Monthly Bulletin Board2010-09-08T03:44:58ZAssent Risk ManagementCopyright 2010, Assent Risk ManagementSPHPBLOGBenefits of OHSAS 18001 Certification - A Reduction in accidents and incidents. - Lower insurance premiums. - An advantage when responding to tenders. - Improved Health and Safety Culture. - Engaging staff at all levels of the business.
OHSAS 18001 can also integrate with other management systems. If you are responsible for managing your company's Health and Safety risks, contact us for more information on OHSAS 18001. ]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry100901-1340422010-09-01T00:00:00Z2010-09-01T00:00:00ZData Security in the Financial Sector Data security is a requirment of the FSA and in their document "Data Security in the Financial Sector - Firms’ controls to prevent data loss by their employees and third-party suppliers", ISO 27001 is discussed in '3.1.2 Benchmarking'.
It also comments "it was interesting to observe that even some of the largest firms had not obtained certification to this standard".
An ISO 27001 certified management system demonstrates a commitment to Information Security and indetifies controls that might not already be in place. Auditing the system also ensures continual improvement.
Contact us on 01268 799228.]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry100804-0946412010-08-04T00:00:00Z2010-08-04T00:00:00ZThe Th!nk Privacy Campaign The materials include posters and bin stickers which can be downloaded, without signing up.
It is a good way to show management commitment to Information Security, as required by the ISO 27001 standard.
Read More on: http://www.ico.gov.uk/news/current_topi ... ivacy.aspx]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry100621-1523482010-06-21T00:00:00Z2010-06-21T00:00:00ZComplex Email Passwords Prove Vital The Risks. A vast amount of private information can be found on email accounts and other Internet based systems: not all of it yours. Every communication and link reveals personal data that could lead to a security incident or even prosecution.
However it’s not always your information ‘they’ are after. Spammers are constantly trying to ‘hack’ genuine email accounts in order to send unsolicited emails or messages via an unrestricted account. This can often lead to the blacklisting of your email address, mail server and/or Internet connection.
Protection. Using complex passwords is a good place to start. Complex password include a mixture of upper and lower case characters, numbers and special characters such as @ % or *.
Regularly changing your password, without repeating them, is also recommended.
Be sensible with your password and remember to log out when you have finished with your account.
Need Help? We recommend all of our clients change their passwords, using something complex. Contact your email provider if you need assistance changing your password. ]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry100510-1317482010-05-10T00:00:00Z2010-05-10T00:00:00ZIntegrated Management Systems - The Benefits, ISO 9001 Quality Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety, can all be implemented and maintained in a single management system.
The benefits are clear. Commonalities in documentation and be exploited to save time and confusion, by using a single policy or procedure covering all standards.
A stronger standards based culture is created in the company, as knowledge and understanding of the management system is increased.
Man hours and disruption is often minimised by covering all standards ina single meeting, for example management review.
Certification costs, and external auditing is often reduced, as the chosen accreditation body certifies all three standards.
Call us for more information on integrating your existing standards into a single system or designing an integrated system from scratch. 01268 799228.]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry100416-1006172010-04-16T00:00:00Z2010-04-16T00:00:00ZNew Penalties for Failing to Report Data Security Breaches Firms are advised to act quickly and responsibly in the event of an information security incident to avoid these new penalties.
There is more information on http://www.ico.gov.uk/. ]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry100212-1957232010-02-12T00:00:00Z2010-02-12T00:00:00ZSlip and Trip Accidents in the Snow! Unfortunately some businesses and services need to continue their operations during bad weather, and therefore take on the increased risks.
Slip and Trip Accidents are just one of the risks possible in any conditions, but more likely during snow and ice. Reducing this threat can be done in many ways.
Firstly consider the work or activity, and how it could be performed differently, this may mean changes to equipment, additional PPE and further training.
Also pay particular attention to vulnerable groups who may have different requirements or capabilities.
Take practical steps to control slippery surfaces, improve access by foot or road, use suitable footwear and maintain good lighting.
If you would like more information or advice, please contact our consultants on 01268 799228. ]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry100106-1109392010-01-06T00:00:00Z2010-01-06T00:00:00ZThe Data Protection Act - Do You Comply? Are You Sure? All organisations collect personal data and therefore are required to notify under the act. However the process of notification is not always clear, and organisations can often make honest mistakes on the paperwork.
]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry091019-1808262009-10-19T00:00:00Z2009-10-19T00:00:00ZBusiness Continuity during the Swine Flu Pandemic Many businesses, especially those in the South East, are starting to find their business continuity plans put to the test. Employers have a duty of care to their staff and we are all being asked to fight the spread of the virus.
In these times we can’t take for granted uninterrupted access to work places or the constant availability of staff. This is when good business continuity plans add real value to the business and enable firms to take full advantage of remote technologies, tele-working and flexi-hours.
If you don’t already have secure remote access to business data, or a business continuity plan in place (and fully communicated), now is the time to take action!
and see: Info from Business Link - http://tinyurl.com/mlboxn ]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry090728-1514302009-07-28T00:00:00Z2009-07-28T00:00:00ZI.T and the EnvironmentISO 14001 - is being rapidly implimented across all industries and it's no less prominent within I.T.
We've found this Carbon Foot Print Calculator to start you thinking about how Green your I.T is.]]>http://www.assentriskmanagement.co.uk/blog/index.php?entry=entry090624-1509352009-06-24T00:00:00Z2009-06-24T00:00:00Z