Posted By IOSH Moderator This thread has been returned to the forum, following the resolution of a query.

Posted By CFT Angela In one sense they will fund the diploma, but won't in another, take you seriously? Just a suggestion, but why not try the positive and proactive approach? If you can demonstrate that a solid commitment to OHS can in the short and longer time, minimise costs and maximise profit, might this receive a different response? Just a thought. As a quick example; we were going through due diligence for a purchase of a substantial commercial premises (light office use,) and the existing ownership had failed to eliminate or even control a plethora of slips/trips in the main entrance area (marble floor) when it rained it got very wet and during a busy morning it looked like Torvil & Dean doing the Bolero (apparently)they tried mats, & so many warning signs these also compounded the hazard; our Project director decided root cause was the rain and the easiest way to cure this was to erect a substantial canopy to protect the immediate exterior entrance. This was coming in at £100,000 +, I got involved and proposed that the floor was the RC not the rain, oh agreed it was a contributing factor, but by recommending a surface to be applied to the entrance marble floor (opaque liquid from a well known manufacturer and bonded with UV light, it carried a 10 year warranty and contained billions of non-slip polymers) once laid, it worked and works well, there have been no such trips and slips during the many months we have now owned the building and it cost the grand sum of £2800, much cheaper than the canopy. H&S on this occasion saving some serious money for the company that could be spent on a new car for the MD if that is what was desired. Have a think to see if the planned maintenance budget can be improved on, perhaps even not directly linked to H&S related matters, I suspect they will soon listen to you, then if you can save them money; and I'm not even bringing in the argument of H&S cost against any possible negative or unwanted outcome due to a lack of commitment from the company. Good luck. CFT

Posted By MAK have you tried demonstrating examples of prosecutions? or costs if they get caught in breach? Also, just because they are funding your diploma doesnt mean you are tied to that company. If you explain at interviews you could find that the new employer will actually pay your company off, if thats what your contract says. i.e training agreements usually say something like if you leave before you have stayed with them for 2 years after your diploma is completed you get to pay the whole sum back. does yours? do you have one?

Posted By Pete48 Angie, how unfortunate that you should find yourself in such a situation at such a stage in your career. A rock and a hard place indeed. My advice would be to: -check your job description if you have one and look carefully at what it says and means. If there is isn't one, well then that may be one major cause of your distress. -ask for a personal session with your line manager and use it to discuss openly your concerns about your performance in the job and the fact that you are struggling to gain any interest at a senior level. Have some ideas on what your boss can do to help you move forward and also some ways in which you could try a different approach. Yes I do realise that might seem strange but it is the one thing you should be able to control and can reasonably expect your line manager to help you with. Now you have formally raised concerns about the way things are going but not by "complaining" or "pointing the finger at others". I have this lovely picture given to me many years ago when I was struggling with similar dilemmas. It says the next time you find yourself pointing your finger at someone, look carefully to see which direction the other 3 fingers are pointing! It has kept me reasonably sane and head above water most of the time; I hope it works for you, Good Luck

Posted By Glyn Atkinson Mitch's advice is sound as it uses a third party that must be involved as they have a huge interest in claims, damages, premiums, and liability losses through other third parties. They also have the clout to rescind a policy on the spot and remove public and employers' liability policies if their terms are not met. If they do not move on the Asbestos issue, there is always the " un-named worker's anonymous call" to the HSE from an untraceable phone box. Might also be worth printing off current and future fines and jail sentences and leaving the info in a suitable area for viewing by senior managers and directors.

Posted By Peter Farrell Angela, this is a problem most of us have faced and still face on a daily basis. Remember to keep going and keep e-mails and replies for a later date, the job is very frustrating at times. For every 10 concerns I raise the company may act on one, so things feel like there improving. After three years I feel things are moving, I also involved the union and have trained some staff to assist in inspections etc. Even some senior managers have taken H&S onboard.

Posted By CFT Pete Incoming very doubtful:-) CFT