11th August 2013, 07:14 AM
I totally agree, and this is one issue I've had with company H&S policies for years. The law states (and I'm not quoting here, this is my take on it) that PPE is there as a last resort, that all efforts should be taken to remove/minimise the risk from whatever hazard has been identified first, and if there is still some unavoidable risk, then PPE should be used. Nowhere in the law does it say that PPE should be worn at all times. I feel it's dangerous to insist on it at all times, because it reduces the individual's ability to identify or be aware of when a risk is actually present, and that is what will save you. If you were a real cynic you could argue that insistence on hard hats at all times is an admission of failure in minimising risk, although I can't see that standing up in court... This principle applies to the CSCS card. The law states that people must be competent. The industry relies on one poxy test to assess a worker's basic competence in relation to H&S. Which is frankly stupid. But, the company should, as a matter of course, also run you through a site induction (a proper site induction, not 'there's the bogs, now get on with it...') followed by various training and awareness schemes as and when.
As to the goggles - if they are a requirement of the job/site/company, they should also provide you prescription ones if needed. But again I agree with what you're getting at.
As to the goggles - if they are a requirement of the job/site/company, they should also provide you prescription ones if needed. But again I agree with what you're getting at.