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Posted By Paul A. Swift
I contacted the Construction Division of the HSE in London today to ask for some advice.
I was happy with the response I received to my question, although not the answer I wanted. However, the person I was speaking to was unwilling to send me a brief e-mail, which would have only needed to be a few lines at most, and when I asked him for his name, he hung up.
Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this?
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Posted By MAK
Yep, but to be honest not with the HSE. Usually if you get to speak to a construction inspector only, they introduce themselves first.
In the caee of a rude response from any organisation, as long as its not a call centre, I would normally phone back immediately and see if you can get to the same person .
I've learnt to keep the names of the many helpful inspectors and ask for them by name. also useful to keep a record of the query, the date it was raised and the advice provided
Ive also received emails confirming issues and providing further documents.
It doesnt sound like your having a good day.
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Posted By garyh
You can email a query to HSEdirect and they will email back a reply. It won't be quick!! But it will be in writing!
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Posted By Paul A. Swift
Thanks - I resorted to doing this, but really needed something quicker than the potential 10 day turnaround.
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Posted By mark gough2
I work for HSE and i can assure you that we try to answer all questions honestly and openly but we do not know all the answers. The problem with sending back emails to verbal requests is that the information can be taken out of context. Quite often we get requests for information with a ulterior motive either complaints against boss, employee contractor etc.
To respond in writing to only partial information and unknown agenda could cause more problems than solve for practitioners.
We quite happily come out to site on request and are happy to talk through issues, suggest areas to concentrate on or give direct reference to guidance available. Straightforward advice is available at HSE info line.
As a professionals I would discourage anyone from giving out urgent, definitive written advice based on a 2 minute phone call. (wheres the pre planning)
That said there is no need for rude behaviour and the HSE do take complaints very seriously should you wish to take it further.
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Posted By Paul A. Swift
As others suggested, I contacted HSE Direct with my query. I received the follwing response yesterday.
Ref: SWIS-6ZJD8W
Dear Mr Swift
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the principal contractor.
The HSE do not produce specific information to state that the principal contractor should be on site at all times.
As an information service we are only able to provide information that is published in HSE regulations or associated guidance.
For advice/ interpretation on the above subject you will need to speak to your enforcing authority for health and safety.
The enforcing office which covers your workplace is dependent on the nature of the activities carried out at that workplace.
The HSE enforce over premises such as building sites.
The contact details for your local HSE office are -
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Posted By garyh
How utterly unhelpfull!
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Posted By Jim Walker
HSE Direct is manned by Who???
Its just a papering over the cracks scam by civil servants.
Access to decent HSE advice is getting as rare as rocking horse droppings.
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Paul,
I agree but remember that the HSE & LA are there to 'enforce' H&S and as such do give interpretation of legislation (ACoP's etc) and 'informal' advice. If the law is obvious ie shall / shall not then that's a given and easy to enforce.
If they gave you a written response to a certain 'ambiguous' query then if things then went pear shaped they could not 'enforce' coz "well my lord I did it this way as the HSE told me so! and i am now getting prosecuted for it"
I know its frustrating but HSE inspectors will give informal advice on site and when challenged a couple of days later by another HSE inspector on same site and told that this was wrong the first Inspector denied all knowledge of the initial conversation. (recent event)
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