Posted By Kevin West My company was requested to go and complete a H and S Audit and install a management system (policy, procedures etc etc) following a clients refusal of employers liabilty insurance. The site was an absolute mess and reminded me of the Nebosh Cert practical (spot the obvious hazards!!) Following our time on site and the implementation of procedures the insurance company eventually insured the company. I don't think this happens too often and I think it only happens in really dire cases. However, I have heard of premiums being dramatically increased to take into account the lack of management of H and S and the lack of procedures and so on. More and more medium sized companies are contacting consultants in a bid to try and keep premiums low. Kev

Posted By Ian Hutchings The reason why many SME's are going out of business, is not necessarily because they have poor SMS's; but due to the exceptional increase in claims. This has now forced insurance companies to look into the risk profile of these companies in more detail. Unfortunately this has meant that work that is perceived as high risk - such as scaffolding for example, will carry a very high premium. Some of these premiums have now increased ten fold +. I believe that this situation now suggests that serious lobbying is needed to ensure that schemes can be put in place to assist the smaller businesses, not just to be able to afford to pay, but to understand that good risk management - does really mean good business. This is already being managed through the supply chain at the moment by some of the bigger organisations. Though more often then not, they also expect high amounts of cover. Perhaps this is something that IOSH could lead the public debate on a bit more; no one appears to be taking a lead in this situation at the moment, though I have read about some government discussions. Do other people think that IOSH should be more involved in this debate? Perhaps they are and I am not aware of it?

Posted By Bob Youel SME's After working for over 25 years with SME's. I find that however small they are they can always find the time to look at their new 4 wheel drive vehicle and easily get the money to pay for it but they cannot find the time and money for a new pair of gloves etc. Is it me or am I being unkind.

Posted By Paul Craythorne Dear All, In response to Bob's comments, it is not just SME's who penny pinch and cut corners on H&S management, I have worked for 3 international companies and 1 large UK company in my career and they have all been found wanting when it comes to legal compliance and pro-active H&S management. One company saw its UK premium rise from £300,000 per annnum in 2000 to £1.5m in 2002 because of the level of claims against them. Had 1/4 of this money been spent on improving the H&S resource and reducing risk then this would not have occurred. Being wise after the event can be costly!!! Regards, Paul Craythorne

Posted By Lawrence Bamber When I worked in the industry, we declined cases when there was no evidence of a working oshms. If you wish to talk to me re this, pls contact me via home phone on 01625 876469.