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Posted By Paul Hay
I light hearted question for a friday with serious undertones.
One of the more difficult parts of a safety practitioners job is to get people to buy in to H&S. It is often seen as a very dull, dry subject administered by equally dull people.
How then do we make H&S more Rock n Roll?
Regards, P.
P.S. I am not suggesting we all get tattoos and start trashing our hotel rooms - mind you, now I think about it...
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Posted By Philby'
....and whats wrong with tatoos?
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Posted By Nigel Hammond
Good thread! - I suspect this might be a popular one.
Here are my suggestions:
1, stop being serious! I think too many H&S advisers take themselves too seriously. It's why people laugh at us. We should get the laugh in first! Lets laugh at ourselves more.
2, humour is not enough, we need to be completely immature and cheeky as well - it relaxes people and stops them finding us scary.
3, communicate in plain English using punchy newsletters and training courses etc.
4, never bore people with legislation to get an argument across - unless it is asked for.
5, encourage some risk taking (within reason) to shake off the risk averse image - (the stopping people having fun reputation).
6, Ban tweed jackets, clipboards and beards
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Posted By Gilly Margrave
Do I seem to remember that Philby used to have green hair? ... and Nigel if I tried to grow a beard that really would be an achievement!
Gilly
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Can just see the 'stuffy if its not broken dont fix ' brigade oooomping and cafuffling now! Young wippersnappers!! However it is broken and needs fixing!
Cant agreee more!
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Posted By The toecap
Try having a laugh at some things that we see on TV. When doing a presentation for example, show a clip of Basil Fawlty falling off a ladder as he tries to look through a window. People will remember that and mix it in to working at height etc. People have to stop being so bland and damn boring. Try variety its the spice of life.
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Posted By Philby'
Gilly,
green hair once, it didn't suit, neither did orange...purple twice, usually black, sometimes with red or purple streaks, 'badger' twice and primary red many times...now losing hair and working within HR so mohican had to go, (and 'advised' it shouldn't come back)...unlike when I worked within 'your organisation'...
its not necessarily 'us' safety folk, its those who employs us that haven't a sense of humour...look at Richard dry but witty, but the message sometimes gets 'lost in the post' when talking to the bean counters, managers etc....
Philby'
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Posted By Julian Meer (at Work)
I await the advent of the "Celebrity Safety Advisor" and look forward to seeing them attending BAFTA's and beset by paparatzi. At least this would get us on the tele.
My old boss, a good old fashioned yorkshire man with a mind like a laser beam would be just perfect. He was a safer version of good old Fred Dibnah. Where are you Bob? Please step forward.
Failing that what about getting a Chartered Member into the next Big Brother as there seem enough hazards - violenece, bullying, stress, work at height, infectious foot diseases?
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Posted By Nigel Hammond
I'm in a band - just a covers band. No smashing TVs through hotel windows or leather trousers - so not rock'n'roll. Even so, when one of my colleagues found out she said, "cool.. we thought you were just a boring H&S person".
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Posted By Philby'
Whoops, hope Richard didn't read my last post...
I meant the humour is dry, not him!!!!
Philby'
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Posted By Gilly Margrave
Hi Philby,
I hope Richard isn't following this - "dry" I can cope with but if I tell him you said he is "witty" we'll never get his head through the door.
Gilly
Of course I could just dob you in and forward this to him!
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
I used to start telling bad jokes when people came late into site inductions until they had filled in the relevant forms and got ready - marvellous how the others speeded up the waiting period!!!!
I can also narrate a story about a run up with relevant authorities over CITES A list of flora and the stupidities of the rules governing listed plants.
It is a serious issue though particularly on training courses. They all have the same boring structure - 1st Legislation, 2nd Duties etc ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. OH we'll have a video Great!!! its about brickies and manual handling - I'm an electriZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
When will we change?
Bob
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Posted By IT
Must agree with Nigel,
Take a risk have a laugh ,OWN up to mistakes and say I don't know ,but will find out .
Don't "Quote Legislation" by chapter and verse ,use Plain speak.(Don't say because the LAW SAYS SO).
Ask questions
Find the problems and give suggestions where you can
BAN THE CLIPBOARDS
Dress down occasionally.
