Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

IOSH Forums are closing 

The IOSH Forums will close on 5 January 2026 as part of a move to a new, more secure online community platform.

All IOSH members will be invited to join the new platform following the launch of a new member database in the New Year. You can continue to access this website until the closure date. 

For more information, please visit the IOSH website.

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Admin  
#1 Posted : 03 September 2007 15:26:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Graham Watson
Hi All

I know this one keeps coming around, so apologies in advance. Just wondering if there are any new spins on it out there.
I’m being given the job of Health and Safety Manager, as it’s being called. Our company is expanding and the H&S role is going to be getting much bigger.

I’m going over what my line manager has suggested as a job description. The principle H&S activities (as they’re called) include:
a) Advise the CEO, and line managers on H&S
b) Ensure we have appropriate documentation, risk assessments etc.
c) Ensure there’s enough training for everyone
d) Record, investigate and report on accidents and incidents
e) Establish a team of assistants in off site premises and specialist areas
f) Conduct audits, and report findings
g) Report to executive management team and the board
h) Keep up to date with H&S matters
i) Build relationships with H&S officers in all off site premises
j) Carry out ad hoc duties commensurate with role

Does anyone have any advice on
a) what else you would like included
e.g., ensure compliance with the law?
b) what you would like excluded
and at the risk of going over old ground
c) what I should be called, is manager a good idea, or should it be officer, adviser, factotum, dogsbody, sucker, deputy understudy to the chief bottle washer?

Any ideas welcome.
I’ve been covering this role for about 7-8 years with help from our sister organisation. Now I’m getting the NGC, and then I’ll see if I can do the Diploma.
For background we’re a small, but expanding, medical research company, with chemistry, and biology labs in several universities around the country, as well as office space mainly in London. We’re increasing from around 40 lab staff to around 90, and there’s about 40 office based staff.

Thanks in advance for comments.
Graham Watson

Admin  
#2 Posted : 03 September 2007 15:46:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Darren (Daz) Fraser
Something along the lines of - any job that no-one else wants, or is the CEO's pet project of the moment.

Job title - how about the hardest moving target to hit, or the poor bugger close to committing suicide / murder dependant upon how you work (murder in my case), or the idiot that likes a challenge (that they will never win), or the only person with a modicum of common sense

Seriously I would be looking for the following as a minimum

Ensure the company, complies with all relevant H&S legislation.
Develop and maintain systems of H&S Management in line with HSG 65, 18001 and/or ILO guidelines
Liaise with all levels of employees to ensure that H&S issues are dealt with promptly and satisfactorily.
Advise management of any H&S shortcomings within the company, and suggest solutions
Advise the employee committee of any H&S matters, and attend meetings (if you have one)
Maintain accident/injury records for use within company.
Investigate accidents with departmental managers and identify ways of preventing recurrence.
Implement and coordinate Risk Assessment activities.
Identify and advise upon safety related training issues.
Perform regular safety inspections, audits
Provide guidance on the choice and correct use of personal protective equipment.
Provide and / or source relevant training in all matters relating to H&S.
Liaise with all external agencies (emergency, HSE etc)

Would have the bit about ad hoc duties removed, would want specifics.

As for title - I never have the title manager, for the simple reason it is down to the management to manage and for you to advise. Therefore use the title of officer, or advisor etc.

Finally welcome to the profession, good luck and hopefully you will find it most rewarding as each day is something different.
Admin  
#3 Posted : 03 September 2007 16:17:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Bill Elliott
Graham - you could do worse than pinch the extract from HSG65 (pages 31/32 Inset 9 - Role & functions of health & safety advisors) as a starting point for a job description. As already indicated, unless you are actually managing a team or are actually managing health & safety, you should avoid the term "manager" - again as has been said already you are there to advise - it is for management to manage. IMHO.
Admin  
#4 Posted : 04 September 2007 15:52:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Drew
Hope this helps: also have a safety responsibility statment for the post which relates to specific responsibilities required of the post holder. Let me know if you would like a copy drewscusick@aol.com>

Main Purpose of Job
Determine implement and ensure compliance with the safety strategy and policies for [name of company here].

Specific Accountabilities
1. To act as [name of company here] “competent person” with regard to the provision of expert advice on all safety matters relating to [name of company here]
2. Develop and implement procedures that are compliant with legislative requirements and industry standards and [name of company here] policies and procedures.
3. To ensure that all personnel and contractors are aware of and comply with and rectify all non compliances with required safety policies.
4. Through method statement review and site inspections, to ensure that all works carried out are done so in safe manner and in accordance with relevant standards, best practice
5. To ensure that regular site safety inspections and audits are carried out. Formal reports are produced and corrective actions are followed through within required timescales.
6. To identify any trends arising and proposed follow up action on a regular basis to the MD.
7. For ensuring and where necessary assisting [your boss' post or other senior director] in undertaking the effective investigation of all accidents and incidents; the determination of the root cause and implementation of all necessary remedial actions to prevent reoccurrence.
8. To develop effective liaison arrangements with personnel from other agencies involved in relevant construction activities including stakeholders in the business.

Specific Experience, knowledge and qualifications
1. Sound knowledge of company operations, organisation and interfaces
2. Good working knowledge of safety legislation
3. Formal safety management qualification. CMIOSH desirable; NEBOSH certificate and studying for Diploma (minimum).
Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.