplinary action, but as to current regs etc...?

I haven't a clue.

Hope someone can be put me right on the date..

Steve
Admin  
#6 Posted : 29 March 2007 17:01:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By David Whaley
The Health and Morals of Apprentices Act, 1802, Applied only to textile mills. I do not know if it is still in force I guess not.

David
Admin  
#7 Posted : 29 March 2007 18:27:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Bennie
Is there dust in the air at work? Chemical fumes etc that may be causing the need to clear throats etc?
If not, then a bad habit that needs to be sorted out by HR.
Admin  
#8 Posted : 29 March 2007 18:30:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By John Murgatroyd
You could try to source some spittooons I suppose.
Admin  
#9 Posted : 29 March 2007 18:39:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Crim
Do we really need legislation to prevent this disgusting practice?

Why not just make a rule and enforce it?

If you can get the trade union to assist they will help to enforce.

By the way if somebody's spit hits another person it is assault! Enforcable through the law.
Admin  
#10 Posted : 29 March 2007 18:54:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Ken Taylor
I take this as both a health and a safety issue (ie infection and slipping risk). The control measures should include the earlier suggestions of rules and enforcement.
Admin  
#11 Posted : 29 March 2007 20:25:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Donk
I suppose this would apply to professional footballers too then, can never see it being enforced myself.

Although i do feel the current England team and manager may be in need of some form of training, or preferably imprisonment.
Admin  
#12 Posted : 30 March 2007 08:55:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Bill Elliott
Having been taken to task by the HSE - this is a H&S issue as like most other bodily excretions spit is classed as potentially hazardous under COSHH. As such appropriate measures need to be in place to control exposure, cleaning etc. Spitting is also covered under food hygiene regulations as a product that may cause cross contamination of foodstuffs, food preparation surfaces etc. However, as others have already said (and depending on your business) you may prefer to deal with this as a local rules issue.
Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.