12th July 2005, 11:53 PM
Ultimately every individual has a responsibility to look after themselves.
You should not rely on the competence of others for your safety, whatever the legal position - they are your bollacks after all.
Don't be sheeplike and expect people to care for your safety or look after your interests - they don't.
If you feel uneasy about anything - stop and get some proper advice from the HSE - they are always interested in site conditions.
Mind you, speaking as a former grown-up - you can train people, supply information and safety gear, undertake daily site inspections, walk the staff round and point out hazards, and shout 'put that freeking hat on' 10 times a day for 12 months (I have done this), and at least 20% of your staff will ignor you. And, no-one uses the handwashing facilities before eating...
Supervisors and consultants can get bad press, and a bit of a kicking on this site on occasion, but having to work with a load of sullen unco-operative incompetents with a limited outlook can be even more tiresome than having an irritating or useless boss
You should not rely on the competence of others for your safety, whatever the legal position - they are your bollacks after all.
Don't be sheeplike and expect people to care for your safety or look after your interests - they don't.
If you feel uneasy about anything - stop and get some proper advice from the HSE - they are always interested in site conditions.
Mind you, speaking as a former grown-up - you can train people, supply information and safety gear, undertake daily site inspections, walk the staff round and point out hazards, and shout 'put that freeking hat on' 10 times a day for 12 months (I have done this), and at least 20% of your staff will ignor you. And, no-one uses the handwashing facilities before eating...
Supervisors and consultants can get bad press, and a bit of a kicking on this site on occasion, but having to work with a load of sullen unco-operative incompetents with a limited outlook can be even more tiresome than having an irritating or useless boss