Hi all, I was wondering whether anyone has any experience in being dual qualified in another area other than health & safety, security, fire, environment etc? I am quite keen at the moment of occupational health topics and was wondering if I could become specialised in a particular area as we already have an understanding of these areas. Two areas of current interest are ergonomics and psychology. Next steps for myself are likely to be a masters and maybe at some point a doctorate and maybe could use these as a route to narrow down a career. Also I would appreciate any recommendations on ergonomic and psychology books? Thanks Scott

I started out as a mechanical bod - maintenance and then into project management, helps me greatly when talking to maintenance bod as i have been there and done that :-) so I know some of the stuff they are likely to get up to. S

Do you know of any good MSC'S that would focus on a particular area whilst still covering H&S? Would like to progress that maybe to a PHD in the future.

as far as I am aware historicially H&S bods came from 'other' areas e.g. engineer, chemist etc. and drifted into H&S after gaining extensive experience in a work environment prior to becoming H&S specific thus bringing with them many skills as against what appears to be current practice e.g. academic qualifications are put first with little real work experience many H&S bods nowerdays have dule roles e.g. H&S + quality + environmental [with H&S being a very poor second in my view] etc. but be warned H&S carries real risks where others do not e.g. have U ever heard of a QA / HR etc. person being fined for giving advice etc.? So be warned that where U have a dule role U must protect yourself where H&S is concerned as its the only skill that carries with it high risk yet most employers put QA etc. first get yourself 'competent' in as many areas as U can as it gives U more strings to your bow but note the word 'competent' as attending a few courses does not give competence especially in the subjects U are talking about