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Posted By maddog RM
I work for one of the largest construction companies in the UK. We have had 3 site visits lasting almost a full day each time by the HSE in the last 2 months. No notices issues- many good comments on what we are doing correct.
I pass a new build housing site on my way home each evening with a couple of the UK's largest developers managing the works. The roads are always filthy from site traffic, workers working using power saws wearing no PPE causing noise and dust that could harm members of the public. We see fork lifts driving with out of gauge unsecured loads, scaffolders not wearing harnesses- never mind not being clipped on and obviously working unsafely with immediate risk of serious injury.
HSE statistics tell us that housebuilders and small sites with one man and a van type contractors and more likely to have an accident at work.
I have no issue with the HSE visiting my site every week but given their lack of resources I believe that they should be concentrating their efforts where they can be most effective. Is it the fact that I make good coffee or are the HSE not reading their own statistics and looking in the right places?
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Posted By Merv Newman
Maddog (may I call you Mad ?)
A small site would probably result in a mouthful of abuse and maybe a small fine. Also the risk of being run over by a truckie with no visibility. Cheap contractor would then move on to the next job. No worries.
Visiting your site gets the HSE person a pleasant reception, free coffee and a day in the sun. And no report to write up.
Which would you choose ?
Solution : burn the coffee.
Merv (being a bit cynical on Friday)
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Posted By Heather Collins
HSE simply don't have the resource to visit and check every small site. Solution - a quick anonymous phone call from you.
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Posted By maddog RM
Heather,
an anonymous phone call is 'so last year' when I have a digital camera and I can make up a email address as I like. Then they can't deny the issue.
My main issue was why pester me when the real culprits are getting away with it scot-free.
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Posted By Peter Moran
It may be that you are being visited by inspectors from other disciplines eager to gain experience in construction. As I understand it, the construction units in the HSE were directed to move many of their highly specialised construction inspectors who were already overstretched into other areas of industry. Naturally, this didn't go down very well and a number 'walked' I believe.
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Posted By John Murgatroyd
They do inspections of smaller contractors. They usually result in the site being closed until the [many] faults have been rectified.
They also prosecute in many cases. A while ago they organised a "blitz" on about 20 small sites....all but one got notices issued.
I think you're feeling a bit miffed. Get over it.
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Posted By Tabs
It may be as simple as they haven't seen the other site ... why not help them by dropping them a line? Obviously the site management need help to understand their responsibilities.
I helped some scaffolders accross the road in a similar manor in the summer - great improvements made after the visit.
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