Posted By Had Enough
This is not a careers posting in the traditional sense, it's more serious than that, so hence it isn't in that forum.

I have very recently started work for a company with two sites for which I am responsible, managed by messers A and B. They report to an MD who has overall responsibility for both.

A and B hate each other, No, I don't mean dislike, I mean hate. They have said as much as to me. I was employed by A and report to him. B wanted his own internal candidate to get the job and is now pushing him forward as a pseudo competent person for his factory even though the individual could in no way be considered suitable.

Now, I hear you ask "why doesn't our collegue report to the MD?" It turns out that the MD, who chose not to get involved in my appointment at any stage, doesn't approve of the choice. Given the appalling accident rate at site B, I doubt he is qualified to tell. Anyway in a fit of pique he refused to have me report to him and instead gave me back to A who always intended that I report to MD. As a consequence, A now ignores me for the most part!

And as you would expect, to my face everyone says I am doing famously!

So gentlefolk, how on earth do I dig myself out of what is clearly a complete fiasco?

Your answers should consider the following a) I have loads of H&S qualifications b) I have a mortgage.

If you can't whinge to your fellow professionals, who can you whinge to?

Thanks for listening.

Posted By Cathy Ricketts
Boy do you like a challenge - if moving job is no option at the moment - Your MD needs to find some literature floating his way particularly in relation to MD's who end up in the dock having to explain their health and safety failings. Committment starts at the top - however it also works very successfully if you start slowly at the bottom and get the workforce on your side by making improvements then help their work conditions - Good look if all else fails start scanning SHP

Posted By renown
'Had Enough'

I was in a similar situation 10 years ago, and at the age of 39, had a heart attack. No one to turn to etc. Luckily it was a minor heart attack, but that was my warning to get out. I did this and am still in H&S, still paying the mortgage and am happy.

Get out of their now - YOUR HEALTH COMES FIRST, you have qualifications and should soon find an employer who appreciates what you do

Posted By Frank Hallett
Contact the local enforcers and once they arrive sue the employer for constructive dismissal and breach of the MHSW Regs!!!

Do not mess about with such shysters; they simply aren't worth it.

Frank Hallett

Posted By A. Fergusson
The one thing not mentioned is how do the workforce receive you? If you do not have their support then I would agree with previous comments leave as soon as possible. But, if you have workforce support use it to good effect. Instigate safety campaigns, make your role high profile and then see if the managers are “brave” enough to not accept you and your position. One thing I am sure of is that we never make many friends as safety professionals.
Good Luck!