Champion

The Myth:

The on-site safety of visiting air compressor servicing contractors is the responsibility of the servicing company - not the air compressor/site owner.

Analysis:

The commercial significance of safety is a waking giant. Companies are beginning to realise the benefits associated with the implementation of a comprehensive safety philosophy, and as a result, are incorporating detailed environmental health and safety (EH&S) strategies into their corporate responsibilities. Unfortunately, many companies are unaware that this responsibility for worker safety extends beyond their own employees. Businesses are legally responsible for the safety of their own workers, plus that of all on-site personnel, including visiting contractors. A prime example is the air compressor service technician.

Maintaining and servicing electro-mechanical machinery, such as air compressors, exposes service technicians to a range of potential hazards. Burns, muscle strains, and abrasions - plus severed fingers and electrocution in extreme cases - are just some of the workplace injuries that can befall compressor service technicians. While some air compressor service companies charge relatively low service fees, often they do not provide their service technicians with appropriate training, nor do they supply appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves, harnesses and electrical finger testers.

Hiring adequately trained service contractors, experienced in a range of industrial environments, goes some way to minimising the likelihood of such on-site accidents.

It is the responsibility of the compressor/site owner to establish whether the out-sourced compressor service technician is suitably qualified and possesses adequate EH&S training. If the service technician is involved in an on-site accident and it is discovered that they have not been trained in site-specific safety procedures, then it is likely that the compressor/site owner will be accountable to some extent. Whether or not severe injury occurs, on-site accidents can also result in protracted Work Cover investigations, and costly medical and legal fees. Employing poorly trained compressor service contractors only increases the likelihood of such on-site accidents.

It is also the responsibility of the compressor/site owner to ensure that trade waste, such as used compressor lubricant and filters, are legally and safely disposed of by service contractors. Turning a blind eye, or assuming contractors are disposing of such trade waste properly could prove difficult to defend, particularly if it is discovered that contractors have disposed of harmful substances incorrectly.

Conclusion:

Compressor/site owners are legally responsible for all on-site personal--company employees and visiting contractors. It is the responsibility of the air compressor/site owner to establish whether the out-sourced service technicians possess adequate EH&S training. To avoid time-consuming and costly downtime due to injury or litigation, hire compressor service technicians with documented EH&S accreditation.