Posted By Charles
The FIRST and foremost indicator of any profession’s value to an organisation is the contribution it makes to the “bottom line”. Health and Safety Professionals are always considered a non-profit or a sunk cost. This reality is often gauged as being a negative perception due to the following actions we sometimes need to take:
(i)Stopping or slowing down production in order to perform an inspection or audit or to correct a hazardous situation vs. deadlines are not met.
(ii)Changing processes, substituting cheap or substandard materials or eliminating short-cuts taken by operators and supervisors vs. interference with custom and practice.
(iii)Using valuable production time and manpower when conducting training sessions, meetings or other activities in or outside the work place vs. empowerment is not a management word but productivity is.
(iv)Asking for money to correct deficiencies or to spend on preventative actions such as training and promotional material vs. increase in overheads means a chance of lesser profits and reduced bonuses.
(v)Resources to conduct research to provide cost effective means of solving problems vs. time consuming and time is money.
(vi)Attending conferences and seminars for their own development vs. not planned.

BUT, the Law requires management to have safe systems, that there is effective maintenance of buildings, plant and equipment, staff receive appropriate training, information, instruction about safe work practices, correct supervision is undertaken in hazardous activities, that the safety of others including the public is considered and that 3rd parties hired do not endanger staff. So in effect we are Management!

The SECOND indicator to gauge a professional is knowledge and skills required to perform the role and function of the position. This attribute cannot be bought at any cost but must be earned by time, experience and upgrading our knowledge through further education and CPD. So in effect we are beneficial to an Organisation.

However, we are fully aware that some management implement a highly intelligent safety strategy whilst others carry out just the minimum requirements permitted by law or from pressure of insurance companies.

Safety, Health and Environment should always be an integral part of an organisations management plan and not treated in isolation.

A true health and safety professional is one who is competent in the following areas:
(i)Law – civil and criminal
(ii)Operations Management
(iii)Financial Management
(iv)Incident Investigation
(v)General Management Principals
(vi)Psychological and Behavioural Management
(vii)Communication
(viii)Negotiation and Conflict Management
(ix)Education and training
(x)Audits, inspections, assessments
(xi)Risk Management
(xii)Safety Research
(xiii)Safety Management Systems and Programs
(xiv)Counselling
(xv)Etc, etc …

BUT THEN …
WHY CAN’T THE ROLE OF THE HEALTH and SAFETY PROFESSIONAL BE A LEGISLATED INTO LAW?

Posted By Merv Newman
Charles, sounds as if you are coming down from a tough week. The last time I asked a similar question (should MIOSH or CSP be a legal requirement in certain situations) I think there were about 4000 hits and 10 yards of responses. Consensus was "naah, they'll never do it"

I suppose "a competent person" might be an answer to your question ?

Or a gin and tonic ?

Merv

Posted By Charles
Hi Bigwistle, Merv and Frank

Thanks for your comments ... but the reality is such that my sentiments are for real and this is the real world we cannot bluff reality ... even with the best cunning plan imaginable ... power and politics are often viwed as a dirty word but political behaviour in an organisation has traditionally been viewed as underhanded, opportunistic or even immoral. But with legitimate power (created by legislation) we add value to the supply chain and be included with respect in the organisational culture where we CAN make the difference in reducing ACCIDENTS.

Posted By Adrian Watson
Yes!

Regards Adrian