Posted By Ian stevenson Not every employee has the luxury of trade union safety reps,works safety advisors or safety conscious bosses. Yesterday i called at the local timber store to purchase some wood; i was promptly taken into the warehouse to make my selection "not a safety sign in sight". I spotted my desired piece of wood buried under several tons. No problem the man said as he jumped onto the large forklift. The precariously balanced pile was lifted and my purchase cliamed. I have a licence for a forklift i commented, licence he said i dont have a licence they wont pay for it. We then ventured into the cutting room "no signs saying staff only" I commented on the cold, it was about 8c are you not aware of the minimum temp i said. Yes 13c we have complained but the boss just laughs. I have no doubt there are many firms out there with no perception of good safety practice, this must be a good reason for more HSE inspections, many only come to light when its to late. PS. At no time was my life in danger, my environment is often worse than this dispite my best efforts.

Posted By Merv Newman While there are a million safety conscious employers out there, there are 5 million who don't give a damn and get away with it until there is an accident or the place (often insured) burns down. I once did an audit of a building/do it yourself supplier. conclusions : No fire prevention No fire fighting No separation or control of public acces. I gave them horrible warnings, basic recommendations, and my bill to be paid within 30 days. They did nothing, except pay my bill, under protest. Merv Newman

Posted By Jim Walker Let us face it, from a financial point of view the wood yard owner has got is spot on. No expense with boring safety issues and a good gamble that he will never get fined. Even if he does he can appeal that the fine is out of proportion with his profits.