Posted By Jim Sweetman Shane, They are many names for the role that a safety practitioner fulfills. However, the Management of H&S at Work Regs only refer to 'Health and safety Assistance'(Reg 7). At the same time consider employers 'Provisions as to Liability' (Reg 21)where it clearly states the employer cannot blame his 'H&S Assistance' for a breach - a defence is that the employer took reasonable steps to ensure the the competence of such 'H&S Assistance'. If the safety practitioner has any management or executive authority, then the area for liability/responsibility will mainly fall within the area of that executive control. Maybe one day, someone will call a safety practitioner 'Saviour' as they are definitely going a long way to keep people out of hospitals and courts!! Regards Jim Sweetman

Posted By Ken Taylor I suspect that, in some circumstances, there might be some difference in implication with the two titles. It could be concluded that managers actually manage whereas advisers simply advise others (including managers) - so if their looking for someone to blame would you rather be treated as a failed manager or an incompetent adviser? Whatever they decide to call you, try to make sure that they get the job-description and salary right.

Posted By Mark Large I use advisor as I have a limited budget and no authority other than the power of persuasion. I advise and either the managers act and utilise their budgets or don't act. Either way so long as I have proof that I brought the situation to light I'm covered should something go pear shaped. If I was a H&S Manager however I feel its inferred that you can make people carry out your recommendations whether they like it or not or have the power to make and fund the change yourself. Should something go pear shaped you may just possibly end up the scape goat.

Posted By Dave Wilson Now where is that angry wasp? There it is! It does not matter a jot what you are called the Employer is the person who carries the can if things go wrong! Both criminally and civillay. If you want to be employed by a company who looks to blame rather than learn from experience then you are in the wrong organisation. My feeling is that you should be advising, managing, implementing etc etc on behalf of your company to ensure a safe working environment for all. Advisor/Manager who cares! If you need to keep bits of paper or walk around with an umbrella then suggest you need to get to the Gym ond get rid of your shoulders like Guiness bottles, Stand up and be counted and shout the safety message or blow the lid, whistleblow.

Posted By Raymond Rapp Just to add another slant. In my company we have both h&s advisors and managers. Essentially the manager grade is the more senior. Without checking the dictionary I believe that the defintion of a manager is a 'person who makes decisions.' That being the case, I would be careful of accepting such a title, and would require a salary that is comensurate with my responsibility. Ok everyone has a price !!!!!!!!! Ray