Quick H&S Question

bleepandbooster

Spoke to our H & S manager today at work concerning some work that I am doing. He agreed with me that something needs to be looked at, but has asked me to put my concerns in writing to him so he can follow it up with the directors.

Is this the right course of action ? Is he side stepping ? Normally he is on the ball with H & S and I'm just a bit worried it may make look like the "bad boy" and not him !

Would love some advice please.

J_Devon

I'd say it would depend on the set up within your company and what the issue is....

Is the issue something which is posing a current risk to yourself and/or other members of staff? If so, I'd say it would need to be addressed straight away, but of course, he may need approval from Directors for a specific change to take place (financial approval or similar).

If your company is anything like ours, everything needs to be recorded for QA purposes. Him asking you for something in writing may just be part of your H&S procedures.

I'd get it to him in writing asap, and if you don't feel that your issue is being taken seriously, go to the directors yourself to report it.

I'm far from a H&S expert, but just my throughts...

lynzpower

It depends what it is really unfortunately the opening post is a bit vague.

That said; You have the legal right to be represented or your views sought when undertaking a risk assessment. ( Workplace regs)

could you let us know roughly what the problem is.

HSE or approved code of practice or guidances ( all on HSE website) should help with specific hazards in the workplace...

dickydonkin

bleepandbooster wrote: »

Spoke to our H & S manager today at work concerning some work that I am doing. He agreed with me that something needs to be looked at, but has asked me to put my concerns in writing to him so he can follow it up with the directors.

Is this the right course of action ? Is he side stepping ? Normally he is on the ball with H & S and I'm just a bit worried it may make look like the "bad boy" and not him !

Would love some advice please.

If there is iminent danger - then stop work or stop using the equipment that will potentially result in injury - then report it.

If your HR manager confirms there is an iminent risk of harm - he should instigate repair or stop the process.

For example - if a guard is missing off a piece of equipment exposing dangerous components, - then that should be addressed immediately.

There may be exposed live cables - It may be that there are manual handling issues that could create a problem in the future.

Your post is too vague to determine if you H&S manager is right or wrong.

I suspect there is a procedure in place for reporting defects - and that may be the 'put it in writing' your safety guy referred to.

The seriousness of the problem should determine the action to take.

magenta22

In a way putting it in writing could be a good thing, that way you have a copy of what your concerns are and when you raised them with your manager.

dickydonkin

magenta22 wrote: »

In a way putting it in writing could be a good thing, that way you have a copy of what your concerns are and when you raised them with your manager.

Which is true of course - but by faffing around writing a defect and waiting for a response could place people at risk of harm if there is something dangerous going on.

Where iminent danger exists - ensuring the workers and premises are safe is the short term priority - documentation can be dealt with later.

bleepandbooster

Many thanks to all for your advice.

The H&S manager stood watching what I was doing and I voiced my concern regarding my future health and the potential of it affecting other people and the enviroment. He agreed with my comments and asked me to put it in writing to him for QA purposes. But should he also have acted himself, by telling me to stop and also raising his concerns straight away with the dierectors. I just think he may be side stepping a little.

Thanks again for all your help, it's very interesting reading all the different views. Sorry for being a bit vague, just being careful !

dickydonkin

bleepandbooster wrote: »

Many thanks to all for your advice.

The H&S manager stood watching what I was doing and I voiced my concern regarding my future health and the potential of it affecting other people and the enviroment. He agreed with my comments and asked me to put it in writing to him for QA purposes. But should he also have acted himself, by telling me to stop and also raising his concerns straight away with the dierectors. I just think he may be side stepping a little.

Thanks again for all your help, it's very interesting reading all the different views. Sorry for being a bit vague, just being careful !

As you were concerned about your 'future health' - that suggests to me there was no immediate danger and it sounds like it was an emission or COSHH issue.

You are absolutely right to raise the matter and as your H&S manager has had this brought to his/her attention, I suspect some form of risk assessment and safe system of work will be forthcoming in the future - or at least it should be.

I would indeed put your concerns in writing - making sure you mention that they were raised with the H&S Manager.

And don't forget to keep a copy yourself.

lynzpower

Also, ( again it may be difficult to second guess as you are trying to be discreet) see if there is an approved code of practice on the HSE website. there are many from manual handling, coshh, asbestos, lead, etc that direct the company as to how to act in order to prevent ill health and/ or accidents.
If not there may be guidance on the HSE website too .

dickydonkin

lynzpower wrote: »

If not there may be guidance on the HSE website too .

And I think it is worth mentioning that guidance manuals and other leaflets that used to cost a bomb can now be downloaded for free in pdf format.

lynzpower

dickydonkin wrote: »

And I think it is worth mentioning that guidance manuals and other leaflets that used to cost a bomb can now be downloaded for free in pdf format.

Yup its all there, virtual reams of the stuff.