My risk assessment techniques get me to work in good time, without any accidents on the way.
A quick look at my calendar over a cup of coffee then off to brief the chair of the health and safety committee on the agenda for a meeting later today.
I attend the monthly management group meeting from noon until 1pm.
Then I go back to work, pulling together our policy and accompanying guidelines on how we can best protect staff from the risk of violence and aggression – a sad reflection of the stresses of modern life.
Tuesday
I've been asked to visit one of our sheltered housing schemes following a risk assessment carried out by staff.
A partially sighted older resident is in danger of falling from a pathway down a drop of some two feet into a neighbour's front garden.
We agree that the risk could be reduced temporarily by painting a bright yellow demarcation line along the edge of the path until a permanent handrail is fitted.
My next stop is to investigate an incident in which vandals cut through a gas pipe in a bin cupboard putting everyone in the neighbourhood at risk.
Fortunately no one was hurt, but it has left residents understandably upset and worried.
Wednesday
A quiet day catching up on paperwork would be nice – and at least I have the morning to do this.
In the afternoon I go to a meeting of the Charities Safety Group.
It is a good opportunity to catch up with other safety professionals and to share ideas and good practice.
We are working with the Health and Safety Executive on guidance for voluntary workers who are not covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act in the same way as employees – even though they may do the same work.
Thursday
I pay a quick visit to a community room (something that is not big enough to be called a community centre) with a representative from the Federation of Broomleigh Residents.
Residents are keen to start using the room as soon as possible, so we discuss fire safety, food hygiene, security and possible uses for the room.
Back in the office to catch up on phone calls and emails.
My in-tray reveals a letter from the Health and Safety Executive which is investigating an accident involving one of our residents.
Although it is quite usual for the HSE to follow up this sort of thing, this has to take top priority.
Friday
A quiet day today and at last I get an opportunity to gather my thoughts and catch up with the huge backlog of correspondence.
Source
Housing Today
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