And yes what is wrong with Tattoos ?
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Posted By The toecap
When people mentioned tattoos. For a minute there i thought you all meant the little fella off fantasy island. I saw loads of them saying 'boss the plane'
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Posted By Paul Hay
Thanks for the responses so far - I do honestly think this is something we need to address.
Nothing wrong with tatoos, have a couple myself (don't tell my mum!!). I was thinking of having ERICPD across my lower back, just like Mr Beckham!
Regards, P.
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Posted By IT
Ok Toe who told you I was short and resembled Tattoo,
and in fact it was one of my more metionable nicknames given by the guys on the shop floor (usually laughing BTW).
;)
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Posted By Andy Walker
Less pomposity more frivolity and for gods sake learn to laugh at yourself
A
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Posted By Glyn Atkinson
Message to Nigel Hammond - there's nothing wrong with being in a covers band, so am I !!
Playing drums - what an ace stress reliever, put the manager's photo on the head and give it hell !!!
Rock on , brother, ..... by the way, do you use in ear monitors for playback?
Emtek Noisebreakers, useful against very loud music, workplace noise.... and my wife's vigourous snoring !!! Yes they're THAT good !!
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Posted By John Lewis
Yesterday I did a manual handling session with some storemen. It included a PowerPoint presentation and so while we waited for the inevitable late arrival (he did have a note from his mother) I tried to convince the guys already there that I was not stuffy by showing them some of the jokey e.mails I have had.
It certainly lightened the mood and they were the most attentive, interested audience I think I have ever had. We also tried the old "The riskiest thing I ever did was............" question and I came to the conclusion that I have led a sheltered life.
At the end one of the guys said,in front of the rest, that if I had any more info' on H&S generally then they would be happy to see it! What a brilliant comment to receive; made my day.
Best Regards
John
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Posted By Nigel Hammond
Hi Glyn
Nice to talk to another H&S bod/musician. Correction, I mean H&S bod/drummer! (Only joking!)
I'm a keyboard player, I wear ear plugs but can't remember what make they are. I got them from a drum shop. I had to go in a room while the shop assistant smashed a load of cymbols. I tried on different sizes until I found one that made a difference. Not very scientific but I don't get as much ringing in my ears after a gig. I find I have to turn the eq up on the higher frequencies on my foldback monitor to make up for the attenuation of the ear plugs.
A thing that I can't understand with drummers is why most have one of those great big coffin sized boxes with all their metal work inside - it's a manual handling disaster. Do you have one? or have you found a way to carry your equipment seperately? I use a folding sack barrow for my gear which is very good. I know quite a few drummers who suffer from various forms of RSI - but it must be worth it - especially being able to bash out all your frustrations!
I find some agents and venews ask for PAT testing and PL insurance now. H&S - it's like a disease - it spreads verywhere - and it's all our fault!
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Posted By Lynne Ratcliffe
I got most attention for taking care when i turned up with my wrist in plaster having hit it with a pickaxe handle at home whilst mowing the lawn (very long story)!!!!!! oh my, did every one think that was jolly!! for months you could hear be careful you know what she did! our accident rate went down!!!!!??????????
lead by example?
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Posted By John McFeely
I was just wondering - Are there any more safety advisors/reps/professionals out there who can play a musical instrument? It might be a good idea to form a band and produce some songs to make us trendy. I can see it now, songs like 'Risk Assessment Bob' or 'I love COSHH'. Any further sugestions?
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Posted By Martin R. Bessant
I wish to protest about the shameful comments about beards!
I have had "face fungus" for over 40 years (apart for a few years when I was in the T.A.) and have never had any complaints. In fact removing it is considered grounds for divorce by my wife.
I promise that there is no twead jacket or clipboard in my protective equipment but just the ability to spot breaches of the AUG's on the website with eagle like vision.
Two of the moderators proudly wear beards so that no-one can read our facial expressions and we often have a laugh at some of the less serious threads on this forum.
Enjoy the thread and have a good weekend!
Martin Bessant - Lead Moderator.
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Posted By Gary IMD(UK)
I'm all for 'Glamming' up H & S!
