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Who should a H&S manager report to in a SME?
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ianmiles2000  
#1 Posted : 04 September 2012 09:51:10(UTC)
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ianmiles2000
Should it be direct to the CEO, a member of the Board with H&S oversight, a HoD who reports to the Board member with H&S oversight or senior manager who reports to the HoD who... etc?

Which is more desirable? To my mind it should be the Board member with H&S oversight or, if they don't exist, the CEO. I know what I think but need to construct a business case to justify this view in a hurry...

Reporting to CEO provides or board member:
Helps demonstrate commitment at the top
Reduces the likelihood of H&S managers reports being 'filtered'
Increases influence of H&S manager
Improves H&S strategy

Any other thoughts?

Best
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Bakker1877  
#2 Posted : 04 September 2012 10:23:31(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Bakker1877
I would say - report to the CEO, for the following reasons.

If the CEO is compliant - Any problems/issues get reported at the top and are more likely to be addressed.
This of course may not make you popular with your fellow Managers, but heh, if it makes the Company safer you are doing your job.

If the CEO is non compliant - problems/issues once reported are less likely to be buried as they would be "on record" it is then CEO's responsibility to action, provide resources, etc.

Leave it to the CEO to report to Board.

B
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sweekes75  
#3 Posted : 04 September 2012 14:19:22(UTC)
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sweekes75
Of the options given, I would say the CEO. The Corporate Manslaughter Act will encourage them to give you all the backing you need.
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Irwin43241  
#4 Posted : 04 September 2012 15:10:05(UTC)
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I have always ensured I report to the CEO and had it stated in policy that the CEO is the person with overall responsibility for all H&S matters.
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ianmiles2000  
#5 Posted : 04 September 2012 15:59:00(UTC)
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ianmiles2000
Thanks guys. You refelct my thoughts.
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KieranD  
#6 Posted : 04 September 2012 16:07:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
KieranD
IanMiles2000

In the event that the CEO prefers that you report to him/her indirectly, you have the creative option of learning his/her reasons and, where appropriate, exercising your own leadership capability to influence him/her to develop alternative perspectives.

Reporting systems are only structures through which leadership can be exercised, or not.

Standards of safety, as well as the standing of safety professionals, has unnecessarily y suffered in the UK from over-emphasis on outdated top-down leadership.
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ianmiles2000  
#7 Posted : 05 September 2012 13:04:54(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
ianmiles2000
KeiranD

Agree with you too.
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