Rank: Forum user 
|
Hi everyone,
I've recently starting working for a small engineering company (45 full time employee) as SHE Manager. Most (All) of my experience in health and safety has been with large multi-nationals and as you can guess I'm finding things a bit different, sometimes its difficult to gauge what is simply a different way of doing things, more suited to a small place and what is just wrong. I anticipate this won't be the only time I come to this forum to gauge opinion...
anyway, to the case in hand...
my firm allows each employee to choose their own safety boots, upto a limit of £75 - any less they get a rebate in their wages any more they get a deduction.
I'm certainly not too happy with them selecting thier own, I'm thinking of at least putting together a list of perhaps 7 or 8 which are suitable from them to choose from.
My questions are - 1) should selection from this list be mandatory or simply advised? and 2) is giving in effect a cash incentive to have cheaper boots the right thing to do?
Thanks in advance
Steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Why don’t you like them choosing their own safety gear? They are the ones who are going to wear it. If it is small business then it should not be impossible for you to inspect them to see if
a. They are ordering the right kit
b. Using it correctly( including storing etc)
c. Not nicking it to use at home
If there are any genuine problems then you can deal with them then.
I like the idea of employees being involved in their own PPE selection; it shows a level of engagement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Steve,
You will be better off setting out the criteria you require for your boots/shoes rather than limiting your options. Consider things like toe cap strength, midsole protection, metatarsal protection, chemical resistance etc.
If you try to limit the current system without good reason your job will be made a lot harder as your likely to get some resentment.
You should also keep a log of the type of PPE you issue and to whom,
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
I've no problem with this in principle. There should be a clear specification for the employee to spec. against, and employer has duty and right to inspect what is purchased to ensure it is compliant and suitable.
On a side note, is there an expectation of "life", repeat of £75, and what about loss/defect in general?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
I think you could mandate selection-form-a-list if you wanted - that's just a management decision to do it that way.
I'm dubious about the rebate in their wages approach. It muddies the water still further when looking at the issue of staff not to be required to pay for PPE.
The £75 allowance is quite generous, I think.
We operate a scheme where people get a £60 budget, can choose whatever boots they like from any supplier we have an account with (we have three) as long as they meet a specified spec (basically S3). They can pay a contribution if they want more expensive boots.
The ability to have flexible systems is one of teh joys of a small company - I wouldn't want to eliminate it because a big multi-natiopnal wouldn't do it that way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Hi Thanks for the quick reply everyone.
just to clarify, its £75 a year.
I must admit I never really thought about the engagement aspect, if they've selected it then they are more likely to use it and look after it.
In light of all the advice, I think I will issue a criteria list and perhaps some suggestions as to a number of boots which would satisfy this criteria but leaving them free to spec others if they decide to.
Everyone stay by their keyboards - this wont be my last question!
Thanks again
Steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
We operate a range of 12 styles employees can pick from, they can only go outside that range in exceptional circumstances.
But they pay for any difference in cost.
I feel a bit of a scrooge!! Our range is £30 (Or less), price is not displayed on the poster they pick from and I am always surprised how many like / choose the £15 style.
If they go outside the range offered (By my agreement) they will only get up to £30 back.
For me £60+ seems a bit excessive, unless specific to type of industry, ie: Chemical.
As for life span I expect them to last for 12 months, unless they are faulty or again exceptional circumstance.
Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
rob35 wrote:
For me £60+ seems a bit excessive, unless specific to type of industry, ie: Chemical.
I don't know of an S3 boot that can be had for £30. £60 gives a reasonable choice, but not masses. Arco's cheapest own-brand S3 boot (from a quick skim through the web site - I might have overlooked something) is £45, for example. The last boots I bought for my own personal use were £120. Admittedly, £20 of that would have been VAT (not safety boots), but £60 does not seem profligate to me for a pair of boots I'm expecting someone to wear all day every day, in almost all weathers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.