"I never thought that the Labour Inspectorate was there to intimidate. It is essential to carry out inspections and it is a good thing for us to get feedback," claims Raul, who works for a Danish children’s furniture manufacturer, to challenge preconceptions. "The investigation of accidents is an opportunity for us to learn and improve our environment. This is a positive thing. People gain knowledge and we learn what our vulnerabilities are and where we should step up our efforts."
Flexa Estonia has been in contact with the Labour Inspectorate on several occasions both for the investigation of occupational accidents and for the working environment consultant service. "In my opinion, the consultation service is an excellent opportunity. I prefer the consultation service precisely because the consultants have experience in many different areas and thus have extremely wide-ranging expertise. They provide excellent examples," Raul notes, in describing his very positive experience with the free working environment consultant service offered by the Labour Inspectorate.
"I have used consultations as training in the company. The consultants cover relevant topics and bring examples that are specific to our area of activity." Raul has a positive view of the consultants of the Labour Inspectorate. The consultant has visited the company to gain an overview of the working environment and review the necessary documentation, after which they provided relevant training based on their findings. "The consultant’s insights are also interesting for the employees to hear. Otherwise, it is always the same old story that you have to use this kind of protective equipment under these conditions, but what I value more is practical examples from real-life situations. The training provided by consultants also gives employees a different perspective from the training and mentoring provided by me. It is good to do something different for a change, otherwise everything will become routine," said Raul, adding that the training provided by the Labour Inspectorate is also more memorable for people.
Karin, the working environment specialist of Wendre AS, also points out that she is very happy with the consultant service. "I am in contact with Rein Reisberg and the whole experience has been very pleasant and positive. I have invited him to our company for a consultation and we have also communicated by phone and email. In the preparation of risk assessment, there have been aspects that have left me wondering whether I am overdoing it and seeing a problem where there isn’t one. In such a situation, it is a good idea to invite the consultant on site and find out what they think." Karin also adds that it is good to get reassurance from the consultant that her doubts are unfounded and her ideas are correct.
Thinking back, Karin recalls that at first her overall attitude towards the Labour Inspectorate was not the greatest, but that has changed over time. "A couple of years ago we had two serious occupational accidents. This was the first time an investigator of the Labour Inspectorate visited our company and our experience with them was very positive. They did not use an authoritarian approach and there was no sense of fear. It can be said that we communicated on the same level as equals," explains Karin, who works for a textile manufacturer with approximately 370 employees, after having changed her attitude towards the Labour Inspectorate.
Karin considers the shortcomings identified during the visit to be a good acknowledgement. "I got support. I tried to introduce changes to the way the company provides instruction but they did not want to implement the changes because it was easier not to. The investigator now points out that reading 30 instruction manuals in one day is insufficient and not appropriate. It is very unfortunate that it took a serious occupational accident for such a change to be made."
If you would like to invite a Labour Inspectorate consultant to your company who will advise you on how to create a safe and healthy working environment, send us an email at [email protected]. If you have any labour-related questions, please contact our counselling lawyers via phone at 640 6000.
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