Posted By Merv Newman You know what we think. Just trying to spoil my weekend aren't you ?

Posted By awykes This is a stereotypical "little england [or other country of choice], I'll run my business my way, bugger the red tape, you volunteered to work for me and that includes taking really stupid and avoidable risks that can kill and maim" This is the typical attitude of small organisations. They do state that you volunteered to work for them. However the law sees it different. In civil law, case law precedents state that you go to work unwillingly and do not volunteer.

Posted By Geoff Burt And I would say you all need to make sure you get the facts before jumping in. Do a quick search on John's inputs to this forum and you will see he has a very black and white view of the world and is very quick to criticise- we may be seeing just one side of it. Could this be a safe practice - it depends on the circumstances and if any live terminals are adequately insulated, or is it just undesirable. But it is not up to us professionals (a breed you have criticised a number of times in the past John!) to voice an opinion from a distance. John - if in your opinion it is unsafe bring in the HSE or LA. It is no use wasting time soliciting opinions on this forum if people are at risk. Geoff

Posted By Geoff Burt ''Also, this isn't a matter of jumping to conclusions and applying the H&S sledgehammer as a nut-cracker; employment law expectations apply as well and the stated conditions would appear to be a clear breach of contract. '' Until you've seen 'a' contract how can you possibly know what is a 'clear' breach and what isn't? A better example of jumping in I couldn't have made up. In any case the point is safety and IF there is a real risk it should be stopped now, not pontificated over. Supply the company name John and I'll report it. OK?

Posted By John Murgatroyd The terminals within the enclosure (a cabinet about 700x1000x200) are not covered in any way, since the enclosure is supposed to be closed when live. I already know about the various regs...but as the guy says "its going to be fixed in a few weeks" I have already refused to have anything to do with the machine...and I'm not telling porkies either...the machine has been the subject of a H&S order before, when the inspectors wandered in and it was being used with the guards swung away...but what the heck...... In actual fact (small company, 21 employees inc management) the constructive dismissal route is no good....try getting a job with an industrial tribunal case in your past.