8th March 2011, 02:42 PM
I'm not sure what role the Curator should have in relation to health and safety, except for stepping in if he finds someone mattocking from a tightrope over a bottomless pit. And that is a basic responsibility of EVERYONE on or visiting a site. To paraphrase the HSE, you have the right:
* To work in places where all the risks to your health and safety are properly controlled.
* To stop working and leave the area if you think you are in danger.
* To inform your employer about health and safety issues or concerns.
* To contact HSE or your local authority if you still have health and safety concerns and not get into trouble.
But you also have a responsibility to:
* Take care of your own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do (or do not do).
* Co-operate with others on health and safety, and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.
It's not the responsibility of the curator to set standards or police health and safety matters but it should be part of the discussions or WSI where safety factors could affect the way a site can be dealt with. And in those rare cases, safety should trump archaeology every time. I know we all love it but it's not worth risking your neck for.
* To work in places where all the risks to your health and safety are properly controlled.
* To stop working and leave the area if you think you are in danger.
* To inform your employer about health and safety issues or concerns.
* To contact HSE or your local authority if you still have health and safety concerns and not get into trouble.
But you also have a responsibility to:
* Take care of your own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do (or do not do).
* Co-operate with others on health and safety, and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.
It's not the responsibility of the curator to set standards or police health and safety matters but it should be part of the discussions or WSI where safety factors could affect the way a site can be dealt with. And in those rare cases, safety should trump archaeology every time. I know we all love it but it's not worth risking your neck for.
D. Vader
Senior Consultant
Vader Maull & Palpatine
Archaeological Consultants
A tremor in the Force. The last time I felt it was in the presence of Tony Robinson.
Senior Consultant
Vader Maull & Palpatine
Archaeological Consultants
A tremor in the Force. The last time I felt it was in the presence of Tony Robinson.