Dear All, I have been recently appointed as a Junior Health and Safety Officer in a construction Company which is my first job in the health and safety field. I am currently based on a site. After completing my NEBOSH Certificate & currently doing my Diploma, I have gained a lot of knowledge but applying the knowledge in the construction field is practically impossible as many terms used on site and work activities are unfamiliar. Do I need to acquire additional skills, for e.g. taking a diploma in construction from city and guilds to get familiar with the job activities? Problems arising on site are: Although a health and safety policy is in place, practically 95% of it is being ignored as implementing the procedures and arrangements are costly. Management does not want to invest in trainings. No health and safety management such as HSG65 is implemented which I proposed in having but the management (including safety manager and officers) are not aware of it. The current legislation is practically insignificant. Scaffolding regulations have been enforced by the government without even having provision. E.g. Competent persons are required to erect and dismantle scaffolding. No training centre is available to give these training which has lead to a polemic and again a change in regulation is being done. The maximum fine paid for breach of the legislations are practically insignificant which thus makes the management not caring for the health and safety of the organisation. E.g. Most Supervisors (Foremen) are illiterate- They do not even know how write their name. They cannot fill a simple checklist. There is no work methodology in carrying out activities which makes risk assessments hard to be done. Basic risk assessments are being carried out. Workers do not bother about health and safety. Jobs such as masonry, carpentry are being done by workers having no qualifications. Banksman appointed have not been trained by competent organizations(no organisation available to provide training locally). Sub Contractors (providing skill labourers) do not even bother about health and safety as they cannot even afford to buy basic PPEs( safety helmet, shoes) as the workers are not permanent; buying equipment for that person today, the next day that same person may stop working which eventually becomes a cost issue. Any idea how to control/manage health and safety in such an atmosphere?

If you are the junior I am concerned about what the "senior" has been doing. Cartainly I think without experienced mentoring at work you are going to be set up to fail. To be honest there are many construction contractors who are like this and unless you have the necessary authority you will be treated as the gofor person. Bob

What Country are you in Nikhil?

Constrcction Cert would help with the terminology and industry specifics. In UK we also have CITB Constructionskills providing training to all concerned. I've no idea what the industry standards are in Mauritius for construction, but your description suggests it isn't great. You need to seek direction and perhaps additional mentoring from your more senior Health and Safety Colleagues. There also has to be a clear understanding of the expectations of Senior Management for your role. If you've more than 50 employees there should be a Policy for starters, and local law requires a H&S committee to be established?