Rank: Guest 
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All,
Long time since I posted on here but here goes.....
I start a new job in a major manufacturing environment next week that had crown immunity until a few years ago so lots of employees still behaving as though they are safe from prosecution etc.
Any thoughts from my learned colleagues on how best to approach this type of mindset and without alienating the staff in record speed.
Some of the staff have been there for 20yrs+ so very stuck in their ways.
Look forward to hearing your suggestions.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Over, I'd expect that the organisation's going through a huge amount of change right now so they must be at least aware that a lot of new things are happening. H&S will be just be another thing for them to accept; not that the immunity or not should make much difference.
You'd be up against it with a mature workforce anyway, without the protecion from prosecution being a factor.
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Rank: Forum user
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Make friends, settle in a little, demonstrate a pragmatic approach whenever you can - be useful, helpful, approachable and then slowly, you should start to make some headway in changing minds. Having said that, you might find yourself still being the 'fart in a spacesuit' and you will probably end up with policy change leading the way to practical change in at least some areas of H&S. Good luck!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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This is a classic "how to imrpove safety and safety culture" issue.
1) Gain managment support, and make use of it. 2) Measure (call it an audit if you like) v a known SMS eg HSG65 or OHSAS 18001. 3) Identify gaps 4) Develop an improvement plan to plug the gaps 5) Champion / communicate / consult on improvement plan 6) Implement / champion / lead on the plan implementation 7) Review regularly, keep all informed on progress 8) Go back to start.
Job done - except it will never end. I have used this simple model to drive up standards more than once.
PS If you don't get (1) you will really struggle...................
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Rank: Guest
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Thanks all,
good to know you think the same a me.
Well, i have got the enthusiasm to do this again so here goes on Monday.
will report back.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Can I add
get management to lead by example and be prepared to correct them when they breaks the rules.
Make it easier to comply than to break the rules
Try to get H&S embedded as a habit not an add-on
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Rank: Forum user 
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Over - as well as getting management involved, it may (probably would) be a good idea to get together with the workforce, explain what it is you are trying to do and why, and then get their ideas about how to improve.
That way the workforce get the buy-in as they have a vested interest, management show willing and you have their buy-in, then just a matter of time and effort to get the all encompassing change you require.
Sounds easy - I currently work in the MOD and we are still having problems changing old viewpoints, but we keep trying.
Good luck and let us know how you are getting on - you never know, with some of your problems we may actually have some words of wisdom for you...
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Rank: Forum user
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Top management Support?
I have just introduced a management system based on OHSAS 18001:2007 at the request of the board of directors; only so that we comply with a client request I hasten to add!
After spending, hours, days weeks and a couple of months toiling away in the early hours it was completed, It was authorised for use by the MD, I conducted training for all personnel.
Then as I was spending more time ironing the rough edges my MD told me that I should not be wasting my time as it was only an administrative document. Blood kind of boiled at this point!
Got the board together to conduct an annual review of last years health and safety isues and discovered all the directors felt the same!!
After venting my now well boiled blood I managed to switch the lights on and low and behold they now want to attend the IOSH directing safely course - Result but a long way to go
Morale of the story is to be persitant and try try & try again
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Rank: Forum user
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You could remind them that section 48 (2) and (3) of HSW means that Crown immunity does not extend to charges aghainst them as individuals and they can be liable under section 7 - or to charges of manslaughter for that matter.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Over,
Is there a change management project going on accross the business? if so consider getting your 2 peeny worth (plus vat) in and get senior management on board as whatever you do it will need to start up there and work it's way down?
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