4th May 2006, 03:15 PM
Mattockhead-greetings.I do understand your concerns fully and have found myself in similar positions as have undoubtedly, most of the UK field staff.Welfare and safety issues (if taken seriously) can be sorted sometimes on site by having a word in the shell-like of a line manager.I`ve found that the best way to avoid conflict of opinion is simply to ensure that all staff are put through a comprehensive induction and sign a phased risk assessment prior to work.Tiz a rare thing unfortunately.When there is one (large developer premises) this usually takes the form of "watch this video about ladders and fire", the teas over there etc.Other sub-contractors are issued with risk assesments for their own little worlds and time after time-ours is missing. We just don`t seem to have got there just yet.Some months ago, I suggested that (after raising issues with line managers) field staff should carry disposable cameras.We are in the unenviable position of being asked to bear the burden of "proof" for what we perceive to be transgressions of codes of practise.I think what I am trying to say is that, believe it or not, we are on your side but, unless we can provide the appropriate body with adequate evidence....
I have moaned long and hard about optional and non-policed standards.After many a rant it turns out that in the current climate, the workers "at the coal face" are deemed responsible for policing the standards of their line managers and above.I cant tell you how much that inserts a bug....however, if thats what it takes, lets do it through their channels.Mr Hosty has publically explained the actions he took in relation to the case in question.I think we can all honestly admit that on occasion, the reality on the ground can be very different from the image projected in the paperwork.If the reality on the ground isn`t questioned and then recorded at the time-field workers are in danger of not being heard. Leaving the active policing of institute standards to front line staff on tenuous short-term temporary contracts is not on. I dont intend to defend any side in this discussion, merely to point out that the infrastructure for complaint is in place and does work.I did`nt think I would ever say that! Tiz the sad truth, standards are apparantly down to us.
..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)
I have moaned long and hard about optional and non-policed standards.After many a rant it turns out that in the current climate, the workers "at the coal face" are deemed responsible for policing the standards of their line managers and above.I cant tell you how much that inserts a bug....however, if thats what it takes, lets do it through their channels.Mr Hosty has publically explained the actions he took in relation to the case in question.I think we can all honestly admit that on occasion, the reality on the ground can be very different from the image projected in the paperwork.If the reality on the ground isn`t questioned and then recorded at the time-field workers are in danger of not being heard. Leaving the active policing of institute standards to front line staff on tenuous short-term temporary contracts is not on. I dont intend to defend any side in this discussion, merely to point out that the infrastructure for complaint is in place and does work.I did`nt think I would ever say that! Tiz the sad truth, standards are apparantly down to us.
..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)