Posted By Mick154 Where to go next After writing to my employer outlying issues over the past 12months and the last 4 week being met with threats of violence and abuse, and being ordered off (on three occasions) site and told not to come back again,when trying to investigate 3 dangerous occurrences. Pointing out to my past employer (as of last night) that they may be in breach of section 2 HSWA and section 7 (b) of the same only to be told if its making you ill then leave now 5pm last night There’s a lot more to this but have been advised they will take legal advice over the letter I wrote This all started at the end of March and some of you replied to my works name on the 1st April “who should do what and who is responsible” So what should I do leave H/S after 10 years as the experience has left a bad taste or should I try again

Posted By Mart Without trying to sound defeatist, leave if it's making you ill. I was in a similar position several years ago. It is a very hard decision to make but i guess you're not enjoying your work at the moment. Leaving was definitely the best decision i made. I'm still in safety but life is now much better and healthier for me and my family. None of us go to work to be abused! Hope this helps, Good luck Mart

Posted By Andy Petrie I'd have a quiet word with your HSE inspector, when they get prosecuted they'll maybe appreciate what you were trying to tell them.

Posted By Crim Hi Mick, Sad to hear your story, I wasn't quite so bad off when I started in construction safety, the lads on site called me a tosser but the MD said that just proved to him that I was doing my job properly. IOSH members have access to legal assistance, I would contact them and ask about a possible claim for constructive dismissal? And also speak to the HSE, as the saying goes, "don't get angry - get even!" Certainly move on and stay in H & S if you feel you can get through this stress. While out of work you could even try self employment, or agency work. I went self employed 3 years ago and have not looked back since. I can now choose who I work for and when. Good luck!

Posted By Christopher Kelly Mick I have every sympathy for you. I have worked for 3 employers like this and, despite being large and able to handle myself that isn't much use if you have any morals. I ended up giving evidence against my own boss / neighbour following an accident and, to this day he still hasn't put things right, HSE don't appear to be interested now that they got their fine! Afterwards he had the cheek to try and blame me for the accident in court (after I had left the company). Stick with it - there are good employers out there, my present and last one have been excellent, although there are individual bad apples within every organisation. Unfortunately we are in the sort of job where often everyone hates us. I have been making an effort to make people realise recently that much bad publicity is due to insurance companies and saving money -nothing to do with health & safety people - it seems to make people think. By the way I mean stick with h&s not your employer, get onto his insurance company / HSE etc and tell them what he is up to, and move on ! At the end of the day there are people out there who are quite happy to kill and maim people - if they are prepared to do that they aren't bothered about upsetting you. Many people I know cannot believe that such people exist but there are lots who care only about themselves and money. On the other hand there are lots of good people - when you get into a firm with a good safety culture you will find things totally different - just bide your time. All the best ! Regards,

Posted By William Am I the only one who thinks that people with an career/interest in health and safety should have their own union so that issues such as this can be dealt with swiftly and shown that it is unacceptable, I do not believe unions at the current moment in time deal with this effectively as the workers who are threatening violence will also be a member of the same union and there will be a conflict of interests for any shop steward.

Posted By Scotty Mick, My sympathies are with you, for what they're worth. Stick with it - we are all in this job to ensure that people are able to work and generally go about their business as safely and as unobtrusively as possible. You don't wish to see anyone injured or suffer as a result of work activity - remember that. These numpties you used to work for aren't worth the air they breath. They don't appear to care for anything apart from themselves - I agree with approaching the HSE and let them get in about them. Failing that, consider Garry's advice again...............! Keep your chin up - not every employer acts like this. Someone will appreciate your input, skills and experience. Good luck mate.