Harry D. Powell is sitting in his office at the Ministry of Labour, giving a piece of his mind.

The object of his anger is a newspaper article which, he claims, misquoted him.

"It was as if they had thrown my words up in the air and let them come down on the page. Unbelievable,'' he says shaking his head.

Fifty-five-year-old Mr. Powell, Bermuda's Construction Health and Safety Inspector, is a troubleshooter not averse to firing from the lip.

It is almost as though he has made a pact with humanity: don't mess with me and I won't mess with you. But...

Mr. Powell hopes there will never be a "but'' in his dealings with the construction industry.

"I am not a beast,'' he stresses. "I have to be firm, but I would like the workforce to understand I am their friend and a resource. At the same time I will not tolerate non-compliance.'' Few in Bermuda knowingly fail to comply with the law, Mr. Powell suspects.

To him the problem is ignorance. And the solution can be summed up in one word, too: education. This is the key to safety.

"Communication between management and workers by way of properly run safety committees is the first step towards a safe working environment.

"In the latter part of 1996 there was an approved code of practice for Occupational Health and Safety developed which is intended to assist in bringing a better understanding of the process.

"It is in a language less intimidating than that of legislation; it does not replace the requirements of the legislation but offers assistance as a guide.'' The former Warwick Academy student's interest in construction health and safety was sparked some 35 years ago when he joined Otis Elevator Company as a fitter.

"Otis ensured that each fitter was supplied with a tool bench on wheels containing the appropriate tools for the job as well as a safety hat, goggles and a voucher for the purchase of proper construction boots.'' At the time, the young Mr. Powell believed his employer was being over-protective. He was to know better.

"Other workers in Bermuda at the time didn't seem to bother with safety equipment or protective clothing to any great extent.'' Mr. Powell went on to work in a landscaping and excavation company and later ran a diesel engine supply and repair business.

In 1985, he sold his company and with his wife and two children moved to Ontario to further his education and experience.

"What was intended as a short term commitment turned into a ten-year stay,'' he says.

Mr. Powell initially worked in the engine division of one of the largest Caterpillar dealerships in North America.

When the company virtually dissolved during the recession, his career took a decisive turn.

He entered a competition for the post of Construction Health and Safety Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Labour and was short-listed from more than 800 applicants before getting the job.

"Construction Health and Safety Officer candidates in Ontario all undertake rigorous pre- and in-service training for certification,'' he says.

"As well as sitting exams on the Ontario building and fire codes as they relate to health and safety, construction methods and practices and Occupational Health and Safety legislation, officers were required to take specific training with regard to such things as the operation of all types of lifting appliances such as lattice boom and tower cranes, hydraulic mobile cranes, concrete pumps and truck mounted devices.'' Mr. Powell managed an area in downtown Toronto.

"Projects ranged from small residential renovations with a handful of workers to complex high-rise commercial and institutional blocks with work crews of over 300.'' Last July he was hired by Bermuda's Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety.

He is full of praise for staff at the Ministry, paying tribute to Doris Foley-Millett, health and safety officer and inspector; and Georgette Prime-Godwin, administrative assistant and inspector.

Mr. Powell, who tries to inspect six work sites a week, sees plenty of grounds for optimism.

"I have seen a big difference in the last six months. For example, there are more safety hats in evidence now.

"It's really a matter of common sense. Many people think safety hats are just to protect you from things falling on your head.

"But a lot of injuries are caused by objects striking the side of your head.'' The prospect of the blunt-speaking Mr. Powell making a lightning visit to the workplace, should be enough to make most people don their safety hats.

Look at Mr. Powell's curriculum vitae, and you will probably see he has a passion for such sports as cricket, sailing and rugby.

Most captains, one imagines, would want him on their side.

Harry Powell HEALTH HTH