Replies to This Discussion

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Dan Frazer Gardening on January 22, 2012 at 21:16

It has to be said that finding staff that are happy to use proper PPE is difficult, even if it's something as simple as making sure they keep their ear defenders on even for small bits of mowing they may have forgotten. Damage is often a cumulative thing, not to mention that a business has agreed a contract and submitted method statements detailing how the work is to be done, and a single incident of failure to do this can have repercussions.

I have personally had bits of sawdust stuck in my eye for the sole reason that I didn't wear goggles as they were steaming up. What I should have done is found a solution that addressed the risk of that happening.

The manual trades are so so dangerous. There are countless examples (such as that man a few weeks ago in the chainsaw accident) that serve to remind us all that complacency is a serious and real danger.

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by andy@ Doughty Garden Maintenance on January 22, 2012 at 21:47

Very true Dan,

I had a job that required me to run an extension lead down the customers drive from the garage, It was for a reciprocating saw that i use for cutting large roots in the ground. When i put the cable across the pathway that lead to the front door i put a cone out that has a trip hazard sign on it.

The man came out a bit later and said "you don't have to bother with this i'm not blind i can see the cable!"

I told him that although i was aware he wasn't blind it was there to alert him to the fact that the cable was there, not only him but postmen, delivery drivers, gas man, neighbours who could have possibly walked over the cable too.

It quite annoyed me that my consideration for safety was ridiculed, but if he'd tripped over the cable without the warning i dare say he'd have kicked up a stink.

Health and safety is common sense and thinking about each job with a considered plan can stop serious injury or even a fatal accident.

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Brian www.mibservices.co.uk on February 21, 2012 at 20:03

Ive just been going through my 3rd years SAFEcontractor audit, gets worse every year :-(

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by andy@ Doughty Garden Maintenance on June 26, 2012 at 22:04

had an old guy ask me to cut a tree stump down, not a problem, went to the van, got my chainsaw and helmet. As I put on my helmet the chap says "I used to have a chainsaw, I never bothered with any of that crap!"

"Oh right! Good for you!"