With reference to the item in On The Dot, ‘Safety Standards... or lack of’ (November 3) it would have been much more appropriate if the person taking the photograph had immediately informed the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.

That would have allowed the necessary measures to be taken to safeguard the health and safety of those who may be affected by such work activities, instead of leaving workers and other people exposed to unsafe work practices until the OHSA takes the necessary action.

While the OHSA understands the interest of the public in issues of unsafe working practices, one should keep in mind that such an approach will not have the desired effectiveness if OHSA is not immediately informed. Most of the time, photos are published hours and even days after the occurrence of the unsafe work practice. In every case, OHSA treats all reports received in a confidential manner. Achieving safer and healthier workplaces requires the cooperation of stakeholders and duty holders and it can only be improved through a self-regulating process where all duty holders recognise the importance of adhering to the duties imposed upon them by law.