Performance Targets And Health&safety ...

[Iggle Piggle]

At a company, the Health&Safety training is good, manual handling of loads, personal safety, using Manual Handling Equipment, etc and the training is signed for by the staff member. However, there is a work performance target to reach, and to reach this target requires almost all the H&S training to be ignored.
I cannot see how it is possible to adhere to the H&S guidelines as trained AND achieve the performance.
(not achieving performance results in disciplinary procedures)
If an accident occurs, the company would simply say "the member of staff was not following the H&S procedures as trained" ...

What's the answer? legal and moral answer would be great...

[pixie373]

Can you give an idea of the targets and what the company does?

[Iggle Piggle]

Hi Pixie, obviously I need to keep the company quiet but the work is picking stock in a warehouse environment. The targets are set by an external time and motion company in ideal work situations.

[factor-fiction]

The management will say the targets allow fully for compliance with all h&S rules. I suggest that health and safety rules must be adhered to.
Is the problem specific to you, some people,most people or everyone? Is there a union to take this matter forward? If the targets are unattainable they should either leave, seek training or get together with others to explain to managers why the targets are unachievable.

[Iggle Piggle]

On paper / according to Management 'the targets are fully achielvable with hard work' - In real life, I doubt the targets are fully achievable without skipping H&S rules, especially self-health like bending while carrying a load, twisting with a load, etc

[pixie373]

Everyone needs to stick to the h&s rules. It will soon become clear whether the objectives are achievable or not. But if a few take short-cuts to achieve them, they will be used as an example. Do all your colleagues agree with you?

[Iggle Piggle]

Unfortunately the old nugget of employment is everywhere, it is an employers market and staff will toe the line to avoid disagreeing with management and keep their job. Unfortunately for me I am over-qualified for the job and 'think too much' so I'm likely to be the one ousted for my thoughts !

[pixie373]

Sounds like they need you in management!

[Iggle Piggle]

well, I used to be in management but due to lack of jobs out there ...

[DaisyNonna]

Performance Targets. Do these equate to ticking boxes?

[EDDIE51]

I have heard things like this recently about a company whose name is the same as a very large river. Is it that one?

[Iggle Piggle]

Hmmm, very close by size of company and some folk who work here have worked there and say that place is worse ! :-(

[solvitquick]

All staff should carry out the H&S rules but should be provided with the best equipment. By this I mean e.g. (a) Safety Goggles (cheap ones steam-up and staff might well take them off just to see what they are doing). When a chemistry research lab manager, I bought my staff Full-Face visors as well as non-steam-up goggles; (b) Respiration Protectors should have dual-filters for easy-breathing and the correct filters fitted; (c) Protective clothing should be correct for the job and should remain in the place of use -not kept-on when visiting the canteen etc. (d) Correct lifting methods vital to protect the spine but also what is being lifted - if leaky bags emit dust see respirators above.
It's all down to the company's approach by honestly caring for their staff's H&S and to the on-site manager to comply and ensure their staff comply.
SIQ.

[solvitquick]

Don't identify your company on-line despite guessers' prompts! You could end up in trouble with no benefit to your case. This includes giving or hinting to their identity if you make it obvious to the man on the Clapham Omnibus.
SIQ.

[Iggle Piggle]

Thanks SIQ, I won't reveal the company as I have now injured myself while lifting, and things have taken the inevitable step into letters and paperwork...