Job titles

[drpeterwardle]

I suggest that you contact David directly and discuss the issues with him.

As for the health and safety issues - speak to the workers H&S rep and/or the unit safety officer and/or the university safety officer. The names should be displayed on the poster in the site office and or main office.

Peter Wardle

[BAJR Host]

Yes ... Dr Pete he speak the truth... get in touch... in confidence
http://www.bajr.org/HOTLINE.html

And as Dr Pete says... for H and S

If it is an Health and Safety issue.. first try the following before contacting me.

1 Tell your supervisor -> if that doesn't work ->
2 Tell the company safety officer -> if that doesn't work ->
3 Tell the company boss -> if that doesn't work ->
4. Go to the HSE ->
4 If it is an RAO - contact the IFA

(if you feel to scared to act through these recognised routes.. only then consider contacting me)



"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Timber Wolf]

[:0] Mysteryman if things are as bad as you say, it is highly likly that the site is being run in breach of current UK health and saftey legislation. If you even enter the site kowing that there are breaches of H&S you may also be breaking H&S law and could find yourself uninsured or worse still liable for any accident which may happen. Ask to see the risk assessment, consider contacting the senior person on site or University Saftey Officer/ HSE they are both there to help in these situations.

As for paid leave, you are legally entitled to 20 days per year, as I understand the law, this is non negotiable.

Surly you are on PAYE, you should be of emergency code until your previus P45 has gone through the system. If you find yourself paying emergency code for a prolonged period find out what is going on.

Ultimatley you must ask the right questions. If you don't get sensible answers it is probably in your interest to get away from that organisation before anything goes seriously wrong.

hooowl

[troll]

Greetings Mysteryman! Sounds as though you are describing the current standard of British commercial archaeology.The scenario you describe is sadly ubiquitous in the UK and contrary to the good advice offered by others on this thread-I would advocate leaving the site.Universities and or units seem to have very different responses to a member of field staff making noise about unprofessional practises.Universities and units seem to believe that they can operate above or indeed-below the law as it stands and to compound the issue, optional membership of an institute that likes to do significantly less than "silence the critics" will not put things straight.By all means, go through the process..talk to the responsible peeps concerned and if you find a negative response-walk away and make your next call to the local curator.When done, pass the details on to the HSE before contacting a solicitor. Does`nt matter what the job-title is guys-the law is clear.....digger or toilet cleaner- units/universities have a duty of care.

..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)

[Oxbeast]

See what the response from the employer is first, but generally I'm with Troll. Leave and get another job is you possibly can. The only reason that the unit continues to act like this is because they can. Be interesting to hear what the unions make of this. Universities employ lots of non-academics and management are supposed to recognise unions. I bet the people who answer their phones and lift up the barrier to the car park aren't treated so badly. Otherwise, chin up and happy new year!

[Stubby]

I must take issue with Troll regarding his assertion that

'The scenario you describe is sadly ubiquitous in the UK'

I can assure you that the this does not now happen with the company I work for and has not since the 'bad old days' of the 1980's. While this is the only company that I have direct experience with I suggest that the word ubiqitous is a bit strong. It is clear that this practice still does occur and the companies involved should be ashamed of themselves. However, do not tar everyone with the same brush.

[troll]

Greetins Stubby.I do of course accept that there are units out there who are professional.My view is one nurtured by nine years on the circuit and in all honesty...ubiquitous is not far from the truth.Change is needed!

..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)

[1man1desk]

My company (an RAO, but not principally an archaeological organisation) has a very strong commitment to health and safety (no particular moral virtue in that - it has very strong commercial motivations for that commitment).

When we monitor archaeological fieldwork, one of the things we look at carefully is the health and safety practice of the archaeological contractor.

One thing is clear - archaeological contracors have a very poor reputation for H&S amongst civil engineering contractors, and to some extent they deserve it. The standard of practice is not high. However, over recent years I have seen it improving. The standard described by Mysteryman is truly bad, but it is not typical.

Having said that, I gather the unit concerned is university-based. My experience (both in and out of archaeology) is that universities are bad, exploitative and uncaring employers.

1man1desk

to let, fully furnished

[mysteryman]

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

A couple of weeks ago i received some legal advice and have begun action against the university (it's the university that is ultimately responsible for the contract and other such issues). It would be wrong of me to comment on the details, other than to say they have 3 weeks now to respond before I take them to a tribunal.

It's only one issue that I have been dealing withg, but it's a start.

Thanks again.

[troll]

Well done Mysteryman- I look forward to hearing from you after the proceedings are completed!

..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)