Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Robs
Previously worked as Facility Manager with a Government building in Norwich, now looking to specialise in Health and Safety. I hold a NEBOSH General Certificate and have over two years experience within the field. Any advice on how to get on the ladder. Robs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Carl West
Hi Robs,
It looks like you are already on the ladder in terms of experience and qualification.
It all depends on which industry you wish to work in.
If you are already working somewhere, but not in H&S, ask if you can take some H&S responsibilities on. Use you qualification in your current place of work. This is what i did years ago.
If you are currently out of working looking for a H&S position. My advice would be to write to as many companies you can explaining your position - do not rely on agencies.
From all the H&S managers, officers, directors i know - i'd say that 90% of them started a career in H&S through taking the position on as an added responsibility.
You will find that the smaller company you work for - the more chance you have of breaking into H&S as an added role (in my opinion). The larger company you work for, or should i say more established company, will require CMIOSH etc.
Carl
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Alexander Falconer
Hi Rob
The advice supplied by Carl is sound and like myself, many H&S practitioners probably started with H&S as an add on (I was actually a QA Engineer in the oil & gas industry at the time). Get as much experience as you can, try to convince your employer and get financial support for training if you can.
Attend local IOSH branch seminars, meetings, speak with more experienced H&S practitioners, even use the IOSH public forums - make as many contacts as you can - Networking is a very powerful tool and will stand you in good stead for the future.
Regards
Alex
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Robs
With regards to the above two responses thanks for the sound advice.
I was actually covering Health and Safety in my Estates Manager role previously and it was my employer who sponsored me to gain my NEBOSH Certificate. However, as I work for the Civil Service, once I was qulaified I was moved to another position to develop hidden skills as a Line Manager and a Line Manager was given my role. If you have worked for the Civil Service you will realise the biggest Health Risk near any Government building is falling over the huge pile of common sense that we are forced to leave outside the building, before we commence work each day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Matt Bown
Hi Robs - You seem really well positioned already.
Facilities I guess would have given you a good wide and solid base regarding safety and risk and the Certificate is well recongnised and really worthwhile.
I'm in a similar position myself, but in a comfort zone having worked for a business for 8 years. Maybe I'm comming out of denial?
The next stage comes down to your learning style....many go the Nebosh Diploma route or MSc. If, like myself you are not acedemic or not so hot on meeting exam technique, NVQ could be a better way. This does however mean you have to already in a safety role to demonstrate competence with your portfolio. Alway a chicken and always an egg eh?
Another route to CMIOSH or MIIRSM are the Rospa or BSC diplomas.(plus 2 years CPD etc)
These give a mix of assessments, assignments and exams...I think well rounded.
The other factor is cost - they're all about the same, 5 to 6k depending on block booking, distance learning etc..
Getting started? Ive only been in the sector for 4 years but love it.
I started on the safety committee, then appied and got a supervisor role, then a managers role, then a relocation and promotion and now work in uk builds/projects/expansion....crazy really.
You'd be amazed how much tenacity can achieve and many many businesses out there do need advice and dont actually realise it....
Networking like this really helps and getting to meetings/seminars and joining IOSH/IIRSM/CIEH at whatever level.
Oh and read, read and read!!!
Hope this helps, Cheers, Matt
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.