I have just found that an electrical isolator switch to a large industrial gas heater was locked off in the "on" position. The previous H&S Manager had this done to stop people using the isolator as an on/off switch, because switching it off at the isolator interfered with the timer. I am now being accused of "interfering" because "its always been like that" and its the easiest thing to do! The lock has been removed. Bolt-croppers had to be used, because the key had been lost. Proper control over the equipment will now be implemented. Some H&S "professionals" don't do the profession any favours by doing such a stupid thing. Have any other people inherited a similar situation?

I remember some years ago when I had to audit some shops belonging to a very well known retailer. The rear fire doors had been chained and padlocked and nobody could find the key. This was the request of the regional manager and safety officer who deemed it a security risk! Heaven knows what would have happened in a real fire!

I have also found: No risk assessments, and I mean none. No training for people using powered pallet trucks. No statutory inspections on lifting equipment. No SSW for anything, including working on the roof. Employees allowed to use MEWP's without the relevant training. To name but a few. As you can imagine its very frustrating... One the plus side. Its keeps me busy! Andy