Posted By Hugo I am aware this subject has been raised previously. However it appears that many responses were negative and dismissed the possibility of Zero Harm being achieved. I do view it as a culture and state of mind and do believe it can be achieved with great efforts within a project (construction) over a fixed period. I do also recognise that the site down the road may be suffering from numerous incidents and therefore (accidents will happen)! I aim to brief project and site managers and contractors on the topic and try to explain how it can be achieved through proactive and repeated systems. IE do not walk past - fix it or report it! Method statements and risk assessment - no work to be commenced without the previous being reviewed and approved etc. Effectively I want to see this project being rolled out with belt and braces and everyone being of the same mind in order to achieve the culture and hopefully drive towards the objective. Can anyone provide me with background info on Zero Harm approach and deliverable straight to the point information or statements on how it can be approached and achieved. Thanks

Posted By Sally I don't think any of us would deny that 'zero harm' is achievable with money, committment etc. What I think should be up for debate is whether it is desirable. Every 'conkers bonkers' story we read is actually taking away the chance of an accident happening ie moving towards 'zero harm'. It is a very small chance and society has decided it would prefer to take the risk.

Posted By jayjay Hi Guys ! The site i work on operates a 'zero harm' policy however i dont't think it works as i think it encourages employees to under report, which is not we want. Contractors take items out of the First Aid boxes so either somebody has a nice stash of bandages,plasters etc at home or somebody is having minor injuries which i think is more likely to be the case. Therefore they are not approaching management and reporting this and also not making entries in the accident book. Regards, JJ

Posted By Hugo Thankyou all for your responses. I am seconded to a large company which has unfortunately suffered a number of fatalities over the last number of months. They have a Zero Harm culture (i used to be very synical and call such approaches (POSTER AND PROPOGANDA HEALTH AND SAFETY), but I would really like to see them achieve their goal. Unfortunately I have been in discussion with Managers and H&S Managers who seem to believe, injury and death is inevitable. Similar to a calculated military attack. Difference being - there are more fatalities amongst UK construction workers than UK troops in hostile environments today. I really need a message to send to these people and a method of educating them to the fact they need to exercise all they read, write and say in regards to H&S in order to achieve Zero Harm and not give up at the Site Security entrance. Thanks again.

Posted By Adrian1 with 'Zero Harm' it can all depend how you're going to pitch it because the term 'Zero Harm' is a very negative statement which can easily lead to a feeling of impossibility by those whom you wish to have participating in the scheme. As soon as an incident occurs then the zero element has failed and if the incident involved harm then that part of the statement is no longer true. If however you really want to run with this type of campaign then in my experience you need to directly involve those personnel who have the most potential for being harmed i.e. the workforce. Consultation at a site level is a real key as it allows them to table their own ideas and points to assist the process, plus when you have the workforce suggesting ideas which they subsequently see being implemented then they are far more likely to work to them but they also feel part of the process. Hope this helps a little.