Author: Peacock Carter

Three million people in Scotland receive first vaccination

May 24, 2021

The vaccination programme has delivered first doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to more than three million people in Scotland – 66.6% of the adult population. The landmark was reached on 14 May 2021.

The national vaccination programme is now moving through those aged 40 – 49 years old and more than 50% of this age group have come forward to receive their first vaccination.

As the programme progresses through this group, appointments are being scheduled for those aged 30-39 years old. In line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) people in this age group will be offered an alternative to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine when it is appropriate to do so.

Meanwhile 1,599,519 of the population have received their second dose which offers greater and longer lasting protection against the virus.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said;

“It is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams around the country that more than three million people in Scotland – two thirds of the adult population – have received their first dose and I would like to say a huge thank you to them and all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccine.

“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. This is equally important for those receiving appointments for their second dose as these offer longer lasting protection against COVID-19.

“It is great news that more than half of 40-49 year olds have now come forward and had their vaccine. Everyone has a role to play in helping to bring this virus under control and we want to see our high uptake rates continuing through all the age groups. I would urge all 40-49-year-olds to take the chance of getting vaccinated when your chance comes.

“The latest advice from the JCVI regarding 30- 39 year olds is clear that it is based on the current low prevalence of the virus and the availability of alternatives to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. If the situation changes the advice is that vaccination of adults aged 30-39 years with any of the UK authorised vaccines is always better than no vaccination, except where there are specific medical reasons for not doing so.

“Supplies permitting, we still expect to offer a first dose to all adults in Scotland by the end of July.”

Calculating physical distancing capacity in public settings guidance published

May 23, 2021

The Scottish Government have produced guidance on how to work out the maximum number of people who can physically distance within a public setting including businesses, places of worship and public events.

All non-domestic premises are being asked to consider what their maximum physical distance based capacity (PDBC) limits are for their premises, take reasonable steps to manage the capacity to avoid breaching appropriate physical distancing rules and to display this maximum capacity at their entrance.

During their routine compliance checks on premises where there has been a reported concern, Officers from Environmental Health departments within Local Authorities will consider the distancing in place and capacity limits of the premises, including asking questions about how the capacity limits have been determined.  If Officers have any concerns they will support the premises to work out a safer maximum capacity.

New Environment Watchdog- Environmental Standards Scotland

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is a new independent body set up to ensure the effectiveness of environmental law, and prevent enforcement gaps arising from the UK leaving the European Union.

ESS is currently operating on a non-statutory basis, but will gain the statutory powers set out in the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act later in 2021.

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) governing Board consists of 5 members including a Chair. The Scottish Parliament approved ESS Board members in December 2020. The Board Members have significant experience in leading independent scrutiny organisations and particular expertise in European environmental law. The Board will be supported by an executive team led by a Chief Executive.

Their remit is to provide advice on the performance of the Scottish Government and relevant public authorities in complying with environmental law, as well as improving the effectiveness, implementation and application of environmental law in Scotland.

 

Countdown to Clean Air Day Scotland starts

May 21, 2021

Pupils from an Edinburgh school helped Clean Air Day Scotland celebrate its fifth birthday – with a call for motorists to leave the car at home when the campaign takes place on 17th June. 

Sciennes Primary School is one of 12 in the city to run a school street, where the route outside a school is shut to vehicles at certain times during the school day to encourage children to walk and cycle, improving their health and reducing exposure to air pollution from vehicles.

With one month to go until Clean Air Day Scotland, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, helped Sciennes primary six Junior Road Safety Officers  and a group of primary seven pupils launch the campaign in the Sciennes Road school street.

Pupils designed bunting which they hung on the school railings in the once congested road and signed pledges to walk and cycle and to encourage their families to ditch the car.

The charity Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS) is coordinating Clean Air Day in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The pupils were presented with the first ever Clean Air Day colouring book a collaboration between EPS and art students across Scotland which has drawings for children to bring to life on an air pollution and environmental theme.

The campaign has established itself as Scotland’s main air quality campaign since the first National Clean Air Day took place in June 2017.

On 17 June, people are being encouraged to walk or cycle, rather than use the car, particularly on the school run or for other shorter trips to schools and supermarkets.

The campaign also encourages people to consider walking or cycling less polluted side streets after research found this could reduce a child exposure to air pollution by 30%. 

Clean Air Day campaigners also want people to consider the purchase of an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) ahead of the ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel cars and vans from 2030.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, a trustee of Environmental Protection Scotland, said: In Edinburgh we wholeheartedly support the Clean Air Day campaigns aims, and through initiatives like School Streets were helping our youngest generations to make journeys by healthy, active travel. Its wonderful to see some of our Junior Road Safety Officers join in to celebrate Clean Air Days fifth anniversary, and to spread the clean air message, which will be so important for years to come. This Clean Air Day were reaffirming our commitment to tackle air pollution, for the future of our city.

EPS have also announced that the Clean Air Day 2021 Scottish resources have gone live after head over to our Clean Air Day page to find out more.

 

 

Tourism and hospitality coronavirus sector guidance updated

May 20, 2021

The Scottish Government have made updates the Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance to reflect changes in the guidance. 

The changes include:

World Food Safety Day

World Food Safety Day (WFSD) will be celebrated on 7 June 2021. The day aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development.

