Posted By MPB
I've been going around in circles trying to locate a definitive, accepted definition of a safety adviser's role, in particular the duty to advise line managers on how they should manage safety as it is not the job of the safety adviser! I am aware of previous threads (which i have perused) and the only real text would appear to be in HSG65 page 31 inset 9 'Role and function'.

I am aware that the topic is often spoke about, but an article (or two) that i can quote would be excellent.

Thank you in advance, MPB.

Posted By Ron Hunter
What are the duties/responsibilities of a professional Health & Safety Adviser?
I suggest that there is an excellent criteria list within the CPD performance listing for CMIOSH which should "fit" most if not all circumstances for professional advisers engaged as the employer's source of competent advice.

https://my.iosh.co.uk/my...tal_ImageS/CPD_whats.pdf

That said, the employer's perception, the job profile and description etc. might be another matter entirely!

Posted By steve e ashton
MPB: Why do you want to know - what for do you want an answer? Is it for a job description, a job evaluation, an examination question, an interview presentation, or simple cogitation and seeking after truth...? Because each situation will likely generate different answerrs. And the differences are telling when we consider the call for regulation of the profession. Any clues as to why you are 'going round in circles' may help us to provide an answer that is helpful...

Once possible answer: The Management etc regs reg 7.1: Every employer shall, subject to paragraphs (6) and (7), appoint one or more competent persons to assist him in undertaking the measures he needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon him by or under the relevant statutory provisions and by Part II of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.

Important word here is 'assist' - so not to 'do' then....

So - that's the legal definition - but a good employer (and a good safety professional) will go very much further than simply trying to achieve compliance - and that's a whole different ball game.

Steve

Posted By Pete Longworth
I think this is a pretty subjective area, because it is really down to what your employer expects from you. In my view the health and safety advisor is just that, an advisor. Someone who helps management to fulfill their role as managers of health and safety. However, some employers expect much more, in as much as they expect the H&S person to manage H&S for them, conducting risk assessments, accident investigations etc.
I don't believe that you will find a definitive job description anywhere but you will find a multitude of different opinions.

The bottom line is it's down to what the employer expects.

Posted By Tabs
In a good situation, the adviser will be like a personal trainer almost ... a cross between the woodwork teacher and the deputy head if you like.

You show people (managers) what to do, you guide them through the processes (like a woodwork teacher) and you make sure the processes and tools are all there for them to do their part promptly. Then you let them get on with it, looking over their shoulders occasionally - correcting them if necessary, praising them if possible. Always there to confirm instructions and give support.

You then switch to deputy head and audit them.

You report to the headmaster/headmistress anything that they are remiss on.

Posted By TomP
Heres my list which complies with the best practice bit of the RoSPA QSA audit module, which combines all the aspects of HSG65, 18001 etc.

•Formulate and develop health and safety policies
•Promote a positive health and safety culture to secure the effective implementation of the policy
•Plan for health and safety including outlining of objectives and priorities
•Work with all staff as required, assist in identifying hazards, developing risk assessments and suggesting suitable means of control
•Implement plans and control measures employing both active and reactive techniques and developing procedures for recording both
•Develop systems for reviewing performance and auditing
•Conducting audits on the safety management system
•Interpret law and implications for the organisation
•Establish professional relationships at all levels within and outside the organisation

Should possibly include 'enforcement' but this causes so much agro and crosses the line frpm adviser to manager.

Posted By Larry Shannon

I extracted this from HSA documentation, and used it when looking for clients prior to present employment.( