Posted By TONY Hi Colleagues I'm Chartered MIOSH, MIIRSM and other bits and bobs and have been in this game now for approx 12 years and it seems not a day goes by where i don't see something outside which blasts me away. Last Thursday a Polish tradesman was working on windows in Sloane Square standing on a window ledge with the window closed. No signs of harnesses, MEWPS or anything and because the window was closed he would have to bend down and re-open the window with one hand. Wednesday Bloomsbury Way 3 Chinese men on a european scaffold that was rusting away had no feet adjustment for levelling. Thats not all they were using a ladder as a tressle and another was about to join them on it even though it was bowing in the middle. Pedestrians were walking by while all of this was going on abover their heads oblivious to what might happen. So i goes into the restaurant and ask who is in charge only to be met by a pile 4ft high of MDF dust and a mist in the air i spoke with the owner who had very poor english and told them my concerns. I called Camden Council and it took 36hrs for someone to get back to me only for them to say well what can we do under staffed etc. Friday (today) Sloane Square two fitters installing a canopy standing on the tops of wooden rope steps. All of the above are happening with frightening frequency and then you read about HSE inspectors being layed off. Wheres it all gonna end lets forget the conkers in playgrounds and pears falling off trees and concentrate on the real life issues out there. The HSE and EHO can't meet the demand as things stand and I think by allowing us professionals to stop dangerous works where we see problem could assist them. ie email the local authority a copy of the report for them to investigate. Anyone wanting copies of the photos i have taken for training purposes please email me direct. Good weekend all

Posted By B Smart Guess you don't have to go to Greece or Spain to see the above. (mind you the weather is much better there). Seen something similar in Belfast last week, it is happening everywhere and getting worse. B. Smart