24th January 2011, 02:12 PM
The rigger boot thing seems to be an excellent example of how not to approach health and safety.
From what I can gather its maybe from one (or maybe more) investigations after an accident. But much of my info is from annecdotes and filling in the gaps between.
The one I heard of was a worker larking about possibly with no boots on fell over twisting their ankle. When interviewed on what happened blamed the lack of ankle support from his rigger boots to get himself out of trouble for larking about. The recommendation from the investigation was to ban rigger boots - problem solved (apparently).
Now I have actually seen what happens next first hand. Construction project officer puts phone down and shouts across the office to the manager.
'Ere just bin talking to xxxxxx at (undisclosed company name) an they ban rigger boots.'
Manager answers
'Oh, we better ban them too.'
Discussion over.
Most H+S descions by big construction companies aren't backed up with any thought or assessment of risk, hence laughable 'madatory PPE' rules. Thats why when you execise your legal duty and ask for reasons for this or that being banned or the reasons for wearing goggles in the rain. You get the caveat of repeated non-sense....
'Why can't I take of my goggles? What are they protecting me from?'
' goggles are to protect your eyes from dust'
'But its raining, there is no dust. I can't see properly I have to take them off.'
'No you can't take them off company rules say you have to wear them at all times.'
From what I can gather its maybe from one (or maybe more) investigations after an accident. But much of my info is from annecdotes and filling in the gaps between.
The one I heard of was a worker larking about possibly with no boots on fell over twisting their ankle. When interviewed on what happened blamed the lack of ankle support from his rigger boots to get himself out of trouble for larking about. The recommendation from the investigation was to ban rigger boots - problem solved (apparently).
Now I have actually seen what happens next first hand. Construction project officer puts phone down and shouts across the office to the manager.
'Ere just bin talking to xxxxxx at (undisclosed company name) an they ban rigger boots.'
Manager answers
'Oh, we better ban them too.'
Discussion over.
Most H+S descions by big construction companies aren't backed up with any thought or assessment of risk, hence laughable 'madatory PPE' rules. Thats why when you execise your legal duty and ask for reasons for this or that being banned or the reasons for wearing goggles in the rain. You get the caveat of repeated non-sense....
'Why can't I take of my goggles? What are they protecting me from?'
' goggles are to protect your eyes from dust'
'But its raining, there is no dust. I can't see properly I have to take them off.'
'No you can't take them off company rules say you have to wear them at all times.'