Hi all

Im just asking a general question to get peoples thoughts!!

I have recently visited a site which is working on the hard shoulder of the Motorway, after raising a concern/issue with the "Orange" demarcation netting and metal pins used to identify/guard??? excavations

I am happy that its a low risk for joe public however it offers no or very little protection should a worker walk to close and lose balance, that along with the fact they may strike underground (shallow) utilities with the metal pin.

When i questioned the risk assessment on how they have mitagated risk i am met with the "Come on mate its only 300mm deep, what do you want". The point i am making is if there is a risk of injury then suitable controls should be put in place and i dont believe the netting offers anything but a visual marker that something is there. I have had the same argument with the Highways Authority and again have been met by the risk vs practicality of transporting rigid barriers up embankments etc etc.

Is it me or is there scope for improvement??? if there any highways people out there who could explain the purpose and value of the netting i would be interested to see if its me being "picky"

Thanks

Simon