One blanket..? Risk relevance..?

I am of the opinion that having a ‘one blanket fits all ’ approach, combined with the lack of actual decision making, is dangerous for the country and economy going forward. I appreciate we are in unprecedented times, that the quantum of risk (health vs commerce), is very real, and that the stakes have never been higher, but as a government, you need to make decisions, and start unlocking the economy as soon as is reasonably practicable.

From a safety perspective, the principles of reasonable measures Vs level of risk is well known, with the obligation being on employers to assess risk and implement reasonable appropriate control measures that remove it mitigate risk accordingly. For example - construction... The approaches Required (In relation to vivid-19), for a domestic site (e.g. extension/renovation), is completely different to a larger commercial site (e.g. house builder/city-Centre site). Why apply the same blanket ban..? Is restrictive.

Consultation is also key when assessing risk (I.e. ask those who are undertaking the task). However, this should not be going on forever in the absence (Or replacement), of decision making - what’s the point otherwise..? In my opinion, inaction has the potential to cause long lasting sustained harm to Scotland. There are some very talented people across the county, in all sectors, who are more than capable of applying re-occupation/restart risk assessment principles relative to their businesses - it’s what gets done from an occupational safety perspective anyway... Let them get on with it...

Disparity between UK regions in my opinion, is not helpful, especially in relation to the delivery of onsite practical professional services. Being aware that health/safety is the top priority , we are again creating a scenario where there is potential to damage the economy/country for a sustained period. Not for parity sake, but one that is aligned across sectors, that emanates from a tailored risk analysis approach.

Why the contribution is important

Because people want to get going again. We must be allowed to establish what the new normal is. Unfortunately, this is not without risk... Nothing in life is though I’m afraid...

by skivvy1504 on May 06, 2020 at 10:03AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 16 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Jane May 06, 2020 at 11:03

    Agree the blunt tools that were necessary initially now need refined to be applied situationally, based on risk assessment and management and evidence based decision making ie evidence beyond covid 19 alone.
  • Posted by lmg1612 May 06, 2020 at 13:21

    I've been saying this from the start. There is no one size fits all solution to this. Too easy for some to say just stay at home. It's never that simple
  • Posted by FM79 May 08, 2020 at 14:32

    Agree, blanket approach was fine initially but the time has come to move on and get people back to work and the economy restarted.
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