"This is a health and safety issue...."

[ElGuapo]

Does it annoy anyone else when teachers use this phrase to try and get what they want, when it blatantly isn't a H&S issue?!

It's like they think as soon as they say it, it cannot be argued and they've use the trump card and so it MUST be done!

It really, really annoys me. I just grit my teeth get on with it because life's too short, but one day I will say "I'm actually qualified in health and safety, please could you explain to me why you've come to that conclusion, and could I see your risk assessment to back this up?"

Rant over, sorry

[Nigel]

Totally agree, those jobs take longer

[Vera]

Funny how those jobs always go to the back of the queue and stay there a while before being done...

Another common cry around here is "It's affecting my ability to teach the children" this one is usually to the head although she is sensible enough to sort the real need from the stampy feet brigade. These requests go even further down the queue..

[hendo91]

Yes I have mentioned in here on a similar post we even have one that will occasionally say ''well by law'' wasn't until I blew my lid and spoke to the head about being borderline bullied and painted into corners about completing jobs on the spot that anything was done about it and our HT she is brilliant '''all job's are to be input on the job log in reception and will be catalogue and completed by the site team based on urgency, if you have concerns a job or issue may be a H&S risk myself and the site team will asses the matter and the job will be completed accordingly'' this is what's written top left hand corner of the staff room white board and has made my life 100x easier...no more post it notes or Chinese whispers the job list is where it goes or it doesn't get done

[trout39843]

Mine used to pull that card till the BM and I got IOSH certified. Then we just shot them down.

[Simon]

I got asked to move some old gym equipment that was hanging on the wall which had been there since the 1970's and gets inspected every year to make sure it's safe. Apparently one of the PE staff suddenly decided they'd become a h&s issue despite the fact everything was still in perfect working order and they were securely attached. I didn't argue and just removed them as per instruction.

[Eddy]

i am lucky here, as they do not often do this.
In the past i would ask them for the risk assessment they have completed that details how there is a H&S issue.
They would often come back with the age old phrase " But that's your job" so i then carry out a full RA on their class and give them a list of items that they need to address under "H&S".

A favourite was any plant they have has to, as an obvious allergy risk. They soon got the message.

[Gazza]

Does it annoy anyone else when teachers use this phrase to try and get what they want, when it blatantly isn't a H&S issue?!

It's like they think as soon as they say it, it cannot be argued and they've use the trump card and so it MUST be done!

It really, really annoys me. I just grit my teeth get on with it because life's too short, but one day I will say "I'm actually qualified in health and safety, please could you explain to me why you've come to that conclusion, and could I see your risk assessment to back this up?"

Rant over, sorry

OMG if i had a list of my biggest PEEVS this would be it.....im currently going through one as we speak to with the HT

[OXSET]

I get the temperature one whenever it gets cold and the staff say how their homes are heated to 25 degrees yadda yadda yadda.

[PalaceEagles]

I have to admit I'm quite lucky here. I don't think in the 2 1/2 years I've been here anymore has pulled that trick. I've had it in previous schools where the CEO pulled that card out.

I do wonder sometimes if its due to the fact that the teachers think they cleverer than us and think if I throw around statements like that it will make it seem like a bigger deal.