Posted By May Warley
Hi everybody,

I hv just noticed a production staff using earpiece on both his ears to listen to music on the production floor now!!!! I intend to report him to his supervisor but I need to get this right before I do so.

Is he allowed to use just one earpiece or none at all while at work? Thanks in advance.

May

Posted By May Warley
Hi Tabs,

I'm still new in this H&S position, having only completed the 'Managing Safely' course, which was my first H&S course a week ago.

I am not aware of which legislation to apply but I thought that you might get into a near miss/accident if your colleague tries to warn you on something and you can't hear him/her.

I am open to opinions as like I've said, I'm very new in this position.

Thanks
May

Posted By Tabs
Hi May,

No problem, if you have a local policy (perhaps in the employee handbook or the like) then you could bring it to the supervisor's attention and ask for correction.

If you don't, then perhaps you would like to think about discussing it with senior management to introduce such a policy?

Your mini risk assessment is right that someone listening to a personal stereo may be distracted and may be difficult to warn of danger ... so maybe it does warrant a policy. Try doing a formal assessment and involve those on the production line.

Don't worry about being new to the job, it looks as though you have an eye for the detail. I would just offer the advice to go through the thought process of:

1. is it a problem?
2. is it against a law? (if so look up which one) If yes, then stop it.
3. is it against a local policy? (if so look up which one) If yes, then stop it.

If 1. is "yes" and 2. & 3. "no" - then maybe you need to think about a local policy.