Bosses are the worst offenders for health and safety blunders

British bosses lead from the front when it comes to health and safety gaffes in the workplace, according to a survey conducted by business support services provider ELAS.

In a survey of 1000 business managers, a shocking 88 per cent of admitted to breaking at least one basic health and safety regulation in the past week. Of those, more than three quarters (76 per cent) admitted that they had flouted the rules knowingly.

Confessions included:
• 51 per cent admitted heavy lifting without following the correct procedures
• 44 per cent had left a slip, trip or fall obstacle on the workplace floor
• 49 per cent had used electrical equipment that hadn't been safety tested
• 26 per cent risked falling from height by balancing on the edge of a table or chair to change a lightbulb or reach a high shelf.

When asked about their staff, 56 per cent had pulled up at least one staff member for breaking a basic health and safety rule within the previous seven days.

Wayne Dunning, health and safety manager for business support service provider, ELAS, said: “It really seems to be a case of do as I say, not do as I do.

“Bosses often try to make out that health and safety is confusing, or that they don't know what is allowed and what isn't.

“But this shows they are clearly clued up about what constitutes a hazard and are quick to police them, but that doesn't stop them from knowingly flouting those regulations when it suits them.

“Businesses need to recognise that, if they want to ensure their workplace is a safe and legal place to be, then bosses and managers need to take the matter seriously and lead from the front.“

For more information about ELAS's health and safety business support services visit www.employment-law.uk.com or 08450 50 40 60.