I operate a training consultancy, and yes, we do H & S training/learning! There are many many ways that you can inject enthusiasm, enjoyment, etc. Our philosophy is 'Learning through fun'... Not to be mistaken for 'not taking things seriously'! I'm a trainer first, however... should anyone want some help with ways to turn H & S more Rock 'n' Roll, let me know!
Regards, Gary
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Posted By Charley Farley-Trelawney
Martin
Wow; mega impressed with the response you have just made. See guys, sense of humour is prevalent within IOSH after all!!!!LOL
Shaved mine off, (methinks I look younger) botox considered, (no comments please)
Great post, one of the best!
CFT
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Would the H & S rock band be 'Men without (safety) hats'?
Paul
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Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke
Or we could go pop, with
Girls Aloud and "Epidemiology".
Sugar Babes - "push the button" if it has a label on it.
Meatloaf - "Iwould do anything for safety...
Britney Spears (or Joan Jett) - "I Love H&S"
Linda
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Posted By John McFeely
What about Elvis' 'You aint nothin but a safety pro' or 'Jailhouse Audit'?
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Posted By Miss B
A good sense of humour is a key requirement. Don't take things personally and good communication skills. I work mainly in construction communicating to all levels.
I see some H&S professionals who view themselves as too important to sit with the guys digging the holes to discuss their job and have a general chat with the guys. Always invite the opinions of the people performing the tasks.
As a female in a heavily dominated environment it has been tough at times. I have learned not to be too serious in my approach but staying professional, because I involve those performing the task they involve me, working together we are acheiving a high standard of safety on site.
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Posted By Brett Day
Had a course tutor who's opening line was 'So then whats all the fuss about this health & safety b(censored)s then ??'.
As for rock 'n' roll, what about:
Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins
Rescue Me - Martha and the Vandellas
Gimme Shelter - Rolling Stones
Burning Down the House (for the fire safety consultants here)
Men at Work - Men at Work (sorry ladies)
Dangerous Type - The Cars
Save Me - Queen
Safety - Beth Orton
PS: There is a company called chainsaw safety records.
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Posted By Brett Day
Nigel - most drummers don't worry about the boxes they leave it to the poor crew/roadies ditto lampies.
Did a get in where they onlly needed twelve channels for the lighting, so they got a forty eight channel monster of a lighting desk, thing was 4'x8' and weighed far too much but lampy was happy with his 'toy'.
Cue jokes about lampies and noise boys....
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Posted By Merv Newman
I've always liked "it's raining men"
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Posted By Stuey
great posts in this thread, at last some dinosaur slaying!!!!!
My tip is KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! Wrongly percieved or flippant remarks can lose you cred straight away. Gauge the mindset of the audience and temper your manner to the lowest common denominator. I work for an old established construction company so you always get the "empire builders and I remember whens" in, I just make sure everyone takes part, no hiding from me! If one gets embarassed, we all get embarrassed. At some open uni summer schools, the tutors were musicians ( no not with huge kipper ties and beards!) who always started seminars by having a forced, accompanied sing song, which stunned us into receptive submission, the best being a drummer!Woke everyone up least.
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Posted By Stuey
LOLER - The Kinks?
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Posted By Philby'
I play bass, badly, and the harmonica, even worse...
what about:
'complete control' and 'remote control' the clash
'going undergound' the jam
'operators manual' buzzcocks
'smash it up' and 'neat, neat, neat' the damned
'poison street' new model army
'down in the sewer' the stranglers
'last exit for the lost' the nephilim
..bit of a theme really
Philby'
Philby'
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Posted By Philby'
oo,
forgat about the Leeds bandone of my mates is in....
'Abrasive Wheels'
he'd never forgive me if he found out I didn't plug anywhere and everywhere!
Philby'
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Posted By Glyn Atkinson
Reply to an earlier question in the thread - my huge "box a bits" is now down to three smaller boxes that fit into the rear of a saloon car, and less manual handling by using a set up rack system for mounting toms on.
Reminds me of shiny chrome scaffolding so don't feel so lost away from work !! Six clips and five holders to fasten and I'm away with the mixer, as it were!!!
Don't forget that ol' Cliff Eurovision classic - "PUWER to all our friends !!!"
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