Posted By Richard Spencer
Jason

What contribution do you want to make to my light-hearted commentary – or are you ‘hitchin a ride’ as usual and enamoured with a quote from a master of oratory.

For those that can I say, give it a go - give the readership a little original thought, although I did read somewhere that there are in the natural order, followers and leaders.

Where do you stand or this exemplified by the last comment, er?



Hello Simone

Yes mate but isn’t it a case of “time and place”.

As far as being a windbag, I am a bit taken aback. What a suggestion, to express any sentiment or opinion by the application of good grammar cannot be considered a literary offence, surely? Perhaps pigeon English might have been more appropriate?

Hey if you got it, flaunt it.

The commentary in respect of the Swiss (with a capital) is an Aussie saying about craft in the manner of “he was as crafty as a dunny rat”. “More moves than a Swiss watch” – crafty, and being literary ‘Anti-Christs’ - rabid as a pack of pit bulls. Strike me pink how long have you been marooned in the ‘Old Dart’.

Are you sure you’re an Aussie, or a sheep in sheep’s clothing, ah I have it a ‘blown away kiwi’, ‘am I right or am I right’, (quote from the singing detective).


Richard

Posted By Heather Aston
No offence Richard and I enjoyed your response, but I think you've missed the point of what both Jason and Simone were picking up in your literary diatribe!

Try a dictionary for the difference between literal and littoral and you might get Jason's.....

I agree with the chocolate idea. Just about time for my afternoon bar now.

BIG HUG for Corrina

Heather

Posted By Richard Spencer
Thank you for pointing out the oversight, in my literary discourse, but get over it people.

If I were perfect then I be wearing a long white gown with a golden aura around my head, speak Yiddish, be worshipped by millions and wouldn’t need critics, as I would be expounding the word. Trail blazing that is.

For all those that spotted my deliberate mistake take a bow or if your a Sheila then the equivalent.

I’m not sure about the chocolate; doesn’t that in exciting the endorphins cause further excitement? I thought the main point was stress mitigation?

John, if your hero is Popeye, then seek help quickly! I don’t know that the rest of us consider him anything of a literary icon.

Richard

Posted By Lewis T Roberts
Richard may go on about whinging poms but in my experience I have never met an aussie that hasn't whinged constantly. When they are in the UK the weather is bad, the chocolate not good, the pay is poor. When they travel around back packing to experience cultures they often tread on it and mostly all you hear about is many times they visited the toilet in Thailand. And that drone of australian internation where everything sounds like a question. Worst of all my children are picking it up.

Richard you are entitled to your views but do you really have to be so acidic?

Lew

Posted By Corrina Evans
Heather, thanks.
Richard,
I never doubted for one moment that you were human, and I'm sure you have a gre3at sense of humor. I have a quote for you "Men of few words are the best men" Shakespeare.
Regards Corrina

Posted By Richard Spencer
Good’ day Corinna

But isn’t there now doubt that he actually wrote this stuff.

Secondly, in response, "if you burn your light under a bushel, then that's were it will stay”.

Thanks for your thoughtfulness but on this occasion I must decline and suggest that it would be more suited to a Nepalese recluse or a Buddhist monk.

In case there is any danger of being misrepresented, I am neither.

Richard

Posted By Corrina Evans
Heather,
Loved your mantra, I shall use it in my training session this afternoon! The amount of feedback from this posting is quite amazing, and something new every day.
I wasn't expecting this much response-I'm impressed !
Regards Corrina
p.s big hug to everyone out there who wants one!

Posted By Merv Newman
Heather,

thankyou for your mantra. I'am printing it in large type now and it will go up on the office wall.

As not everyone will be reading this thread may I invite you to start a new one just to give the mantra wider exposure (and to ask if there are any others about) ?

Thanks

Merv

Posted By Jonathan Breeze
Neil,

Perhaps Richard's inability to express himself coherently is in itself a symptom of stress - brought on maybe by taking up an untenable position on the subject in question.

;-)

Posted By Richard Spencer
Lew

Was that the largest motion you have ever made, It seems it might have been the de-stressor you needed - feel better now, it seems it took a lot of energy?

