11th September 2008, 05:49 PM
[quote]Originally posted by Austin Ainsworth
I always found it good practice to have all site staff read the risk assessment (which covers entering potentially unsafe trenches)and then sign to say that they understood the document.
You shouldn't be allowed on site till you have read the method statement for your tasks (and for any other tasks that impact on it), and you have every right to see the risk assessments. Paperwork is tedious and especially on short jobs with little time, filling out 15 risk assessments (yes it can be that many)is a faff before you can get the machine going, but that's what you must do.
Demand to see the method statement, ask questions and challenge it if it appears too unspecific or generic, and ask to see the risk assessments. It is unfortunate that few (if any?) degree courses take the education of their students in real archaeological practice and standards, including H&S seriously enough to prepare them for the real world.
Tragic news, and I hope all relevant industries learn from this so more families don't have to suffer such a loss.
I always found it good practice to have all site staff read the risk assessment (which covers entering potentially unsafe trenches)and then sign to say that they understood the document.
You shouldn't be allowed on site till you have read the method statement for your tasks (and for any other tasks that impact on it), and you have every right to see the risk assessments. Paperwork is tedious and especially on short jobs with little time, filling out 15 risk assessments (yes it can be that many)is a faff before you can get the machine going, but that's what you must do.
Demand to see the method statement, ask questions and challenge it if it appears too unspecific or generic, and ask to see the risk assessments. It is unfortunate that few (if any?) degree courses take the education of their students in real archaeological practice and standards, including H&S seriously enough to prepare them for the real world.
Tragic news, and I hope all relevant industries learn from this so more families don't have to suffer such a loss.