Debenhams set to close its doors in 2021 after 242 years on the British High Street, the word ‘Lockdown’ becoming the Collins Dictionary word of the year, and the phrase ‘Covid secure’ being part of everyday conversation, it’s certainly been a tumultuous year.
So here we are, the last LARAC Online publication of the year as we head into the festive season. Like many others, I’m looking forward to spending time with loved ones (although this year restricted to just my immediate family): something we used to take for granted and for some it will not happen this year - for the worst of reasons.
It is with a heavy heart then, that I have read this morning that our industry has suffered a fatality so close to Christmas. An operative was crushed by an RCV while undertaking waste collections just three weeks ago. At this moment in time, we can only speculate as to the underlying causes – defective equipment or vehicle, driver error, poor concentration, unfamiliar or inadequately trained workforce, disregard for safe working practices?
The HSE, with the local Police force, are now investigating the incident to establish the cause, and, no doubt, the case for culpability. Either way, this will be a difficult Christmas for the operative’s family, marking a terrible end to an already difficult year. It’s a stark reminder of just how dangerous our industry can be and how important it is to maintain high standards of Health & Safety. As HSE attention is currently focused on Covid Secure (there’s that phrase again) workplaces, are we likely to see a shift in Health & Safety culture as we move to more remote/home working arrangements?
With previous HSE focus on staff supervision and monitoring (or lack of), I can’t help but feel concerned that the ‘new normal’ and remote working is going to further impact upon the level of operational supervision and monitoring. The HSE’s HSG65 approach of ‘Plan, Do, Check and Act’ collapses when adequate and appropriate monitoring is not taking place. In which case, a fatality linked to poor supervision and monitoring can almost guarantee a HSE prosecution, significant fine, reputational damage and imprisonment; the list can go on.
Fundamental flaws or any disregard relating to operational practices must be addressed through supervision and monitoring activities, whilst ensuring that appropriate and regular training is provided to maintain workforce competence in to 2021 and beyond …..
