Posted By Stephen Boardman Is it just me or am I being a little sensitive? over recent months I have seen questions being raised from individuals who are thinking about getting into health and safety to people who have been in the industry for years therefore from very little knowledge to very experienced professionals. In some cases especially when questions come from people who have little knowledge some of the so called professionals come back with snide remarks like (what a useless thread) or (just condesending remarks relating to the thread) yes I agree some threads should not be here (maybe this one) so just ignore them but if people are genuinally seeking advise and you have something constructive to give then give it, if not just ignore and move on, I read some of the remarks sometimes and cringe, are we becoming a snob ridden profession who have forgotten what we were like at the beginning of our careers. I know I have put myself in the firing line for this one so bring it on.

Posted By Stephen Boardman Agreed Peter, the people I am talking about are the minority. I have asked for and been given some good advice over the years on this site. and like yourself given advice.

Posted By Hilary Charlton I think we should help where we can. I have asked for help from this forum and received it - thank you and have also shared my own documentation with other members which I hope was useful. Most H&S people are quite stretched for time and if someone has already considered all the aspects of a task you have to complete then why start again at the beginning? Most people will take what is available and then apply it to their own circumstances, add a bit, delete a bit and use it. I agree that risk assessments are somewhat different when they are dealing with particular groups ie pregnant women, etc as each risk assessment has to apply to its own environment, people, etc so generic ones don't really work - but a template for a risk assessment is a different issue and should be shared. Then of course you get the real idiots - least said the better about some of them ...

Posted By DavidHaddon Eleven?

Posted By Paul Hay Totally agree Stephen. I am a relatively new user of this forum, but have found it very useful - it even gives me the odd giggle now and again. If someone is posting a genuine, serious question it drives me mad to read someone being dismissive of it, regardless of how basic it may appear. I know when I first started out I was more than grateful for advice (still am) and am more than happy to offer it where I can. Its the old issue - what is obvious to one person may not be to another. Is there a single safety practitioner out there who hasen't had to ask advice from another at some point. I'm sure there are a few, but these are probably the same people who post snidey remarks on this forum. Paul

Posted By Merv Newman Where I think that the question is a bit simplistic, I tend to ignore the posting and leave it to others. Where I think I can help, particularly from practical experience, then I will do my best to give a solution or practical comment/case history. 30 years ago I got dumped into the job. Had been quality manager, was now EHS manager. First job was EINECS (remember that) then occupational health, then SMS. Got audited every year on OH, on SMS, on COSHH (before COSHH was a twinkle in someones eye) then transport of hazardous materials and waste disposal. (we stuffed all of ours off to the London Brick Company at Bedford) You have to learn on the job. If this chat show had existed at the time then I would have been on-line all day, every day. So, there are no stupid questions. I don't know if I feel any sort of obligation, but if I can help any one in the profession, then my photos, my forms, my model documents my deepest introspections are yours for the asking. Particularly if I think you are pretty. (Peter, Geoff, George, nah. Zoe, yeah !)

Posted By Merv Newman No, but we may kick it away from under your feet. sorrrry.