Welcome to safetynet the health and safety blog by ARC associates

So here we go again, leading on from an earlier blog and an update on Lord Young's review of H&S, we have further examples of what seems like a common perception that health and safety professionals are becoming the whipping boys of industry. I go on holiday to Scotland and before I've even got through my second day I hear the 'H&S gone mad' statement!

Strike 1: A tour guide at a large castle mentioned that the lone piper walking on top of the scaffolding during the military tattoo has now got to be tethered to make sure he doesn't fall off, "health and safety gone mad". As to why he is walking on top of a temporary scaffold on the castle wall with a big enough drop to kill him easily, is not explained.... more

Having just delivered two personal protective equipment (PPE) awareness training sessions, I'm often surprised just how little information the actual wearers of the equipment know. The huge range of choice can be very confusing when confronted with three very similar pieces of kit yet it is vital that when different types are on offer employees know how to tell which is which and their uses and limitations.

In the majority of organisations, a competent person has kindly undertaken a risk assessment, thoughtfully and carefully selected the equipment on the employee's behalf to ensure it is appropriate for the risk (maybe after guidance from an ARCO or manufacturer's representative) and then purchased the item. Prior to anyone wearing this particular item of PPE there is a requirement to provide training that is adequate and appropriate to the risks, in particular on the uses and just as important, the limitations of the protective equipment. Even more relevant in today's multi-cultural society is the requirement to ensure it is comprehensible to the person to whom it is provided.... more

“Over-the-top health and safety culture”

We don’t do politics, but the recent comments from the new Government does raise a concern that they are followers of the tabloids and some celebrities who continue the regular negative portrayal of ‘Elf and Safety’. It could be interpreted that recent comments such as “the UK has become "saturated" by health and safety laws”, shows “a reliance on myth and exaggeration".... more

The Future of Risk Assessment

When I was asked a few weeks ago to talk on the future of risk assessment at the Health and Safety Expo the idea seemed simple enough at the time.  However, as the days passed and I got to thinking about the future of risk assessment I realised that, thinking of risk assessment as a tool, it may not have such a bright future.... more

To create a fun and interesting safety blog!  What a challenge
Fun & safety!  Not two words you hear in the same sentence very often, but why not?

Does health and safety have to be boring?  What’s your impression of the ‘dark side’ (it used to be estate agents)? ... more