Posted By Stuff4blokes
I think that life as a safety adviser in a university will expose one to as large a variety of risk scenarios as virtually any other environment, particularly in the sciences, physical activity, maintenance and engineering departments, added to which is the inbuilt resistance of academics to believe that anyone else can tell them anything (takes cover) and that they are immune to danger.

That experience will surely provide a whole host of transferable skills that would be valued by an enlightened employer.

Posted By James Byatt
Hi Bob,

I don't work for a University but have been employed at UNITE (Student Accommodation - not the Union) for the last 4 1/2 years.

I liaise with a few Uni H&S Managers on common issues such as Accommodation Management & general FM as well as shared risk profiles of customers etc.

So if a UNI has significant halls of residence on campus there would be plenty of long term opportunities in the FM/building services field.

Other than that, I can only think that exposure to some of the research labs and managing risk there would be great experience for moves into the sciences etc. Most large Uni's will be like working in a range of mini industries all under one roof so I would imagine the opportunities to gain a good range of risk management skills is pretty good including stuff like student welfare, personal safety, fire risk management and all your staple H&S subject matters.

Hope that helps,

James

Posted By Sally
As others have said you have to get used to the fact that universities operate to a totally different mind set. The most common phrase I used to hear was 'but we are doing research' as though that somehow meant the law didn't apply to them. But it really hones your negotiating and persuasion skills.

Posted By bobjones
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your comments and advice. Hopefully will be joining some of you at conferences soon!!

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