Posted By J Knight Hi Squirrel, I had a similar problem a few years ago; what I did was 'purely by coincidence' issue fresh general instructions about what I had been told was going on, and visited the sites where I had heard there was a problem. I was able to get my evidence all by myself without anybody knowing that I had had a tip-off, John

Posted By Merv Newman I agree. You have to "accidentally" and publicly detect the problem yourself. Why not chat with some of the workers asking them how to do a particular job for which the particular chemical be be of great help ? Merv

Posted By Fred Pratley If this chemical (interested to know what it is) poses such signifcant risk, do you not a stock record that would guide you towards "illegal" users? If not, use all guns to ensure only those who should have it are made to account for it. Fred

Posted By Pete48 Squirrel, your info seems to suggest that there is a risk assessment or work procedure in place that you now know is not being followed? Whoah, a penny for every time eh? However, you can always use that as a way in. I am sure that the HSE MVR site will have something about isocyanates and/or paint spraying that is recent and relevant. You could use that to prompt a review of current practice that might just include a visit to this location? That way it would be you that "discovers" the issue as part of your review and gives you a process for raising it in a positive way rather than all guns blazing. You know the sort of approach that says things can change over time, chance to confirm that we all still understand the importance of the risk controls and identify any change of work method or emphasis in the risk controls. It might also have the effect of getting managers to check what they should be doing before you arrive and stop any poor practice that has crept in. (maybe not but it does happen) I would counsel you to go into the review with an open mind, when you find differences ask why they are there and not assume that it is for the reasons that the employee has given you. There may be some real practical difficulties in complying with the procedure that needs your help to resolve. I guess I am talking about a stewardship role giving managers feedback on their level of compliance; not an inspection role where you just tell them they are getting it wrong and fix it. Obviously, wherever you find significant non compliance to codes you will need to get agreement on actions. Remember the manager may have dug this hole whilst trying to get out of another more pressing hole. You need to give him a ladder, not hit him over the head with the shovel he used to dig the first hole.

Posted By Exdeeps Ahoy there, If I may play Devils' Advocaat for a moment, is the complainant trying to cause trouble perhaps? Whilst trying to put some bones on the complaint I would also be looking for evidence of malicious intent on the part of the complainant, Just a thought, Jim

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Squirrel The 'riddle' reflects questions about the real culture of your organisation. Senior managers in some cultures operate and honour the principle whereby a trusted competent professional in your role (or a consultant)can receive and use information from employees without disclosing their sources. The board operates on the basis that senior managers act intelligently and accountably on this basis with the result that strong bonds of integrity safeguard everyone, especially when the organisation is under commercial pressure. You may be able to check with a couple of senior managers whether you function in a 'high trust' organisation of this kind. To the extent that you do, you can deal with the challenge you outline with directness and speed.

Posted By Darren J Fraser Have you considered carrying out an audit of various SSOW's including the aforementioned issue and involving all employees at all levels in the areas concerned. Part of the audit could include the following, What is to stop someone from operating outside the specified working area ? and see what response you get. This way you are not singling out any one area

Posted By Squirrel All good suggestions - i appreciate your responses. Taking your advice on board, this afternoon will be a site visit. The COSHH assessments need reviewing, so this should be the perfect opportunity to observe, ask questions, poke about etc. Sad to say that, as of yet there are no SSofW on site etc. As i mentioned earlier, health and safety is very new to the company. A further point to make is that it is a fairly large company, spread over 17 sites across the country, with only me in the h&s department............. If nothing else - its a challenge.

Posted By Squirrel I will certainly try the 'praising' tactic this afternoon. Its not that i deliberately go out of my way NOT to praise employees/managers, its more that recently there has been very little evidence of 'good practice' on certain sites to be able to praise them about. I'm very passionate about my job, and as such the more ways in which i can encourage and inspire employees/managers to work safely etc. the happier i will be each evening as i try and sleep. So far, many a night i lay awake worrying over 'whats not being done'.