Case study - danger of neglecting compliance

A recent HSE investigation highlights the dangers of poor working practices identified through social media.

The HSE recently had to undertake an investigation following the release of a video showing a flagrant neglect of health and safety in the workplace on social media. The video posted on Twitter revealed a man climbing out from a manhole on a busy road. ​

​Failure to take H&S in the workplace seriously

Further analysis of the footage showed that the workmen hadn’t placed cones around the hole, but instead used them to surround their van, parked on the opposite side of the road. This lack of safety could have quickly lead to severe injury or even worse death.

Impact to the Employer

Even though the employee is most in danger due to his own absurdity, the HSE also places some responsibility with the employer. Following incidents such as these, with a blatant lack of health and safety in the workplace, HSE inspectors need to know why an employee believes it’s appropriate to disregard good practice and safety guidelines.
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Further investigation will ensue to discover if there’s an organisation culture of disregard for health and safety in the workplace. The HSE will also want reassurance that personnel are being trained correctly in site management.
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How to avoid these incidents

CoreGenic HSE recommend;

• Train all staff in standard site management practice and make sure they’re well equipped to safeguard themselves. In cases like this, H&S training about “safe working in the road”, combined with “safety barriers and signs” would have considerably reduced the danger to workmen and motorists.
• Keep good records of all staff training, demonstrating evidence that all realistic steps were taken to safeguard employees.
• Underscore the individual’s own accountability for preserving safe working methods on site and enforce a disciplinary procedure that highlights this. You need to be ready to implement these processes, including dismissing employees, to illustrate your company’s commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

Businesses can’t always protect personnel, who are set to ignore safety rules that have been established to take care of them, however they can implement precautions to safeguard the company in these circumstances. To discover more about what you can do for your business and the best way to better protect your employees, call CoreGenic HSE on 01792 323404 today.