Lighten up mate!

I reiterate look into your own backyard before casting aspersions on the land down under. You mentioned you had property here. So I can checkout the veracity of this claim? In what state and council is your rate notice issued. I would consider it an honour to ‘check it out’.

Look in the dictionary and you will realise that it is quite acceptable to describe children, siblings, offspring, the produce of one’s loins as ‘kids’. Where have you been in the last 20 years?

To enlighten you, Australia was not made up of felons, and cast off from an unfair BRITISH judicial only - the majority of people who built this country were free settlers. So I suggest you also check out British modern history as clearly you need to get your facts straight.

The early settlers handed down a legacy to us, that was, not to recreat the same class ridden, poverty stricken society that I mentioned which saw children in the mines and dark static mills of early economic history. The felons you speak of were in the main the poor who were convicted for things like ‘stealing a loaf of bread’ because they were starving. If you look at the migration boom it took place between the 1950 and 1970’s. This trend would have continued unabated had the Federal Government restricted migration. Talk about ‘rats leaving a sinking ship’.

Be reminded that Silicosis was rife in the mining industry and lead poisoning rife where this material was used.

Your presumably smug attitude relies on a very short memory. Well let me remind you. You're recent prosperity was founded on the economic reforms that rebuilt Europe, led by the French, that the average Brit despises and the Germans who were the once the hated enemy. It was at this point the Brits dropped Australia and the rest of the Commonwealth.

Face facts mate, and don't attempt to 'guild the lily'.

It could be your already on the Yellow Brick Road and who knows what equation of no heart, no brain and no courage will equate to, I suggest it = 0

The land of Aus was made by working people and people with vision, not usury, gin and a rigid class system.

Cleary, history particularly British was not your forte. This leads me to conclude, based on the evidence that “empty vessels do indeed make the most noise”.


Love two, your serve!

Richard

Posted By James Goodstadt
"You're recent prosperity was founded on the economic reforms that rebuilt Europe, led by the French, that the average Brit despises and the Germans who were the once the hated enemy"

Richard - what do you mean "who were once the hated enemy". You perhaps don't see our tabloids whenever there is a european football match - for them the war isn't over yet.

Posted By Richard Spencer
Heather

Long live science, I have science degrees and maybe because of this I like to push the envelope.

I will take the offer and see what's happening on the mantra thread. See you soon.

Richard

Posted By Richard Spencer
Lew

What a pathetic response on behalf of Albion.

Sounds like you're going to ‘take your ball back' cos' I scored a penalty.

Scorn dear chap is usually left to the Sheila’s. We blokes at least have the sense to battle it out.

Is it a case of “quick to scorn and slow to praise”.

Where’s your sense of honour?

You remind me of Tom Crachett with only one pair of socks, and nary a darning hob in sight. I feel I’ve dealt you a mortal blow.

Perseverance made Britannia great, suppose you were behind the door when they handed out 'bottle'.

How un-British.

Duce?

Richard

Posted By Richard Spencer
Heather

That was not meant for you, but if the cap fit and you want to be a victim so be it.

On the topic of travel. All the Brits I have talked to, friends etc have never regretted the move or the chance to experience the good life.

Richard

Posted By Heather Aston
Richard

You said "That was not meant for you, but if the cap fit and you want to be a victim so be it."

Blimey.

1. Your comment referred in disparaging tones to "sheilas". I take this to mean females of the species although I am not fluent in Aussie. I am a female of the species last time I looked, therefore it applies as much to me as to any other woman here.

2. I am no-one's victim - certainly not yours. I am merely someone trying for a bit of intelligent debate rather than dismising 50% of the population in a single sweeping generalisation.

You obviously have some strong views on certain topics - good for you, the world would be a duller place if we all agreed - but can we refrain from descending into personal insults at every turn?

You have a nice weekend - perhaps it's time for some of those shrimps on the barbie?

Heather

Posted By Dave Saunders
Dear Corrina, we are all guilty sometimes of thinking that we are a lone voice crying in the wilderness,thanks for proving that I am not. Group hug? certainly, Dave (just about got some hair-my 6 month old granddaughter has more) Saunders.

