Posted By Mark Talbot I have just skimmed the many answers here, and I have just posted to another thread about 'elf n safety. In one post we are complaining that idiotic judgement calls are leading us to be a laughing stock, and in this post we are complaining about plagerism. Maybe those making the dumb policy are too scared to ask for help? Can't help thinking we would throw the baby out with the bath water if we don't help each other. Maybe IOSH could redesign this board to include a quick vetting process and displaying our membership numbers? Anonimity may be contributing to the problem. Oh, someone asked about difference between supplying things for company H&S and for consultants ... one asks for help to save time, the other sells the time saved. I have been both.

Posted By Mike Craven Adam/Mark/Others I'm sorry, but I think that you are missing the point here. People like myself, Dave and others are not for one minute suggesting that we shouldn't be assisting each other on this site. I have responded positively to numerous requests for help and support, and most of the people I have sent "stuff" to appear to appreciate it and, on many occasions, have offered something in return. In addition, I have never been afraid to accept my weaknesses (which are many and varied!) and have asked for help myself; that help has always been appreciated. I can assure you that I do not produce policies, procedures, checklists, safe systems, training briefs, etc, then sit back smugly and refuse to let anyone else ever see any of it. What some of us are getting really XXX off with are those posters who appear to be completely incapable of producing anything (even the basic stuff) themselves, particularly when there is so much stuff available free of charge on the internet. Even worse is when these same people advertise their services as world leaders! and use other people's hard work - not for the advancement of workplace health and safety -but for their own personal gain! I do agree that it is a shame that some of us feel that we have to "vet" people before sending things out. I have just produced a new policy on the use of PPE (local council). It's taken me a few days, during which I have; consulted with supervisors and staff to see what they thought should be in it; looked at the PPE Regs and HSE guidance (by clicking on "search" and typing in words like "Personal Protective Equipment Regulations" and "HSE"!!!); and by copying, cutting and pasting, typing-up what I think should be in the new policy. I would genuinely appreciate some comments on what I have produced. Problem is that, I have now become so bitter and twisted by the thought that some people may offer to look at it for me, and will then simply add it to the mass of information they have gained from the efforts of others in order to offer it for their own personal financial gain. On the other hand, perhaps I've always had a "chip on my shoulder" - as well as not having a sense of humour!, and probably need to "lighten-up" If anyone would like to give me some feedback on a new PPE policy, I can be e-mailed direct!!! Regards Mike

Posted By Merv Newman I think I have fairly clearly given my point of view on previous responses to this thread. Now, as a consultant of about 15 years standing, where do I get my information from ? * Legislation * Industry groups * Web sites * Discussions with peers * Contacts with clients * Safety organisations * Professional journals * Jurisprudence * The IOSH chat show * Osmosis When you come up with a new client who has the same old problems you CANNOT just recycle/cut-and-paste the same old recommendation. Know your client. Know their limitations. Know their competences. Know their people. Know their resources, budget, time schedule... Now, if you are lucky or just very very good you can come up with the most cost-efficient recommendations tailored specifically to them. God, have I been lucky lucky lucky for the last fifteen years. This said, I will ALWAYS offer free help and advice to a site specific H&S person. I did that job myself for 12 years before going independant. they have my deepest sympathy, kind regards and a large scotch whenever we meet up. Merv