Posted By Martyn Hendrie There have been a number of threads of late which express extreme views and may or may not be "wind ups" This forum is open to both members and non-members and my concern is that those who no little about Health and Safety may read some of the extreme views and believe that they are main stream. In the interests of free speech I do not think that excluding non-members is the answer. Rather I feel that the moderators should consider introducing a "marker system" to indicate if the contributor is an IOSH member (of whatever grade). This could be linked to registration for the closed forums and who knows may increase their use as well. Any one else of like mind? Martyn

Posted By Calum R Cameron Good idea Martyn. What does Martin Bessant think?????

Posted By Ron Hunter This Chat Forum provides an opportunity for interchange of views and opinions and a possible source of assistance. No matter what measures are taken, it cannot be identified as a sure-fire source of competent advice.Even some of us with membership/qualifications may wish to enter a discussion or venture opinions outwith our areas of expertise? I have been concerned from time to time by cries for help from some who (it appears to me) are in over their heads and (no matter how much quality information might be posted in response to their query)are acting outwith their competency and experience. Let's all enjoy and make best use of this excellent forum whilst taking cogniscance of its limitations?

Posted By Mike Craven This is going to sound dead miserable and unco-operative of me, so let me point out in advance that during the past weeks and months, I have "e-mailed direct" numerous policies, procedures, checklists, etc to people seeking help and advice. I believe - from the return comments received - that many of these offers of assistance have been appreciated and put to good use by fellow "professionals". I have also sought advice and help myself and have appreciated the support given. I fully intend to continue to contribute to this forum in that manner. However........... I sometimes wonder if, as Ron puts it, some people are "in over their heads" or merely too bone idle to do anything themselves? Some people do seem to come to these and other forums for just about everything under the sun! If they are not simply too lazy and are in over their heads one wonders how they managed to get appointed to their position of employment or found clients willing to accept their competency as consultants. Oh, and while I'm in this particular whingeing cantankerous mood, I can't be doing with people that accept assistance and then not only pass it off as their own, (which doesn't particularly bother me too much), but even put a little copyright sign next to it - happened to me and my former boss a while ago. Have a happy week-end folks!!!!!!!!!!!! Best wishes Mike (don't you just love a Friday afternoon wind-up) Craven

Posted By Calum R Cameron I'm afraid I must side with Mike-and to be honest, I couldn't have put it better myself. Nice one Mike!!!

Posted By Simon Kynaston As a non-member, I do hope all have the scope to take the advice of any interested person. The setting of future and higher standards and the product of experience, training and best practice, as such there should no restriction on the pool of this information.

Posted By Stuart Nagle Martyn. A valid point I overlooked. I think it would be an asset to the forum. Stuart

Posted By Laurie You could always try putting MIOSH or FIOSH after your name, or have I misunderstood again? Laurie