Going to a new company, my advice would be not to dive in with a list of things to check. Yes, you wuill have that at the back of your mind, but don't make them feel like you are an inspector. My advice would be to find out who is in the safety committee, and then go and meet each one face to face. Introduce yourself, ask them what they feel their role on the safety committee is and ask them whether there are any things that concern them. While you are doing this you are establishing rapport, and you will also no doubt notice things as you walk about the place. Then stand back and prioritise what you think is the most important thing to tackle first (which may be something that a committee member has raised or may be something you have seen - in my case it was the latter), and take this to your first committee meeting. Make yourself a priority list, and steadily work through it, but always be ready to change your priorities to react to situations that arise.

Yes my plan of action was to go and talk individually to every employee at the start ( even on nights) and while I’m doing that just look out for things that may not seem quite right ( or definitely wrong). The problem is that the company seem to want a full review of the whole company by week two, I will also have to put in place the management system for OHSAS18001 as well as getting them up to speed with anything they are not doing that they should ( I don’t think they have had any H&S person there for over a year at least). At the end of week two I may only be working 3 days a week and the whole job may only last 6 months. They don’t want much do they. So I will not have long to get to grips and I thought if someone had any form of check list I could if nothing else use it to ensure I had thought of everything while rushing about like a fool. They are training their own person to take over but will not have done the NEBOSH cert for a few months and it will be this person how will be building the longer term relationship. As I say I will not just go in like an inspector, but do need to do this quickly behind the scenes. As I said It is a very big ask I know and I am unlikely to actually get a list. Those that have seen my threads will know I have been out of work some time and so a little rusty (so may take me a little longer for the grey cells to think of everything). My preferred option would be a single long term job where I can get to really know the company and every individual ( as in my last role), but sadly opportunities are few and far between in my area, and I don’t wish to move. Thank you both for taking the time to read and respond anyway. I intended the approach you both advocate, so nice to have this approach confirmed, but will also have some time constraints placed on me. Chris

Cripes Chris - they seem to want a bit more that the traditional pound of flesh? Having been in my current place just over a month - only now do I start to feel some confidence in what is going on (or not!!), who to ask, who is responsible for what etc. As Jane and Kate have said; my plan was, don't rush in with new ideas and lots of changes etc because this and that are not right - it only alienates yourself and make enemies early on - wait and pick your battles. However it seems as you may not have this luxury. I did not have a list of items to check etc - just watch listen and take it in with a view to making changes gradual and with the buy in of those concerned. As for 18001 a gap analysis I guess it what they are after with some idea as to time/cost required to put the system in? Sorry waffled to say the least. Stuart

Chris, Not my industry so can't relate to experience, but if no such checklist is forthcmoing, you could base yours on the HSEs manufactuering section? http://www.hse.gov.uk/manufacturing/index.htm That's at least what I'd be doing (and you may already have done so!). Oh and fingers crossed for the role :-)

Thanks Jake and Kim Yes Kim section 7 applies here I think, but I could not say they are ignoring this requirement. The are looking to take on someone for a period of time and they are training their own person. They just want a lot for their money (which is not as much as you may think). The thing with 18001 or any of them is to match what is done by the company to the standard (where possible) and not the other way around. Most of the requirements are more or less a good idea, management review, doc control, emergency procedure etc. I have seen a number of job adverts where they think that the system can be put in and externally audited in 6 months. No real appreciation that you need to have been using your new shiny procedures for a period to provide evidence you are working to it. It sort of all depends on what I find, they have already or do already. I suspect I will be working longer hours than I will be paid for, but is allowing me to move my experience slightly allowing it to be seen in a better light. All the best with your job hunting (didn't fancy the submarine one then in Bristol).

Thank you Zimmy.

Hi Chris, I am so glad that you posted this as I will be starting a new job in the manufacturing industry in March. All my experience has been in construction up till now. Needless to say I am very excited to be entering a new industry, but also somewhat nervous walking into a new company. They want me to set up 18001 and 14001, so along with trying to get to know everyone I will need to complete an audit, produce a gap analysis and begin getting new systems in place as quickly as possible, all without alienating the entire workforce! Easy peasy. I am just beginning to study the manufacturing industry and am also attempting to list points that may be helpful to me going in. I only found out I got the job yesterday so when I get some things together I will send them to you. Good luck with the job.