I have a history in IT, about 20 years on hardware repair, servers, desktops, laptops etc, My time with IT has reached a stage where it no longer interests me and I wish to change career totally. I have always been interested in being safe and keeping my family and anyone around me safe so Health and Safety is an ideal direction for me to head in. I work for a company that specialised in IT and I was employed here in that roll, rolls changed the IT bit diminished and I have been moved onto white goods as a driver fitter in which I have no interest. I have been a pain to the management about health and safety issues in the depot, the face of the company is very H&S orientated but this is frowned upon if it restricts our deliveries getting done. I am at a stage where I want to leave, I hate the job and politics, the managers can only just manage to get out of bed, I do love the fact that I have personally made it safer for the drivers by being persistent and highlighting every issue but because that is not my roll in the company it does not occupy enough of my time to stay there. I am currently studying for the Nebosh general cert (distance learning), I find it fairly easy because most of it is common sense but remembering terminology is difficult, I am getting there and probably ready for the exams. Now you know my background where could I go and is it possible to get a job while I am still training? I guess a good area for me to approach is either IT or transport because I have had a great deal of experience in those areas, how could I approach this, what salary should I expect and any other advice would be appreciated.

Steve, The pathway into safety is a very long and hard struggle unless you now someone to give you a start. I had been an offshore safety rep for 8 years, I also completed a BSc in Occ Health and it took me until Feb 2011 to get my first start as an HSE Adviser, to which I have left and I am now manager on an overseas project. I can only say that you will need to constantly apply and go through the whole rejection process until you land lucky. Just like Derek says everyone wants experience and a higher qualification than Gen Cert, but don't give up as I said it took me 11 years of trying so thats what you may have to go through to get what you want. Good Luck

Stevie Unfortunately health and safety is not about popularity it goes with the role. You will get challenged as I do when I undertake audits for my company as managers want to know why they didn't score that marks they want. It's a case of explaining your reasons And how the team can achieve our objectives saying that our management teams are very good because they usually achieve over 90%. As for the diploma I am on that long path just know its a big step up from the Gen Cert but with be worth it to achieve my CMIOSH

Its funny you should say that Melrose. I refused to do a delivery because it was dangerous a short while ago, the company sent another team the following day who delivered it. I now have a disciplinary hearing, during this hearing I intend to highlight how much it could have cost had the team that delivered it injured themselves (it was a high risk operation due to the weight, size, snow and position to be delivered too). I will request that the team that delivered it be disciplined for ignoring the company risk assessment (I am sure the other team did not know there was one), putting the company at risk from prosecution from criminal and civil claims. I hope to use this as a footing to look after their interests as regards Health and Safety, but the unofficial policy is that H&S is paramount as long as it doesn't prevent a delivery and affect the managers bonus.

Hi SteveM how's it going, Getting a foothold in the health and safety job market can be a difficult one. I suggest you have a strategy on your planed progression. Have a look at some of the Internet job sites and look at the requirements being asked for, for health and safety jobs. You will find that a lot ask for qualifications such as NEBOSH diploma, NVQ level 5, and CMIOSH etc. If you are not currently involved in a health and safety role the NVQ route may not be the best option. If you have a IOSH branch near you go to some of their meetings, or check out development programs on this website, you need to be focused on what you really want and how you are going to achieve your goal. All the best on your journey, it will be at times difficult but can also be very rewarding as well. Steve W

Hello Steve, As so many have said before i think the key is staying focused. What you have on your side is time, ok you hate the job but its still putting money in your pocket. So you can study and take your time until you think that you have the qualifications and aptitude that employers are looking for. I am in the army at the moment and studying for the diploma which touch wood i finish this year with 1 more exam to go, Unit B ( it will become more apparent soon ) that is starting in March 2010 with certificate.. I think my point is dont rush into leaving before you have used your current situation to its fullest but you will get there have faith. All the best.