Posted By Lee Mac Hi All Having worked for the current company for over 7 years now, yesterday I was flabargasted at the company MD's attitude to advice regarding a fairly basic request. The scene was a Pre-Start Meeting regarding a new construction project for a client- only the Principal Contractor employees- a rather large number in attendance. After reviewing a number of issues, all dealt with in a sensible manner, the next issue was Welfare Facilities. I requested the usual be on-site prior to commencing, the MD said it would be a few days before the facilities would reach the site, so the men would have to go without in the meantime. I actually thought he was joking, but unfortunately not, I explained it would be in the PC's & its employees best interest to have these on-site, and to avoid having the Client incurring the wrath of the HSE under the current CDM Regs, lets not go into his view of the CDM-C!. I was told in no uncertain terms that there would be no facilities brought to site for a number of days and that was the end of the story. I being me, couldn't let this lie, I had a word with the Construction Director out of the meeting and thankfully he has since heeded my advice. But to me seeing an MD acting in such a manner to H&S was rather shocking especially considering the meeting had such a high % of the organisation in attendance (whatever happened to the positive message of H&S being championed by the guy at the top??). Am I on my own with this type of image being conveyed by the MD/CEO or is this a common encounter with my fellow H&S profs. Lee

Posted By Lee Mac I have previously had to deal with many others within and outside of the organisation ignoring H&S Rules. But it was the fact that the MD is the one this time is what has really suprised me. Plus the fact that we have just won two contracts in the current economic conditions is something I thought he would be the last to jepordise. Life is full of suprises I guess. Lee

Posted By Crim I was in the same position recently and have had to lower my sights a little regarding welfare facilities on sites. The HSE will allow no welfare on site so long as there are facilities in the near vicinity that are OK to use. Where high risks are present, i.e. concrete where washing facilities are required this is a different story. Initial site set up is usually low hazard! You handled the MD well by getting his agreement out of the meeting.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Lee A brilliant book on business communication wsa published in February: 'Clear Leadership. Sustaining real collaboration and partnership at work', by G Bushe, Davies Black. 2nd edition. 2009 Available from www.amazon.co.uk, it obviously costs a small fraction of any good course on persuasion. If you assimilate what Bushe offers, I guarantee you will see options open to you in the situation you describe that you didn't see recently.

Posted By warderic Garry, we all feel like that at least once a week. We probably have the most underrated job there is. As for this guy doing all these test in a day; I think the RTITB should be informed, you may find out that he is not registered. If someone has an accident following his instruction you would have to live with it.

Posted By Lee Mac Cheers for that guys- I will definitely be looking into purchasing that book. Totally agree with the sentiments regarding having plenty of choice of welfare facilities and the site is near a city centre- so definitely no excuse. But I guess this type of behaviour from the MD is a learning curve for me albeit quite a shocker. Can anyone tell me if there is any Client out there under any form of scrutiny from the HSE re their role under the current CDM Regs- re: Welfare? (By the way not looking for naming names- merely an enquiry) Lee

Posted By IOSH Moderator Ahem, language! One of the few consolations of facing the challenges of difficult "small clumps of turf" is the delight experienced when you discover how to handle the risks in their fangs (as well as choosing appropriate PPE).