A landscape gardener was reported by a concerned neighbour who witnessed some very dangerous working conditions. The gardener, John Holland, was felling a tree for a customer along with one of his employees.  Each of the men were using chainsaws on the tree and they were wearing everyday work clothes rather than the expected safety equipment which is required when working with such machinery and equipment.  In addition to these worrying facts Mr Holland was also working high up on the crown of the tree without the required harness.

Photos Were Taken of the Worrying Working Methods

The actions of the two men were captured by a concerned neighbour of the customer.  The neighbour had been trained in chainsaw work and therefore he was able to recognise the unsafe working conditions which he captured on his camera.  The neighbour decided to report the men to the Health and Safety Executive who then investigated the incident.

Mr Holland and his employee had received no formal training in how to operate a chainsaw, yet the both used the dangerous machine to fell the tree. Mr Holland was prosecuted as he had breached the Work at Height Regulations, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.  Mr Holland pleading guilty at Spalding Magistrates Court and was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.

Health and Safety consultants can help companies to understand their legal responsibilities through training and audits.  Audits are useful if you would like to evaluate your current policies and procedures to ensure they are adequate in the eyes of the law. There are various different Regulations to follow, such as the Work at Height and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations which can be taught on training courses.

Useful Health and Safety Services

Audits will ensure your business is using the best practices throughout all departments.  If problem areas are found these can be addressed before anyone is hurt or any incidents occur. Audits should be held regularly, especially if new jobs are introduced or new safety precautions or working methods are being used.  You will be provided with a full report, complete with advice on how to introduce changes which will meet the health and safety regulations.

Training is also advisable for all employers, and is often necessary by law.  Health and safety consultants are able to provide recognised qualifications for employees on all levels and business owners. Many of the courses can be taken in-house, making it easy to arrange and reduces the need to arrange accommodation and travel for candidates who require the training.

Health and safety services can be easily arranged by looking online and finding an experienced and respected company.  You can use the website to learn more about the various services and how they can be of benefit to your business.  If you would like to discuss these services in more detail call the health and safety consultants on 0800 1488 677 for assistance and advice.

About David Cant

David Cant is a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner extraordinaire. He has a wealth of Industry experience and is the MD of Veritas Consulting. David also Blogs about Health and Safety here Health and Safety Consultants

His aim is to flavour Health and Safety with integrity, served with a side of humour You can find David on - Twitter and Google also Linkedin