| UK General News |
| UK online magazine - for the construction industry |
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What
to expect when a health and safety inspector calls  |
Health
and Safety Executive - Working with employers. Inspectors have the right to enter any workplace without giving notice, though notice may be given where the inspector thinks it is appropriate. On a normal inspection visit an inspector would expect to look at the workplace, the work activities, your management of health and safety, and to check that you are complying with health and safety law. The inspector may offer guidance or advice to help you. He/she may also talk to employees and their representatives, take photographs and samples, serve improvement notices and take action if there is a risk to health and safety which needs to be dealt with immediately. Enforcing health and safety law On finding a breach of health and safety law, the inspector will decide what action to take. The action will depend on the nature of the breach, and will be based on the principles set out in the Health and Safety Commission's (HSC) Enforcement Policy Statement. The inspector should provide employees or their representatives with information about any action taken, or which is necessary for the purpose of keeping them informed about matters affecting their health, safety and welfare. Inspectors may take enforcement action in several ways to deal with a breach of the law. .... more here |
| Denbighshire Trading Standards have drawn up a ten point plan for householders to avoid the heartbreak and money worries caused by shoddy building jobs. |  |
| 1.
If workmen call uninvited always use your door chain before you open
the door. If you do not wish to deal with them tell them firmly. An
honest caller will not mind calling back at a more convenient time
when someone else can be there with you. 2. Be wary of doorstep workmen who tell you what work you need doing - particularly roofing repairs, drives, painting, gardening and tree cutting. Don`t be afraid to say no. 3. Be cautious of trades people who claim to have been working locally unless you have seen their work and spoken to their customers. 4. If you are approached please don`t agree to any work - always get quotes from other companies first. The Renewal Services Departments in County Councils will tell you if you are eligible for a grant. 5. Never pay in advance. Only pay for jobs after they have been completed to your satisfaction. 6. Be wary of cheap "on the side" jobs to avoid tax, Vat etc. They may not be registered for VAT. You may have problems putting right faults afterwards. 7. If you take people on make sure you have their full name, address, home or office telephone number and the registration number of any vehicle. All will be useful if you need to find them after the work is completed. 8. Always get a written quotation and full description of the work before you agree to it being done. A written quotation is legally binding, a verbal estimate is only a general guide. 9. Be wary of discounts offered if you agree to your house being used as a showhouse. 10. Finally, if you have any problems with poor workmanship or materials, failure to complete works , or are concerned in any way about house repairs, or home improvements contact your local Trading Standards Office |
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| Construction News Feed |
| BEAT THE BURGLAR  There are a wide range of alarms on the market, both DIY & professionally installed systems. Although alarms are heard going off all the time, the 'Cry Wolf' syndrome does not necessarily apply - from the burglars point of view, an alarm is an extra risk and probably not worth taking. Your local police Crime Prevention Officer should be able to offer advice on alarms. If you are indoors when someone is breaking in, some alarms come with a 'panic button' which you can use to set off the alarm, or you can use the control panel fitted on the wall. .... MORE HERE |