10th September 2008, 08:00 PM
I must admit that I like the whole CSCS card scheme in principle because it has independent accreditation. In theory, each cardholder has undergone the same level of awareness training, so there is a benchmark for what's common knowledge. I think certain issues recurr again and again. I would like to think that forewarned is forearmed. Even what should be a safe working environment can be made dangerous by lack of forethought and planning.
A very basic example: Much better that a digger realises that their slot is getting deep and depending on experience either lengthens or steps the slot or goes and seeks advice how to procede rather than not make it to the site hut at tea time because they are under a tonne of earth.
I agree that it would take a while to implement such a profession specific card but in the long run I would like to see a better awareness of the common hazards we face rather than addressing problems only when there has been an accident or serious near miss. I accept that such a card could never cover all eventualities, it doesn't for any job.
Then there is the whole issue of repect from the rest of the development sector. They've taken it seriously and we need to show that we can work alongside them with the same degree of professionalism, which includes regard for what is after all a highly skilled professional workforce.
A very basic example: Much better that a digger realises that their slot is getting deep and depending on experience either lengthens or steps the slot or goes and seeks advice how to procede rather than not make it to the site hut at tea time because they are under a tonne of earth.
I agree that it would take a while to implement such a profession specific card but in the long run I would like to see a better awareness of the common hazards we face rather than addressing problems only when there has been an accident or serious near miss. I accept that such a card could never cover all eventualities, it doesn't for any job.
Then there is the whole issue of repect from the rest of the development sector. They've taken it seriously and we need to show that we can work alongside them with the same degree of professionalism, which includes regard for what is after all a highly skilled professional workforce.