'Drama queens' warning (From Gazette & Herald)

'Drama queens' warning

THE boss of a nationwide health and safety consultancy has warned company chiefs to hold their nerve in the face of "drama queen" scare tactics being used by some consultancies to drum up business.

Jamie Cliffe, managing director of Stokesley-based SMTS, says that some unscrupulous firms are using the rising tide of health and safety related legislation, coupled with issues such as corporate manslaughter and the compensation culture.

"Some of these sales tactics amount to little more than 'hire or us, or you risk going to jail'," said Mr Cliffe. "Our advice to anyone in business is that if you hear that sort of nonsense from a so-called health and safety expert, show them the door.

"It is true that the law is becoming a lot more complex, and it is true that responsible business owners should constantly review their health and safety procedures.

"But the legislation is not framed to 'catch out' ethical and well-directed companies that make the occasional mistake or slip-up. It's there to deal with the real cowboys who simply don't care about the welfare of their employees.

"A professional health and safety consultancy - of which there are many - will take a much more positive view. For the most part, if you and your employees are aware of the regulations relevant to your business, and if people are working together and communicating well, safety awareness and attitudes will constantly improve. ''

Updated: 14:27 Wednesday, October 12, 2005