Posted By Dave Wilson B, Just had a thought, maybe the person involved has been reading this and decided that they were OTT. I honestly feel that in this profession there are too many people who lose sight of the fact we and our masters / employers are here to do something ie Work, produce a profit but in a safe manner with the minimum of fuss and red tape. Beurocracy gone mad. Are we not getting a bit technical here in this thread with regards to RA and process and the meaning of life etc!!!!! This bloke as they say in Scotland He's a plooky wee scunner and his bahookie needs a geid scudding!

Posted By Simon Dean If you put the risk assessment/method statement on the cutter, would that suddenly ensure the operators safety and that of others around him/her? How would you prove that they had read and understood the document? Funnily enough I had this situation as a question on my NEBOSH exam (i.e employees cutting grass at roadside), I would recommend: 1. Prior to the commencement of the contract, all employees should have a site induction, which should include reference to the findings of the risk assessment. Employees are to sign to show that they have been shown the risk assessment and that they understood the information. 2. All employees should receive a ‘Tool Box’ training session on the safe use of the equipment and what safety measures must be taken. Employees to sign to show that they have been trained and are competent to use the equipment. 3. Employees to be supervised at all times. 4. All employees to be supplied with a credit card sized laminated document which states the site rules and hazards, and an additional card with the hazards and control measures for the cutting equipment bulleted pointed. Hope this helps, or you could get the operators to move the van every time they move 3 meters away from it, or is that just being silly!……….

Posted By Benedict Thierry Dear Dave, Speechless with total agreement. I'm on my way to see Desperate Dan and Ma Broon, and I'll check and see if Oor Wullie fancies a laugh. Benedict

Posted By Benedict Thierry Dear Simon, Re- recommendations: 1. Already happens. 2. Already happens. 3. Already happens. 4. This is not currently done, so thank you for an interesting option to consider. The other is so obvious I'm disappointed I didn't suggest it myself.......

Posted By Jason Gould Well I feel i Have really learned a few good tips and a lot of info from this link. You will all proberbly be glad to hear that when i get a safety position i will bear this site in mind when dealing with different people. Hope the issue is resolved amicably and that future measures succeed. thanks all contributors

Posted By Hilary Charlton Dear Benedict Glad I was able to help with a solution to your problem. My motto - work to the lowest common denominator and keep it simple. Hilary

Posted By Benedict Thierry Hilary, I'll let you know if the idea is looked on favourably. But your idea has allowed me to release the pressure valve and prepare for the meeting in the belief that I can make a fair contribution to the discussion and avoid sounding contrary or confrontational and say that I'm not convinced in the value of what is in the frame.( the proposed practice not necessarily the principle). But it seemed to have been launched without any consultation or notice. The company has been very successful in winning bids recently so something must be right and someone must like it and I don't know as to why it has been felt necessary to go along this route or what is hoped to be achieved. The HSE infoline seemed a bit taken aback. So I am grateful for the wriggle room I feel your idea gives me. The only vision I had before was of mutiny in all ranks both in the company and amongst the sub-contractors. Benedict