Why do we need it? and what does it mean?

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974​ places a duty upon every employer to provide, as far as is reasonably practicable, a place of work that is safe and without risk to health.​

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999​ places duties on employers and employees including those who are clients, designers, principal contractors or other contractors.​

Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016​ with effect from 1 July 2016, HASAWA was supplemented by CEMFAW​

Why is it important?​

We help our customers consider the risks from exposure to Electro Magnetic Frequencies​ and protect from any adverse effects​. High levels of exposure and interference can give rise to effects that are irritating or unpleasant​. They are as follows:

• interference with active or passive implanted or body worn devices​
• nausea, vertigo, metallic taste in the mouth, magnetophosphenes​
• nerve stimulation, effects on the CNS & peripheral nervous system – tingling, muscle contraction, heart arrythmia​

EMPLOYEES AT PARTICULAR RISK

One who has declared to their employer a condition which may lead to a higher susceptibility to the potential effects of exposure to EMFs.

• Expectant mothers who have informed you of their condition
• Workers who have declared the use of active implanted medical devices (AIMDs), passive implanted medical devices (PIMDs) or body-worn medical devices (BWMDs)

How we can help

EEUK Ltd have worked with several members of the British Frozen Food Federation recently on completing EMF surveys. These can be useful for informing your risk assessment or in relation to specific concerns raised towards at risk workers. There has recently been a rise in Medical Consultants requesting a survey be complete before they sign off any patients as fit to return to work following fitting of pacemakers and/or internal cardiac defibrillators. By using a combination of personal monitoring (for at risk individuals) and monitoring equipment at source we have been able to make clear recommendations on how you can protect all your workers from any possible risk.

What to do?

The initial conversation would be around any of the above. If you are concerned about a staff member that could potentially at risk, or you are concerned about a piece of machinery that could potentially interfere with your members of staff, please send an email to Chris.nicholson@eeukltd.com

You could also call on 01782 667820 to catch up about any questions or queries that you have on this topic.