Rank: Forum user 
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I am curious as to how many H&S professionals, if any, disobey their own H&S rules at times. Like taking a short cut across workplace across a traffic route rather then using a walkway, or using a table to change a light bulb instead of getting out a set of steps.
I would be surprised if anyone admitted to anything serious, but minor forgetting to obey your rules. After all we are all human and tend to make mistakes.
Mike
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Rank: Super forum user
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Yes otherwise I'd have to question why they were introduced in the first place and remove them. I'd also loose credibility and find it difficult to do my job.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Always, otherwise it becomes harder to convince people that they need to follow the rules for thier own safety.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I always set an example if the rules we are talking about are my rules because if we do not follow our own rules who will - U all know where I am coming from here as I will always publicially dispute unecessary rules
Even today after working for a number of years in what is seen generally as a low risk area if somebody has a leaving do in an office and booze is present I always leave the event as the booze gets opened [this is not a tale --- I still remember my petrochemical standards] as the rule is that no booze should be consumed whilst at work
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Rank: Super forum user
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I work in a high risk factory, so all the rules are there to protect the workers, I always set an example to the employees, and take every opportunity to reduce the risks to the workforce,
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Rank: Super forum user
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I'm going straight to hell for this - I quite often take my hard hat off to scratch me head...!
Also, you try doing less than 15 mph for half a mile on a straight road on a motor bike.....! (or in a car for that matter)
Jim
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Rank: Super forum user
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Are you guys telling me you all stay within the rules of your occupational driving policy - honestly?
Or is that different!
How many of you exceed the speed limit, drive for longer than suggested in the policy without taking a break, fiddle with your phone, drink coffee, eat sandwiches etc....
tut tut!
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Rank: Forum user
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I definitely try and stay within the rules whenever I am on a site, but I am human and sometimes get distracted just like anyone else. What I always make sure I do is thank anyone who points out the errors -treat people as you would want to be treated as a mentor once said to me.
I would have to admit that I get sarcastic comments at home for some things I do - for example crossing a road when there is no traffic but the crossing lights haven't turned red etc.
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Rank: Super forum user
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SP900308 wrote:Are you guys telling me you all stay within the rules of your occupational driving policy - honestly?
Or is that different!
How many of you exceed the speed limit, drive for longer than suggested in the policy without taking a break, fiddle with your phone, drink coffee, eat sandwiches etc....
tut tut!
Again - I'm probably going to go to Hell for this one too, but yes, I do occasionally speed (when it is safe to do so, etc., etc.). I occasionally eat/ drink spmething when I'm driving (again, I suppose I must subconsciously carry out a 'dynamic risk assessment', as I only do it when it is 'safe' to do so - never in rush hour, and never on a motorway).
However, I NEVER fiddle with my phone. I do have a built in hands free system in the car, but am extremely selective about when I answer a call.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I always stick to the rules- as others have said, how can you expect people to follow then when you don't. And you can always guarantee that someone will be there to see you.
One of the Managers at my last place was walking through the warehouse with no safety shoes. It was mandatory that ppe was worn. It was mentioned by a union rep.
Andy
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Like others have said, I try to set a good example otherwise people will have no respect for rules or me. That said, I have my foibles as illustrated by SP900308 from time to time, which proves that a) I'm human after all; and b) some of the rules are plain daft.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Always follow the rules on site. If there is rule that “gets in the way” and you can safely ignore it then I get rid of that rule!
Simples
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Rank: Forum user
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Always follow your own rules, but be human whilst doing it.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hands up time for zimmy. I have had the odd electric shock. My own fault ALL of the time. So, yes, I do forget my own guide lines.
Shame faced... :-(
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Rank: Super forum user
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As previously suspected, I don't believe anyone who says they do:
Do you take regular breaks from DSE use?
Do you always remember to sign-out when visiting site?
Do you report all near misses?
Always carry out a risk assessment before visiting a site, carrying out a survey etc?
Really?
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Rank: Forum user
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The one thing i've found since getting in to H&S 8 years ago is that it kind of ingrains itself in your life.
You assess risk all the time, even at home, i wouldnt dream of changing a light bulb now without getting the big steps out, i even bought an RCD for lawnmower some years ago.
Drivings the same, i've a hands free kit but i switch my phone off when i'm mobile and other than a stick of gum, i never eat or drink in the car whilst i'm driving.
Life at work is the same, if its in the rules, i comply, i dont even look for a way round it and i assess the risk to myself all the while i'm on the shop floor.
So yes, hand on heart, part of being a H&S practitioner means you do what you do, naturally, and safely.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Forgetfulness ion relation to things like signing out, or weraing a hi-vis waistcoat when arriving back to the site where that rule exists after a three week break is in my humble opinion different than simply flouting rules, especially if I have done the risk assessment and set the controls.
There are plenty of eyes on me and I agree with other posts that the job would become untennable if we adopted the "do what I say, not as I do" approach to H&S.
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Rank: Super forum user
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But how do we approach the 'forgetfulness' element when auditing / inspecting etc?
Non compliance? Failure of a Management System?
