Posted By Allan St.John Holt That will help, but it's not just a matter of not knowing how. In my experience they have the ability must not the will, and that comes down to culture, accountability and those other good things that we all know influence the behaviour of people on site. The answer is that there isn't AN answer. Allan

Posted By allan wood with more and more jobs being too keenly priced and companies undercutting one another to win work is it any wonder that safety suffers on site.in my opinion too many people see safety as an obstacle rather than a neccessaty to complete a given task.even getting the correct level of p.p.e on some sites can be difficult,how many people out there have been issued with the cheapest nastiest pair of safety glassess for example.seems to me that there is too much short term thinking being done to maximise profits.

Posted By David Brede I agree that a successful prosecution would concentrate the minds of the leaders of the industry wonderfully. Especially if the outcome was breakfast with Lord Archer! IOSH should be pressing the Minister on this as should we all. Has the Construction SIG taken a view on this?

Posted By Dennis Rutter Andy, as the first Safety Manager with my company (seven months in), I have experienced similar problems and attitudes from Site Agents, & in some cases Contract Managers. On a recent site visit (please note visit - it seems to be more acceptable than inspection), I was informed by the Site Agent that edge protection around a floor opening was not required because his boys were experienced and well trained - have we not heard this one before? I would agree with all the other responses, and add, that in my opinion it is down to a mixture of culture (risk taking is acceptable / necessary), time pressures and a lack of knowledge on current H & S standards. My course of action to address this problem was to present my MD with a hard hitting and detailed report (in writing)focusing on key issues such as working at height, guarding of woodworking machines, fire procedures, etc. I also clearly outlined why I thought there was a problem (culture) and suggested ways of improving current standards. I linked health and safety with risk to the business should there be a serious accident or fire in a nearly completed £2.5 million shop fit out - would the client really award the company future contracts if the opening of a prestigous store was delayed from opening on time, I doubt it. As I am sure you agree, I believe it is vital to gain the commitment and support of the MD, Senior Managers and Site Agents who will then hopefully ensure that andequate time is allowed for planning and everyone on site carries out work in accordance with the agreed methods of work. PS: If it helps Andy, it was so bad for me a couple of months ago, I felt like packing it all in and becoming a taxi driver (not that there is anything wrong in being a taxi driver). However at the end of the day, our job is to reduce accidents, injuries, ill-health, ensure compliance with H & S legislation, and therefore what we are all attempting to do is morally and legally right, and worth all the hasle - well I think so.