Although Spring is traditionally the time of year associated with having a good clearout and clean up, the message applies equally at all times of the year to make your working environment a healthier and safer place to work.

BT's policy of Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle, which was an integral part of obtaining their accreditation under environmental award ISO 14001, seems to bear little reality to much of their estate.

Whether it is packaging from the delivery of new equipment blocking fire routes or old cable drums on equipment floors or scrap cable in building's yards creating tripping hazards and fire risks, all of this seems to make this award a mockery.

Much of this is just general housekeeping but continues to be a cause of concern at many sites without anyone taking responsibility for correctly managing its removal from site. If you have rubbish accumulating requiring removal/disposal, call 0800 223388.They will either arrange for disposal or advise you who should deal & how. Further information can be found in ISIS RAL/ENV/B010 (Duty of Care) & RAL/ENV/B011 (Waste Guide).

Once cleared, do your bit to ensure it stays clean, tidy and consequently safe, by only using recognised disposal facilities.

We all have responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, not to (or omit to) do anything that endangers ourselves, our colleagues, contractors or members of the general public.

This would include the indiscriminate disposal or dumping of rubbish. Less accidents occur in tidy workplaces.

Managers have additional responsibilities to ensure that the workplace is healthy and safe.