Dear Malcolm,
Well, thankfully yes in this instance.
A long while ago (late 1980's), as a side line for about a year, I had a bit to do with gnrl. Site Safety/Machy. opers. on large Projs.. Whilst being appreciated by mchy. operators who were concerned about their hours and operating efficiency, certain Project Mgrs. and Opers.Dirs. were not very friendly sometimes - even though I had full authority from their HO's.. After a few major 'run-ins' with the latter bods, once or twice in front of said operators (I couldn't care a damn if things were wrong), I decided enough was enough, and if said Co.'s wanted accidents then so be it. I am a Member of an Inst., now a changed name Inst., and whilst I felt an obligation, I felt that sometimes I was banging my head against a brick wall. Things have changed since then, and the litigation aspect of things have made a great difference. Some of the practices for the sake of speed and production I saw were amazing, but all has changed now... I wonder how many of those I chastised now remember what I told them! - mind you, one Co. had to pay out a fortune about ten years ago for an 'accident' about ten years ago. Absolutely no such thing as an accident... there is always a cause.
Regards, Bernard