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Rank: Forum user
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I suppose an extension to this question has to be - to what extent do you apply yourself to safe practices in the domestic environment?
I rarely do - but when I do, it's when I forsee a likely and serious risk to me personally or family. I happily live with loads of other risks daily, and don't really mind. I live life in a common sense and proportional way -like the man on the Clapham omnibus, perhaps eh?
Do you follow?...
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Rank: Forum user
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As stated elsewhere; I try to stick to rules at all times as I think we must lead by example, but have undoubtedly over the years made the occasional faux pas.
Definitely remember once walking into an area that was a mandatory eye protection zone, had my safety glasses still perched on my forehead (not coz it looks cool, but because I had been auditing other areas some requiring eye protection and others not). Was great that an employee came straight over to me and said “Oi you should now better”, thanked him for being so vigilant.
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Rank: Super forum user
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ctd167 wrote:The one thing i've found since getting in to H&S 8 years ago is that it kind of ingrains itself in your life.
You assess risk all the time, even at home, i wouldnt dream of changing a light bulb now without getting the big steps out, i even bought an RCD for lawnmower some years ago.
Drivings the same, i've a hands free kit but i switch my phone off when i'm mobile and other than a stick of gum, i never eat or drink in the car whilst i'm driving.
Life at work is the same, if its in the rules, i comply, i dont even look for a way round it and i assess the risk to myself all the while i'm on the shop floor.
So yes, hand on heart, part of being a H&S practitioner means you do what you do, naturally, and safely.
Speak for yourself. I mow the lawn in bare feet, stand on swivel chairs, speed, eat and drink whilst driving. But I don't use a phone when driving, not even hands free, check the qiualifications of gas fitters and electricians and won't let hubby buy a chainsaw unless he also buys some chainsaw trousers. We all have a different level of perceived risk even in our home lives. But I openly admit that to my clients because I'm a human being at the end of the day and H&S is just a job to me. What I do in my private life is up to me and my perception of the level of risk seems to be at a lower level than many other practitioners, maybe becuase I do dangerous sports. Well actually I don't think any of the sports I do are dangerous but the genral public may disagree.
Luckily I don't have a 'site' I work from so when on customers premises I willingly do what I'm told with regards to site rules.
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Rank: Forum user 
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I generally TRY to stick to the safety rules but I am only human
Reminded of what happened in the last couple of weeks at home - have new conservatory so was wiring up the new fuse box and smacked the back of my hand against the house live wire - was wearing plastic shoes, ali ladder, not earthed etc. 'driver across room (and nicely fetched by one of my dogs and brought back "here dad, you dropped this..."). However, later using power tools to cut up wood and plasterboard, ensured every small piece was clamped and tools used correctly.
My uncle, on the other hand (or now - lack of...) usually advocates H&S at every turn, used an electric plane but did not clamp down the piece being abused; the piece moved and he planed off the end of two fingers.
We all make mistakes and I hope that we all learn from them (I did, reminded myself I hate working near live electrical cable...).
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Rank: Super forum user
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Clairel,
Your post highlights an important factor in terms of risk management - perception of risk.
As you admit to perceiving risk 'lower' than others, how can we all 'sing from the same hymn sheet' as a fraternity?
One practitioner will implement control measures that they feel are 'RP', you may have a completely different approach to risk management. This could be a confusing influence on client expectations if they engage your services or A N Other consultant from the OSHCR.
This is not meant to be a criticism just an acknowledgement to the way we all manage Health and Safety from our own little silos.
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Rank: Super forum user
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SP900308
I think that comes down to being able to suitably communitate one's justification with regard to respective perceptions.
If someone cannot fully explain their reasoning with the receptive party being able to understand, then this IMO is where the perception problem becomes apparent.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Nick,
With all due respect, perception based on what is 'RP' is only really challenged when it all goes 'pear shaped' and the person with the curly wig highlights the RP merits / failings.
There is seldom an agreement on this forum as we all interpret what is / isn't RP, the gravity of risk, is it Reportable etc.
It all appears a bit chaotic and random to me! As I'm sure it does to others in the outside world!
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Rank: Forum user
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Your right Claire, your perception of risk is obviously lower than mine, just let me know which hospital your in next time you mow the lawn and i'll bring you some grapes, assessing the risk prior to the visit and issue of the fruit of course ;-)
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Rank: Forum user
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I,m with Clarel..
I have very little notion of safety whatsoever at home or at play; be it very loud music, lack of PPE, working at height, they all get the treatment.
Probably is a failing in my persona, but i guess good old common sense has worked thus far.
Happy to say i also got a mate to do some electical work around the house this weekend and didnt even check to see if his competency cards were in date.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I have to wear safety glasses to peel onions!
When I'm doing DIY I do tend to wear safety glasses if I'm using power tools and there's not many tasks I can't do in a pair of rigger gloves.
However! I do this because of the alarming regularity with which I can get something in my eye or bash my knuckles otherwise. It's almost guaranteed!
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Rank: Forum user
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Going a little of track
There are times when normal rules are broken for the best of reasons.
There was a recent thread on visits by high profile persons.
Without going into details you will find that you can not say no to personal protection
officers. I use roof access as an example.
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