Posted By nickyjp Hi I have recently secured an interview with a company in the manufacturing industry - my background is in construction. Apparently one of the interview stages is where the interviewer takes you into the factory and asks the candidate what kind of changes they would do to make H&S better in different areas. As i am more familiar with building sites than factories, could anyone give me any idea of the areas that i could look at in anticipation of this happening? Also, the recruitment agency mentioned "Behavioural Safety". Would anyone have any examples of Behavioural safety programmes that are in use in the manufacturing industry? Thanks for any replies.

Posted By Mitch Nicky, What is the specific industry sector? Mitch

Posted By Chris Packham Nicky One aspect that you might wish to consider is the potential exposure to chemicals. I find that in many cases my client has identified physical hazards but has not really got to terms with the potential hazards from some of the chemicals that they are using. Where the chemical is extremely hazardous then there is a probability that they will have identified this and taken appropriate precautions, but where the chemical is less hazardous then this may well not be the case, particularly if the hazard is not shown on the safety data sheet. In practice, many of the cases of occupational skin disease that I have to investigate are caused by exposure to chemical(s) that were not considered to be a hazard and where the handling in the workplace leaves a great deal to be desired. You will also find that where gloves are being used as protection then often the wrong gloves are being used or the gloves are being worn well beyond their performance limits. So in the environment you mention I would be looking at metalworking fluid management systems, degreasing solvents, paints and paint spray booth, gloves, lubricants and hydraulic oils, etc., all of which can be significant risks for damage to health. If you would like more on this get in touch direct. Chris

Posted By Mitch Chris is a quicker typist that me!!

Posted By Mitch Nicky, Do you have any local contacts in manufacturing you could visit and pick their brains? Mitch

Posted By nickyjp Thanks very much for all your help lads. Much appreciated. Mitch - I have a few mates who work in a factory and il be speaking to them over the weekend, altough none of them would be in any managerial position.

Posted By PL Marsh Consulting and BST run Behavioural Based Safety Initiatives, you may find something useful on their websites. Also; Go back to basics, look at the signage, are people using the prescribed PPE? Traffic/pedestrian interraction is usually another one companies fall foul on. I'd do you a swap, I'm in manufacturing but am ooking to get into construction. Looks like the grass isn't always greener on the other side?