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#1 Posted : 14 August 2006 23:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By GJB Hi All, Here's a scenario I came across the other day. A small construction company (i.e sole trader plus one labourer, tradesmen are all contracted in) has taken advice to implement a Safety Policy, which I thought was a step in the right direction! Part of the Policy Statements said words to the effect... 'All Management & Site-Foreman should lead by example in terms of best health & safety practice, etc, etc. The owner has now asked, does he have to have that statement in there as when it is hot, although (In his words) he knows he should, he doesn't always wear it and by having a written statement saying that he should, he will get a load of grief (I know, I know! Even more grief if an accident occurs, Inspector calls or it gets reported, aside from the insurance issues)! I am sure this has happened elsewhere, but would be obliged for any constructive responses about how the scenario was satisfactorily concluded. All responses are welcome, but please no-one quoting the law of HWSA, CDM, etc, etc, we know this already. Also, one-upmanship, 'I'm more clever than you' comments are banned!! Thanks in advance all!
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#2 Posted : 15 August 2006 00:38:00(UTC)
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Posted By Crim I come accross this type of attitude all the time and suggest you just take the line that the law is the law and although you don't make the rules but you do have to play by them and recommend they toe the line!. You say the company has decided to implement the policy - obviously they have not decided to implement but barely to follow the guidelines only when it suits them. I have been a self employed consultant for a number of years and have dropped a number of clients recently because of their unwilling to listen to my advice. I can well do without the stress of clients complaining about H & S legislation. If more of us do the same then surely more and more small companies will eventually reailise that we have a job to do and begin to comply with the laws that we try to work to. Thats me on my soap box and it's now off my chest so good luck to you all!
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#3 Posted : 15 August 2006 16:51:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson You could always pay to get a consultant in who could advise you and give impartial advice, however that said if you get the HSE leaflet about keep your shirt on this may help to persuade this chap to toe the line so to speak.
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#4 Posted : 15 August 2006 20:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By GJB Thanks all, He has already had a consultant in who has said that 'yes, he should lead by example', but still he says 'well, you know, when it's hot...' I'm sure as one responder says, this is a common issue. Never gets bothered about until something goes wrong! Then whinges, etc. etc.!
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#5 Posted : 16 August 2006 12:13:00(UTC)
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Posted By B Smart Can I suggest that the advice given above is correct, they should follow the law, however to appease the manager in question suggest that when it is hot reassess the situation by doing a risk assessment for the tasks in hot weather/conditions/environments.
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