Myth Busters Challenge Panel findings

Unable to open office windows Issue Enquirer’s office has been told that they cannot have the keys to open the windows in their office on the 3rd floor as this would breach health and safety. The windows run almost floor to ceiling with the top section opening inwards. Standing next to the window, the open section is just below the enquirer’s chest height (they are 6ft tall). With summer coming the office is getting hotter and they are unable to have any fresh air in the building. Panel opinion In some circumstances it may be appropriate to prohibit people from opening windows if there is a real risk of someone falling out; but where this is a concern, the problem can also be addressed by fitting controls to limit the extent to which the windows can be opened. In this particular case it seems more likely that "health and safety" has been used as a cover when the real reason is to do with concerns over the effectiveness of the air conditioning. "Health and safety" should not be used simply to avoid having a discussion about the real concerns and what solutions might be possible. Civil engineering contractor insists that routine lorry loader lifting operations are supervised Issue A main civil engineering contractor is insisting that routine repetitive lifting operations are directly supervised by a person additional to the worker operating the lorry loader crane itself. The panel have been asked for their opinion on whether this is burdensome and unnecessary. Panel decision Under normal routine circumstances there should be no need for an additional independent supervisor, provided the lift operator is trained and competent. If this is a blanket requirement for all lifts regardless of risk then it appears over burdensome and disproportionate for routine operations, The main contractor should be asked to provide an explanation for this requirement on this particular task. Employees told that they cannot wear shorts at work Issue A building site has told its employees that they cannot wear shorts at work and provided plastic waterproof trousers for one of the employees when he arrived for work in shorts. Panel decision There are some situations where construction workers will need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) which can include long trousers. For example, working with wet cement against bare skin can be a serious hazard resulting in skin complaints. If the complainant thinks they are being asked to wear unnecessary PPE they should take it up with their employer

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