Posted By Peter Lee I'll second that.

Posted By David J. Have to agree with the sentiment. Why do we (ok some of us) have to justify every move we make? Perhaps a symptom of, perhaps a reflection on the way in which some “professional" H&S officers, consultants whatever get pedantic about trivia. The job, as I see it is to prevent ill health and accidents (not going to go into the how, why etc.), by providing as good a service as we can given our own limitations, resources the general view of safety we have to encounter on a daily basis and the nature of human beings. So as the man says stop worrying about criticism from the individual mentioned or others who are really only trying to wind IOSH up, unfortunately succeeding with consummate ease, and just get on with what we do at the same time taking cognises of reasonable constructive criticism. We Anita perfect.. but then who is!!!!!!!!. As my old off the job apprentice training instructor used to say “the man or woman that never made a mistake never made anything”

Posted By Ron Hunter That spellchecker function aint perfect. It does pay to read what it's actually done to your message!

Posted By Paul Parry To some degree I agree with your thoughts, but I have posted a question recently because I was interested in the variety of thoughts out there ! I had already made my position very clear and I was not seeking aproval or backing for my actions just purely interest and to share thoughts.

Posted By Raymond Rapp Peter It is a fair and somewhat refreshing stance that you have taken, and as most of the responses indicate, many agree with you. However, and there was always going to be a but...I think that h&s practitoners should be concerned of 'socities' perceptions of our industy and our governing bodies. In my some would say limited experience of health and safety I would argue that the root cause of much of the discontent is promulagated by people who do not have a clear understanding of all the issues. Rather a wide and sweeping statement I know, but I did post a thread on a similar subject only last year - 'everyone is an expert in h&s'. Without going into details I was asked to attend a meeting at my golf club to give advice, if needed, on the safety aspects of the course. At this meeting all and sundry offered their advice such as, 'tell my last person to get killed on the 18th green' and I have been a member for 30 years and never seen anyone hurt by a golf ball etc. I think you get the picture. Since that meeting I have been accosted by several members and accused of sorts of 'namby pamby' meddling and on one occassion I was lectured by a member (an electrician) on the pros and cons of health and safety. As I stated earlier, the problem is not with our profession, but due to others offering their advice and others foolhardilly listening to it. Also, the media will never give our industry fair representation because it is not popular with readers - there is no news like bad news ! In summary I would say that health and safety cannot ignore public perceptions but at the same time we should not be too paranoid about it either. Regards Ray