Posted By Martin Monaghan
My current employer has announced that it will be moving all production overseas during 2007. So after 27 (mainly) enjoyable years I will be looking for new employmment.

I am an engineer and have always been involved with H&S. About 5 years ago I took over responsibility for all HSE management on the site and have been doing this almost full time since then (I still find a little time to do some engineering work).

I don't yet know when I will be available (the plan is to cease production by mid 2007) but I'd like to find out what sort of opportunities there will be when the end comes.

I'm 50 years old, CMIOSH and competent in Noise Assessment, LEV examination, Manual Handling Assessment & Training, DSE Assessment. I also have experience of applying for and maintaining management systems for ISO14001 and OHSAS18001.

In the time between now and closure I intend to explore all possibilities - including permanent or temporary contracts and self-employment.

Can anybody out there offer me some advice / encouragement, or better still a job?

Thanks,

Martin.

Posted By AHS
Martin


Can you make your email address visible and I certainly would employ mature candidates. I think The Expert is mistaken.

Posted By Martin Monaghan
Thanks AHS and MetalMan. I hope you 're correct and I can prove The Expert is wrong.

AHS my e-mail address should now be visible.

Martin.

Posted By David Bannister
Martin, after 27 years in the same employment I suspect you are very apprehensive about venturing out!

Come on in - the water's lovely!

Given you experience I know most of the agencies who recruit via SHP will be clamouring for your details and tha there are plenty of opportunities for temp work, even if a permanent post is not immediately on offer.

Be bold, be brave, pocket any redundancy package and never regretfully look back.

Good luck.

Posted By Vernon Kay
I agree with The Expert. Age seems to be a problem with H&S. Guess it is because old uns can't climb ladders, and young ones don't realise we are not supposed to use them!

Posted By Mark Webster
Hi Martin

I am currently recruiting for a Compliance (SHEQ)Coordinator for a contract we have with the MoD in Iraq

It is based on an 18 moth contract

If you are interested please forward me your CV for consideration

If not good luck with your search

Kind Regards

Mark Webster

Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke
Hi folks

I would be happy to speak to you regarding potential work in the new year.

emial me!

Regards

Linda

Posted By Glyn Atkinson
Age is only a number -

Age brings you a huge wealth of practical experience, and with your engineering background will also bring cost effective solutions to any client who wants a potential answer to lifting, manual handling and engineering problems that manifest through H&S issues in many work places.

At 52, I may not quote Regs ad verbatim, but have a through understanding of what to do to put problems right, and most directors want the solution given to them, not a Reg number !

There's plenty of life left in THIS old dog, and you can give me two years !!

Or - let them handle a raw graduate who has never talked to put his point across to the senior manager / director, through the intermediate levels right down to the office cat ,and everyone in between.

There's plenty of industrial language to get through to get a point across - not a need to spout Regs that have been learnt parrot fashion to pass an exam.

In my humble opinion, it's getting your safety message through to ALL ranks of workers and managers that will help you to succeed, not the sharp suit, clean briefcase, and loads of stats and graphs.

Best of luck, sir, get out there, let all of the applications float through until the RIGHT one comes along.

I had almost 300 applications while waiting for the good job to come along, but gained lots of experience by agency work to further my knowledge in many areas while being paid and waiting for my opportunity !

You will be wanted by the right discerning employer, never fear !

Posted By Karen Wilson
Hi Martin - I utilise free-lance health and safety professionals on a regular basis. Most of the people I use are older than myself (I m in my 40's). Experience is no substitute for a piece of paper - and I find that the experienced professional also acts as a mentor to myself. I occasionally have work in your area. I am unsure how to contact you directly - but seriously consider the idea of going solo.....I did 14 years ago. I would never go back to working directly for a company again. Its hardwork - but it is well worth the effort. Concentrate your expertise in the LEV and Manual Handling. If you are also able to develop a strong knowledge base of HAVs and all over body vibration - then you are almost guaranteed work as specialist are few and fa between when it comes to measuring vibration. Never let your age put you off. Some of the guys who work for me have retired but do the occasional days work for me just to keep their "hand in". Regards. Karen

Posted By Martin Monaghan
Thanks to everyone for the (mainly) encouraging responses.

Since the announcement was made I've had time to think about all my options. I haven't ruled anything out but I'm seriously considering going self-employed. Everyone I have spoken to has said there is plenty of work out there.

As I may have a job until the middle of 2007 I am in the fortunate position of having time to put a plan together and get advice from as many people as possible.

Any advice contributors to the forum can offer on setting up as a self employed h&s professional will be most welcome.

Martin.

Posted By JM82
Wayne - I have people for Dubai if you want to get in contact.

Cheers