Posted By PL A couple of years back, there was a thread on what you call a number of safety advisors, like a herd or somesuch. By far the best answer was an argument of safety advisors.

Posted By Seejem Ray, I agree about discussion, and did state that I didn't want to stifle this. But seeking advice is different, is it not? When a company seeks professional safety advice, the person providing that advice must be, and should be competent to do so. No? Are we as safety professionals in seeking advice from our peers any different? That was the thrust of my argument. FYI - I am undertaking my AP course for Crane Operations next month, and this is why your topic was of interest.

Posted By bereznikov Haha, I won't wave my certificates or parchments about, but I will offer my opinion, which is what I believe is one of the main values of this forum. I personally use this forum for a whole variety of reasons, including, and not exclusively: - General advice from people experiencing similar issues to me - Specific advice, such as the thread in question - Keeping up to date with current legal, practical and media affairs surrounding occupational health and safety - Study support - Career advice from all the contributors to this forum, and... - Light-hearted banter (for some reason usually on a Friday?!) Relating this to the original thread post - I do not believe that the purpose of this forum is, or should be for that matter, for qualified competent advice, otherwise there would be only a handful of posters and a legion of readers. Probably the most beneficial aspect of these forums is that everyone and anyone can add their two cents, regardless of how 'competent' their opinion/advice is. The forum's melting pot of information provides all forum users with a wide range of knowledge, education and options from which to select, modify, adapt and apply solutions to their own workplace situations. I actually believe that learning to filter through all of the offered information is actually an important aspect of becoming 'competent' in a particular field, much the same way as "recognising ones own weaknesses" is. Personally, for any given specific situation requiring 'competent' advice, I will: a.) Research the topic thoroughly, including searching/posting on these forums; and then...if necessary b.) Seek professional/technical advice (by no means discounting the fact that the majority of the people on this forum possess competencies in their own particular fields) Anyway, I think the IOSH forums are a great health and safety resource!…and long may they continue to be of benefit to all! bereznikov

Posted By bereznikov Seejem Re - your comment: "if you offer an opinion on a particular subject, where someone is asking a particular question, please back it up with some substance, for example; 25 years construction experience, Heavy Plant Manager, CPCS, etc. etc. TTFN" I think that would be useful, especially regarding specific issues, and would give some good context and background to the range of advice given in response to forum queries, ultimately aiding people in making their mind up on issues. bereznikov

Posted By Raymond Rapp I believe what you are proposing is unworkable and even it it was, it would stifle debate as many would not feel inclined to offer an opinion or join in the debate. Here's a thought...why not accept the forum for what it is, a very good place to discuss issues, get advice and give opinions. Nah, probably too radical. No offence meant.

Posted By Chris Packham How will you evaluate the "competence" of the person concerned. For example, I could state: "Thirty years experience in my particular field of health and safety, but no particular professional qualification (as there are none that are relevant to my particular field)." What whould this tell you? What sort of experience? How valid or relevant to the particular topic? I could also put a load pos post-nominals after my name, but none would really tell you much about my expertise and experience in my particular field and the quality of my comments on the thread in question. I appreciate that it would be desirable to ensure that any comments come from someone who does possess the necessary expertise. I have deliberately left my e-mail visible so that anyone who would like to know more or challenge something I have posted can easily do so. Has only happened once, though. What does this tell me? Chris

Posted By David Bannister Seejem, a good thread. I enjoy reading comments and post my own when I believe I have something to contribute. I have also started threads on specific queries and been mostly very pleased with the responses. What I do with the advice is then up to me. Regular users of the forums will recognise those posters who regularly have lots to say and will also have their own thoughts which of those opinions to value. There are also the occasional responders who come up with an absolute gem of information. It is the first-time or infrequent user who may not recognise when bad advice is posted BUT, such is the strength of these forums that the bad advice is highly likely to be challenged and "shouted down" In the end, any competent practitioner will know that the advice received here is merely an aid to coming to our own decision, for which we are accountable for. To solely rely on this resource is, in my view, foolish and dangerous.

Posted By Jay Joshi Please refer to the IOSH main website terms of use of which the open forums are a part of under the heading, "Liability disclaimer" "The contents of this Site do not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making or refraining from making any decision" Refer to:- http://www.iosh.co.uk/index.cfm?go=site.terms

Posted By Pete48 Apologies Jay, typing whilst you were posting.

Posted By Adam Worth Here's what I do.. Click search forums in the top right. Type in the name of a poster Look at the history of their posts and you quickly get a good idea of what they are like :) I know people with PhDs in chemistry who I wouldn't trust with a kids Chemistry set - qualifications are not everything? :) Thank god it's Friday

Posted By Chris Packham If an independent consultant offering advice in a thread were then to describe their experience and knowledge in order to validate their competency, then I suspect someone would complain that they are being 'commercial' and their posting would be blocked. Perhaps the moderators would wish to comment on how far someone can go to demonstrate their competency without falling foul of the guidelines? Chris

Posted By Phil Rose As I understand things, this is an 'open forum' i.e. anyone can subscribe to it and join in with the discussions. We should all keep this in mind. Surely the forum can only ever seriously be used as a 'sounding board' or to be pointed in the right direction? Ultimately would you ever realistically be able to defend your position if you admitted that you took 'advice' from an open forum? In saying that, some people do give very good advice on here. I am always wary of the comments that aren't 'qualified' in any way i.e. that don't refer to some reg, guidance note etc. Phil

Posted By Phil Rose Chris what I was trying to say (perhaps not very well) was sometimes people ask a question, and they get a one word answer such as 'yes'. I don't find that sort of answer helpful. A helpful answer would be 'yes, because x,y or z etc. Hope that makes a little more sense. Phil