Posted By RogerSullivan Does anyone know if we are any further forward obtaining a CSCS card for health and safety professionals? i.e. a specific card for someone who holds NEBOSH qualifications or more? I know in the past we were not able to obtain such a card but people, including IOSH, were fighting to gain one. Any news?

Posted By Raymond Rapp Having just passed my test for the CSCS Manager's card I was interested in the previous poster's membership route. I am confused with the hierarchy. For those not familiar IOSH membership as follows: Tech IOSH - Red Grad IOSH - Gold CMIOSH - Gold CFIOSH - Platinum Whereas an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is awarded Platinum. Am I right in thinking that the CSCS is about construction safety? Seems to me that IOSH membership is not held in a very high esteem by the CITB. Ray

Posted By Richard Altoft CSCS is about construction SKILLS of which safe behaviours on construction sites is one. No knowledge is assumed in this regard hence with very few exceptions (the exceptions are all construction safety specific) every one takes the touch screen safety basics test R

Posted By Neil R Arrrrgghhh! i hate CSCS! now i've got tht out of my system: Apparently according to a CITB guy who was on site last week, CMIOSH will now get you a platinum card. No plans for a safety one though, what makes me laugh is that there are all kinds of opt outs and loopholes for every profession but if you are a safety professional you have a low ranking card and are forced to sit the ridiculous health and safety test. I can't believe i had to sit there and answer stupid questions such as What should you do if you see a hazard? Walk away Pretend you didnt see it Do something about it Tell your mum Er i have a degree in Health and Safety? i'm kind of insulted

Posted By John Fraser Neil CSCS Cards and its scheme is a waste of time in my opinion - personally I don't think it equips anyone with any reasonable health and safety knowledge and application when they reach site. I feel it is very much a commercially driven process rather than any absolute. John

Posted By philip john Guys do yourselves a favour don't bite when CSCS is mentioned as you are damaging your health. Nothing comes good out of arguing over CSCS cards. This issue run and run and run and each time it get twisted to how bad the system is. I have a red trainee card as principle contractors health & safety adviser & on my 4th nebosh qualification (nearly finished diploma.... ...but that's all I got. The system is floored and that's the way it is, so until then this debate will run and run. Us IOSH MEMBERS health & safety adviser know how competent we are, its just a pity CITB don't Let it lay guys or you will end up with ulcers. Phil

Posted By Al K Neil, I would be interested to know what your responses are to the introduction of your own scheme, as I am an employee of a MCG company. Could you pm me to share knowledge, as I agree wholeheartedly with all of your posts on this matter, Cheers Al

Posted By Davelfc All, I agree sometimes CSCS and equivalent cards can be frustrating. I do not agree to all of the negative comments. The scheme needs everybody's support in the industry, it is better than not having it and it shows the levels people are at particularly the trades. I do not really agree with safety professionals who have competence having to show a red card which is the equivalent of a trainee. Though there is something to be said for those joining the profession having no or little competence having a red card. I know Hazel has done a lot to get recognition for IOSH members as previously only people who could get a card after the window of accreditation closed where those with NVQ. I am playing devils advocate here it is the same for other types of card holders, they must demonstrate training red card holders and competence gold, platinum and black for supervisors, managers and senior managers respectively. Blue and Green cards for operatives who demonstrate their competence. I work closely with our subbies who have grasped the system, and all of my team are moving through the competence levels at various stages. I feel a NEBOSH Construction Cert with two years CPD should get a Gold card. CSCS should and IOSH possibly champion those on diploma allowed to obtain Platinum if they have 2 years CPD related to construction H&S, those with and Msc etc a black again with minimum two years cpd I have worked in construction all my working life I have been a safety officer many years and I advocate the scheme but it does need refining to recognise practical experience and training and enable the process better I think we are being blinkered if we do not see the improvement it has made with the likes of scaffolders and CISRS etc, though i do not agree with the concept of recent changes to CPCS, possibly a step too far. I feel IOSH should be assisting and leading on CSCS and equivalents and get a middle ground and all start moving towards it Dave