[GridGirl]

GreatBigHippy, on 31 January 2012 - 01:02 PM, said:

jono9691, on 31 January 2012 - 12:50 PM, said:

Hi all,

We have all loaded up ewp's with lights + cable and been pushed around.

....

You're new here aren't you?

Word to the wise, even if you do, don't say it in a public forum.

Yes but Jono is in Australia, where the guidelines are a little different - clicky here for the MEAA's guidelines on safe working practices (MEAA is the union over here) including tallescopes.

[ramdram]

Crikey GG have your lot not considered updating that doc'? Says it is dated 2001...

This post has been edited by ramdram: 01 February 2012 - 10:50 AM

[kerry davies]

The MEAA guidelines say to abide by MI's (specifications to be precise) and unless the platform is designed and specified to be moved whilst loaded and occupied then movement is precluded. AAP issued new MI's along with the ABTT CoP. Loading them up with tools, lights and cables is not, and never has been, acceptable practice. Way to go Hippy!

GRisdale raises another question and IMO in 99% of cases the employer has the duty of care to ensure training, instruction, information and discipline so he has the major burden. Even in the 1% the employer has a duty to supervise in most cases so will bear partial liability. The employee doing silly things should be the subject of employer discipline BEFORE accidents result, in a perfect world.

Very rarely do HSE prosecute the victim though the exceptions that prove that rule are somewhat horrific. The one-man building firm taken over by the son of the man who killed himself were found guilty and fined.

[Andrew C]

kerry davies, on 01 February 2012 - 04:37 PM, said:

Very rarely do HSE prosecute the victim though the exceptions that prove that rule are somewhat horrific. The one-man building firm taken over by the son of the man who killed himself were found guilty and fined.

Proof, if proof were needed, that the law is an ass...

[ramdram]

Ass it might be on occasion, but nevertheless it is the LAW...which we all signed up for whether "you" like it or not, by virtue of living in the UK.

Far easier to simply go with the flow than attempt to persuade the powers that be otherwise. You should not forget the DJ can only follow the law. Any attempt otherwise would probably go to appeal.

[kerry davies]

Andrew. So if some idiot messing around fell out of a rig and killed you, his firm should not be prosecuted because he had also died? I don't think your family would be happy with that.

I have put myself in some very dangerous situations but have always taken every possible care that nobody else is put at risk and taken precautions as the law stipulates about my own safety. In the case in Gloucester the guy took unwarranted risks, failed in his duty of care to himself and was working alongside others who could have been harmed or killed.

I said it was rare and it is extremely so but there are these odd cases which, if nothing else, make everyone think a little more.