A Firearms Instructor from Thames Valley Police was conducting basic firearms awareness training with new civilian police control room staff when what he thought was non-live ammunition from an unmarked sweet tin was loaded into a revolver.
However, surprise surprise ... the ammunition was live and the round hit the civilian worker in the stomach causing major injuries – he has not yet been able to return to work.
HSE Inspector Matthew Lee commented ...
Risk assessments are necessary and an important way of enabling employers to safeguard their workers safety, but, as this case demonstrates, it is not the pieces of paper or certificates that will stop workers getting injured. It is vital that employers follow up on actions highlighted in risk assessments and ensure staff follow them
... so, let's hear from you about your experiences with Risk Assessments ... and how you feel we need go to ensure this important part of what we should be doing well and thoroughly understood by everyone else!
