Posted By Dave Stevenson
Dear Friends,

I am undertaking research to complete a Masters Degree in Health and Safety Management. I am interested in Government proposals to have age discrimination legislation in place by 1st October 2006. Under current proposals employers can (inter alia) justify a compulsory retirement age where there are exceptional circumstances such as for reasons of 'health, safety and welfare'. However, without current objective guidance from the enforcing authority, it could be hypothesised that an employee could be discriminated against through wrongly held beliefs and not facts related to older workers. My research objectives are to:

1. To research the health and safety needs of older workers and appreciate peer reviewed interventions


2. To determine to what extent employers undertake specific risk assessments for this age group and if regard is given to the aforementioned needs and interventions .


3. To determine the sources of guidance that are used by employers (HR, Diversity Manager), safety practitioners and OH professionals to ensure any such assessment are suitable and sufficient.


4. To determine to what extent not having specific health and safety guidance for this working group prevents an employer from undertaking a suitable and sufficient assessment of risk.



I would like to determine if there is a specific need for health and safety guidance covering older workers to enable employers to fulfil their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended) and any future Age discrimination legislation. (Currently HSE guidance is only available on New and expectant mothers, Young Persons etc.; Other Countries such as Finland, Canada and more recently the US are leading the way in this study, particularly the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)



I would like to survey health and safety professionals. My questionnaire will be available both hard copy and by an easy to complete electronic excel document (Completion time will be <10 mins). I will maintain the confidentially of all who make returns.

If you are interested in helping me out with this research please can you email me at Dave@stevenson82.fsnet.co.uk.

Many thanks

Dave Stevenson - Safety Manager -BAA Southampton Airport

Posted By Dave Stevenson
I am surprised with your response, although you are entitled to your opinion.

I’ve already had some really positive direct responses to my post from safety professionals who are interested in:

a: Assisting another safety professional in furthering his career and knowledge (I’ve done this many times myself).

b: Being part of a topical debate, and being interested in the wider picture of safety management.

You will note, that I have not gone through the discussion forum and lifted the email addresses and contacted members directly. I have only asked those who can spare <10mins to possibly help me (If they wish). Each questionnaire will be anonymous, I mentioned confidentiality in my post, as my assurance that I will not use emails sent for any other reason.

I think it is also an important point that I am also working with Employers Forum’s regarding this issue and hopefully the outcome may have some benefit to the profession in the future.

Kind Regards

Dave

Posted By David J Bristow
Dave

Email me a copy of the questionnaire and I will be glad to partake in your survey.

I totally agree with Mike's comments (not following you around the site Mike, honestly).

Its a big old world out there and sometimes we all need a little guidance and assistance.

Furthermore, if by assisting others we improve safety then that’s surely, as safety professionals, what are aim is to do.

Lastly, as Gerry stated on the “Ladder” thread – a little thank you would be most appreciated when colleagues spend the time to email requested information to help and assist those with their queries.

Kind regards




David B

Posted By Paul Costelloe
Dave,

I would be pleased to complete your questionnaire if you e-mail it to me.

Since I am thinking along the lines of degree courses when I complete Dip 2 next month, I must confess to having an alterior motive in wanting to network with others already on such courses. As suggested earlier in this thread (by Mike I think) networking is no bad thing.

Regards

Posted By Lorraine O'Brien
Hi Dave,
I will quite happily fill in your questionnaire for you if you let me have an electronic copy and good luck with the research.

Lorraine

Posted By Richard L
Dave,

Only to happy to help.

Have e-mailed you direct with e-mail details.

Richard.

Posted By Katie Hoyland
dave

The IOSH forum is a useful management tool and should in no way be used as a pick up facility under the vague guise of an industrial/proffessional questionare requirement.

Katie

Posted By Sean Fraser
Dave,

Have emailed you direct so you can send the questionnaire by return. As I said in the message - what do I get out of it? A sense of satisfaction in being consulted on my views and the ability to make a contribution!

I hope the forum members who are genuinely interested in H&S as a profession continue to support requests of this nature as it adds to the academic knowledge on the subject and promotes understanding.

Posted By Kieran J Duignan
I strongly support Fats' satirical remarks.