This year’s theme, ‘Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow’, stresses that production and consumption of safe food has immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet and the economy. Recognising the systemic connections between the health of people, animals, plants, the environment and the economy will help us meet the needs of the future.

Recognising the global burden of foodborne diseases, which affect individuals of all ages, in particular children under-5 and persons living in low-income countries, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed in 2018 that every 7 June would be World Food Safety Day. In 2020, the World Health Assembly further adopted a decision on strengthening efforts on food safety to reduce the burden of foodborne disease. WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly facilitate the observance of World Food Safety Day, in collaboration with Member States and other relevant organizations.

Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers. Everyone has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and healthy.

WHO Europe launches new guidance on hand washing

On 5 May 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region celebrated World Hand Hygiene Day with the launch of three improvement tools, which highlight the roles healthcare workers, infection prevention and control (IPC) experts, and hospital managers play in achieving effective hand hygiene.

These tools are designed to support the transforming of IPC guidance into action, with the aim of ensuring that local improvements associated with evidence-based IPC recommendations, including those for COVID-19, influenza and other infectious diseases, can reliably be put in place.

The tools cover three specific areas: 

  • respiratory and hand hygiene 
  • personal protective equipment (PPE) 
  • environmental cleaning, waste and linen management, and all elements of standard, droplet, contact and airborne precautions

Public Health Scotland launch Health Inequalities Learning Hub

May 19, 2021

Public Health Scotland’s Workforce Development Team have launched the Health Inequalities Learning Hub. 

The Hub is a free, flexible resource for anyone that would like to increase their knowledge of health inequalities in Scotland and understanding the link between discrimination, inequality, and health Inequalities.

 

Learners can access the learning hub here to access the resource on the Virtual Learning Environment.

Food Standards Scotland has updated its COVID-19 Guidance for Food Business Operators and their Employees

Food Standards Scotland have updated its guidance for food business operators (FBOs) and their employees on 26 April.

A summary of the changes in the update are as follows:

  • Enhanced focus on improved ventilation across all areas of the workforce.
  • Insertion of ventilation advice card.
  • Deletion of non-indoor entry restrictions for takeaway establishments in level 4 lockdown areas.
  • Reminder that within the hospitality sector everyone is to observe the requirement to remain at least 1 metre from the next person, unless from the same household or a carer.
  • Addition of the mandatory collection of customer/visitor contact details from each person (not just one household) in the hospitality sector.
  • Updated Equality and Human Rights Commission wording.
  • Insertion of Scottish Government guidance on physical distancing in non-domestic premises.

Food Standards Scotland’s New Five Year Strategy

Food Standards Scotland has published its strategic ambitions for the next five years. It will focus on the issues that matter most to people in Scotland, including renewed emphasis on improving the Scottish diet and associated negative health consequences.

‘Healthy, Safe, Sustainable: Driving Scotland's Food Future’ for 2021-2026 is the organisation’s second Strategy, and realigns the organisation’s efforts recognising the significant societal, political and environmental changes that have occurred since FSS was established in 2015.

It sets out how the independent public sector food body will help protect the diverse interests of people in Scotland. The organisation plans to continue to take a robust evidence-based approach in its activities as the trusted and influential source on food information and advice.

FSS will continue to work with others such as the food and drink and hospitality sectors,  government and other key partners in order to deliver on its commitments.

 

 

Scottish Government release ventilation advice cards

May 11, 2021

The Scottish Government have released advice cards highlighting key ventilation practice within the workplace. Keeping the workplace well ventilated is vital to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep employees, customers and local communities safe. The advice card and key guidance can be found here: Ventilation Advice for Everyone at Work.

With workplaces and services resuming, employers are being asked to ensure this information is well highlighted throughout their work environment. Informing employees of this information is key to ensuring the workplace is a safe place to be. Additional resources can be found here: Reopening Businesses Safely Toolkit.   

In addition there is a new Advice Card on key ventilation practices in domestic settings:  Advice Card – Ventilation advice for Everyone.

 

Changes to the Governance of the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR)

May 3, 2021

OSHCR is the only HSE-backed source of assured, independent, consultancy OSH advice and there are some changes to the way it is managed.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has taken over management of the register. This is in many respects a logical step given that a large proportion of those on the register are IOSH members.

IOSH will be investing in raising the profile of OSHCR, helping to ensure that it is known for providing access to a valuable source of credible, independent OSH professionals.

We will shortly write to all Chartered members of the Institute who are already on the OSHCR to explain the changes in more detail.
To move both the standard and reputation of OSH professionals forward in the UK we need a collaborative approach which retains the support of key stakeholders such as the HSE and other like-minded organisations.

The Institute, along with others, will continue to provide oversight and advice via the reformed Advisory Committee. This is a hugely positive step for not only the OSH profession, but also OSHCR and our own organisation. Membership of the OSHCR Advisory Committee gives us a space at the table with similar organisations as well as the HSE. As opportunities to influence the OSH profession go, I’m sure you’ll agree, we have a great foundation to do so.

A two-year consultation has revealed that UK based SMEs are still in need of OSHCR and that the brand reputation is still strong. As part of the new OSHCR Advisory Committee we will be helping to shape the proposition. This is a real tangible opportunity to position our members who trade as OSH consultants, or who are thinking of doing so, onto a register that is gathering lots of positive momentum.

For further details of the register please go to https://www.oshcr.org/