30.03.2015

Belfast gambler

A reader in Northern Ireland spotted a man working from a van mount last week, who while he clearly knows what he is doing, has very little concern for his safety, or those who might be passing by while he works. He is obviously gambling that nothing will happen to him.

The man was warned by our correspondent of the unnecessary risks that he was exposing himself to, but as is often the case in these situations, he was told that it was none of his concern.

In the words of our correspondent:
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Spotted in Belfast a man with little regard for safe working practices

Please see attached death wish from Belfast yesterday. Couple of things caught my attention immediately.
1/ No traffic management for vehicles or pedestrians whatsoever
2/ Vehicle parked half on/half off the pavement
3/ No harness being worn
4/ Vehicle parked in close proximity to pedestrian crossing blocking view of those crossing
5/ Work being carried out during peak traffic time thereby maximising risks
6/ Scant regard for tethering of tools or the risk to the public below
7/ Blocking view of vehicles turning into or out of side road

I am sure the eagle eyed amongst the readers out there can spot many more risks being taken. When I pointed out a few lapses in safety to the man, I was told to mind my own business!

It is this disregard for personal and public safety that gets the access industry tarred with the same brush. If ever I saw a death wish this was it.
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A slightly closer look

It is at times like this that a tip of to the safety authorities is more than justified. If a car had clipped the van, it would have caused far more devastation that just tossing the platform occupant out of the bucket. It could easily have ruined the lives of many innocent parties.