Posted By Tabs Sometimes it will mean getting on and managing it as best you can. Take an active part in all things and make decisions based on best practice. Let him know that elsewhere - where managers manage h&s amongst their other duties - they normally have a slightly easier time as they call the shots. It may be that he would prefer to take the role ck off you,

Posted By Ian G Hutchings Hi It is not clear what the background and expectations are. Maybe you manage a fair amount of the system and advice and what you want from them is leadership and support. Perhaps you could alter the terminology? Would they listen to a powerful individual from another business, a director who has been through the mill of a serious incident, or a good quality persuasive lawyer? What sort of business is it? Could you get a 3rd party in to support your position or views? Is it the way you personally deal with the issues and communication? I obviously don't know you, but a good reality check with others may help. Do you have any allies who can build their support and influence these people? Good luck. If you can help change perception it is a great result. It can take years for some people and others are a lost cause. All the best Ian

Posted By Mike Draper Hi Neil Would it be possible to copy that to me too? Thanks in advance

Posted By Gff How about this perspective Should you have to go to work and be spoken to by anyone in such away, it's about respect and if he thinks that you are the person who should manage safety then manage it in your favour Workplace bullying should be stamped out, and I think you should put in a grievance against the individual stating non compliance with Company policy regarding health and safety and personally bullying. If he does it with you he more than likely motivates the rest of his staff in the same manner

Posted By CFT Rob Can I be absolutely clear that you do not identify by name either person or persons or company details. Consider it to be completely anonymous or a fictitious scenario. Many thanks CFT

Posted By steve e ashton Rob, I can only echo much of what has been posted above. The H&S profession attracts people who are passionate about what they do. From experience, that can lead to high emotional responses, bad decisions and serious health effects. You have identified that the guy with different perception of you role is respected by his senior(s?). Perhaps this is because he is doing what the company wants. If this isn't what you want, then maybe - just maybe - you could be in the wrong company. Alternatively - perhaps - it may be possible that there is some misunderstanding going on - either yours or his. Could this be an opportunity rather than a threat - if you are expected to manage then should you have authority as well as responsibility? - is this an opportunity to demand a larger budget for example? One option which has worked for me in the past (and still used occasionally) when I get angry about something - is to re-phrase my own thinking so the negative emotions don't seem quite so overwhelming. Its a big subject - a good book for me was 'the feeling good handbook' by David Burns. If you can get past the cheesy toothy grin on the cover, there are some tools and techniques in there which I would recommend to anyone who is feeling angry or stressed about something at work (or elsewhere for that matter). Sorry - I didn't mean to get into psychobabble mode - what I meant to say was - try not to do or say anything hasty. It may not seem quite so bad tomorrow (or next week....). Steve

Posted By RobAnybody All, Thanks for your advice. Sorry for not responding sooner but I've not been at my desk. Asbestos, wouldn't you know it. The problem I have is that this person will stand on anyone to get what they want. I appreciate that this is my opportunity to carryout my job, my way & to my deadlines but I'm afraid that interference is the way of this person. They've also managed to avoid the mandatory company IOSH training for the last 4 years. Tells you a lot about their attitude itself. I'm quite interested in the psychological aspect of how to get this person to comply so, Neil, (it would also help me develop myself) if you could let me have your email I'd like to read what you have. CWcaz, yep, good point. I am an advisor & in fact my job desription states I provide an in-house consultancy service. Sounds quite good. So I'm going to go back & review just exactly what my job is including the spirit of the wording. I wonder how many of us could benefit from this simple process. I do send SHP snippets out & the techniocal staff do read them & take it on board. And yes, I am quite an pasionate person. I have to go away & be shouty on my own when someone has dropped a real big one!!! Anyway, thanks loads & any advice will be greatfully recieved. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Rob

Posted By Andrew Cartridge Rob I have used this in the past, & it has certainly got the "management" thinking. "Safety is a management responsibility, with guidance from experts" All the best Andy

Posted By RobAnybody CWC, I am feeling less stressed today. A good asbestos incident has given me time to sink my teeth into a real concern. Helps put things in perspective. Still, I do need to deal with this sooner rather than later or else it's the job market for me as I don't intend dancing for the courts because someone else is neglegent. Rob

Posted By Pete48 Rob, your scenario shows quite clearly just how difficult it actually is to really change individual beliefs about many aspects of daily life. Clearly as you say this person has a completely different perception of H&S to yours. That I feel is the most important thing to understand. This is not about right or wrong, it is not about high moral ground, education, legal duties or lack of commitment. I doubt that it is about bullying either. It is about reaching an understanding of how you can work together in this changed workplace. I would expect you to take equal responsibility for that and I am sure that you are doing so. Go with the flow, tell him you are struggling with the concept that an adviser should manage safety and you need his help/direction to change towards his requirements and hopefully then you get a clear view from him about where the boundaries actually are. You may be surprised when you start to explore these areas. He is obviously struggling with the matter judging by his current approach to you and may be as frustrated with you as you were with him when you first started this thread?

Posted By RobAnybody Merv, Thanks for the advice, not sure about the love bit though!!!!! Rob

Posted By Catherine Ince Been there, tried to educate, got shouted at a lot, got a poor appraisal and decided enough was enough..... Yes, this seems to run quite deep.