Resolver tool used for National Grid...

Mr_Fix_It

So recently we had a 'mains replacement project' of the gas along our road.

I'm never one to complain and since having a young child and seeing national grids blatant disregard for health and safety I felt compelled to complain regarding the following:

- workers smoking along the road close to excavations and pretty much next to 'no smoking signs?!'
- tools including a hammer and a large saw left in the middle of the path for hours on end with no one in sight.
- excavations left completely unopened and unmanned when the operatives decide to simply walk off for a chat.
- van doors left wide open with dangerous tools and equipment basically hanging out. I had to duck and push back in to the van a jack hammer that was petruding the doors over the pavement?!

So using MSE complaint resolver, I logged a complaint with national grid and they were quick to respond, sent someone round to discuss my concerns and say they've had a tool box talk with their on site operatives, but given that this COULD have ended very much differently with a major injury and the threat of fatalities what with the smoking near open gas mains and dangerous tools left laying around, I was somewhat baffled by their offers of compensation of first £40, then £70 and then I received a letter saying £80 was the highest amount of compensation they were willing to offer, and if I didn't accept then I should take it up with the Ombudsman?!

I just feel that they have missed the point here, and with them working in neighbouring roads, I can't see any improvements with their health and safety practices.

What are people's opinions on this please? Should I escalate, or accept what they say is 'a gesture of good will' of £80 and close my complaint?

I just can't help but worry that this could have ended in disaster and walking my young child to school was like a war zone littered with hazards, a bit like a video you watch at school and you have to shout out 'what's wrong with this scenario??!

Any thought?

Ombudsman or just leave it?

System

I fail to see how it has got anything to with The Ombudsman. I sense that they just wish to 'buy you off' which restricts your right to report the matter to the HSE. Personally, I would ask them to address the concerns that you have raised in writing. On the basis of any response, I would then consider what to do for the best. That said, my guess is that they will try to avoid giving you anything in writing.

Edit: just checked and the HSE does offer an advice service, but it would seem that it will accept reports from the public about unsafe working practices.

http://www.shponline.co.uk/hse-praises-citizen-for-raising-alarm-over-unsafe-roof-work/

Mr_Fix_It

Ive had their response in writing today through the post, and they have basically said accept the goodwill gesture of £80 and close the complaint or contact the ombudsman as there's nothing more they are willing to do.

I did look at the HSE website and I also mentioned that I would look to send the HSE a full and detailed report but they sent me a letter saying contact the ombudsman if I'm not willing to close the complaint and accept the goodwill gesture.