Posted By fats van den raad
RE Richard
I think I can provide a shorter (one-word) summary. But common decency shal prevail and prevent me from giving public air to my thoughts.
Fats
"If you want to run with the dogs, don't p*ss with the puppies"

Posted By Heather Aston
((((((HUG))))))) for Zoe

I know how you feel - it can be very frustrating especially if you get a "jobsworth" lined up against you. I've only had it happen once with an HSE Inspector who was determined to "go by the book" even though she knew nothing about my industry and had no clue what she was talking about.

I don't think she'd ever been in a rubber factory in her whole life and boy did it show - she had no clue about what was "reasonably practicable".

At the time it was a bad situation because it made me look like I was in the wrong in front of managers who expected me to be their expert advisor. Luckily, like you I had their support and stuck to my guns because I was confident that I was right.

Despite much bluster and bluff about writing to the company - we never heard from that inspector again.... and I have to say that most Inspectors I have dealt with have been the exact opposite of her.

Hang in there and if you can back up your position with any documentary evidence, guidance notes, etc then do so.

Good luck.

Heather

Posted By Neil Pearson
Anyone else here read the novel "Gould's Book of Fish"? The exchange about Australia's history reminded me. It's about Tasmania way back when prison camps were being set up for naughty poms. Really grim depictions of prison camp life but a first rate book, completely unforgettable. Very weird too.

Posted By Richard Spencer
Reality is a stress raiser and, I like some, face it on a daily basis.

I don’t work for one organisation I work for many and therefore there is a need to get involved in the politics of each organisation I consult to. For instance, I started a contract with a company that has no SWMS no site safety plans, and no operational documentation to control the local OHS requirements. All they have is a corporate OHS management system full of guess what, you got it – motherhood statements. Plenty of what you need to do but a big fat zero on how to do it.

My brief was to provide this, and I might add not for the good of the people although that will eventually have good outcomes, no, it was to ensure the GM of this section of the company was able to demonstrate to other GMs at the annual general meeting that he is legislative compliant - That’s reality.

I also consult to the legal profession in worker compensation, workplace injury and public liability claims. This is where you see reality. Its not about honour or justice, it’s always about the money. The average settlement is always minus about $60,000 for fees.


The reality is and it might be stressful to some to learn that it has always been about the money.

For instance a mining operation below ground, prior to sinking Millions of dollars/pounds into the enterprise the shareholders must complete a financial risk assessment of expected work case scenarios, which include the potential for injury and fatalities – if the business risk is to high, from a human perspective they will either can the idea or move it offshore (remembering Bhopal).

This still does not stop the enterprise because costed into the operational profit of the enterprise is the risk of settlements as a results of prosecution in statute and Plaintiff action in the case of common law.

Let’s face it we as safety professionals do not control the dollars the client or CEO does. This might cause some to become stressed and develop a feeling of little worth but I reiterate what you can do about it without causing yourself to become a target and force management to face issues they don’t want to hear about.

It is after all, their responsibility as the employer representative, not ours and to further reiterate providing you have given the best advice possible and sought to back this up with a second professional opinion and documented the issues then without taking to the Unions or the HSE or relevant authority that’s as far as it goes, if you want to keep your sanity and/or job.

The role of safety professional is a job just like any other, its what we do, and some of us do it with outstanding success, but at the end of the day irrespective of our personal feeling we don’t have the moral or legal obligation and we don’t have to make the decisions that will please the board the CEO does.

So let’s see a little perspective particularly the “people’s party of chocolate eating, feminists and SNAG huggists”, take another look at reality and though different eyes and you might find then answer to your own stress issues – put yourself in the CEO’s place for a week.

There has been some terrific quotes on the Mantra page, and in this instance it might be the case that the safety advisor takes his or her own advice, words to the effect, “…have the wisdom to accept the things that can be changed and the things that are not in your power to change...”.

Finally, ask yourself this, if I were not passionate about this issue, would I stick to you psyche quite so much?

At the end of the day that’s were stress is resolved.

Hey I’m loose!

Richard