Posted By Kate Graham How have you "approached" them? Kate

Posted By JEFFREY SMITH not just supermarkets. We have a shopping centre near us run by a firm. The fire and evacuation procedures are non-existant and they really don't care. Spend as little time in there as possible, only problem is we need regular access to the shops! Maybe HSE should go and have a look at a normal cross-section although I suppose they are no worse than a lot of other premises?

Posted By Saracen11 Hi Anwar, this is a bold statement, can you back it up?! As Kate correctly states, these premises are enforced by the LA not HSE. They may also be part of a Partnership scheme, which the enforcing authority and other premises in the respective chain of stores will sign up to and work together to ensure H&S is workable and consistent throughout all outlets. As for the stores not wanting to know about safety i.e. your free (?) advice… they probably feel it is none of your business; asking to see their policies (as a member of the public)… which of course it is not. If you have concerns about these stores, you should, as a member of the public report your findings to the LA. Unless you are an enforcement officer, you have no enforcement powers within these premises and if you did, you'd be taking the appropriate action. Tread carefully my friend… Regards.

Posted By Saracen11 Hi Anwar, Eh? The Local Authority enforce this type of premises not HSE... What capacity are you acting in when questioning the employees? Do you ask to include the union rep (if available) when doing this? You should do!!! What is your aim when you approach these premises in this way? Regards

Posted By Ian Mitchell Hi. That is the burden we bear as safety professionals. It just gives you more to fret about as you go about your daily lives!! Ignorance is bliss, and I sometimes wish I could switch off 100% once I leave the office. I tend to bore the missus mischevously when shopping by picking fault over the H+S provision of her favourite clothes stores! Sadly, telling her that she puts her life in danger (not just my wallet) has so far failed to save me any money.... Seriously though, if you are a contracted H+S professional to a private company once you enter a business you are just Joe or Josephine public and you must use their routes of complaint if you feel strongly enough. Even as an independent safety consultant this remains the same. Believe me, I know it is hard when you see blatant disregard, but direct unsolicited interference is best left to those with the rights to exercise it. Regards for the thread though, interesting. Ian M