Dear Reader

A large majority of our queries come from health and safety reps that have diligently put their health and safety policies in place, but aren’t getting the same dedication towards the policies from employees. I can almost see you nodding your head in agreement!

Problem is, even if you get the buy-in of 90% of your employees, there’s still the rebellious 10% that’ll give you grey hairs. The good news is you’re not alone. This is a big concern for all health and safety reps. But at the same time, no matter how hard you try, you’ll never get that horse to drink your water – even if you do so intravenously!

So, my suggestion to you is to do as much as you can to get the buy-in. You can do so by following these five important steps:

Step #1: Ensure all of your employees are trained on the content and intent of your health and safety policy.

Step #2: Display the policy prominently for all your employees to see.

Step #3: Make the policy available to other people who may express interest in your health and safety efforts, e.g. shareholders and the community.

Step #4: Develop your current management system to include health and safety in all spheres.

Step #5: Make sure all your employees are aware of their legal obligations relating to health and safety (if you’ve bought our Health and Safety Advisor, see section E02 for more detail).

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Question of the week: a white powdery substance is seeping through our walls and carpets – is it dangerous?

I recently completed a health and safety audit on one of our sites. The building was previously used as a car battery refurbishing centre. The walls are newly painted and new carpets were laid, but now a white powdery substance (similar to that found on car battery terminals) is coming through the paint and carpets. What is this and how dangerous is it to my customers and staff?

Answer:

If you ask me, this is the result of extensive acid pollution of the walls and floors by the pervious tenants. You need to get an occupational hygienist to take samples and test what it is. It’s probably the reaction of the sulphuric acid pollutant with the new paint and carpets.

The danger would depend on the extent of the contamination. Contact with fluid (for example water) would probably result in an acid solution that could cause chemical burns. Direct contact with skin will cause a burn. Your carpets will probably wear out very quickly too.

You’ll need to contract the services of a spill response or waste management company to assist with a clean up and decontamination of the area. You could possibly recover the cost of the clean up from the previous tenants as the current environmental law is based on “the-polluter-pays” principle.

Stay safe, 

Rachel Paterson
Publisher Health and Safety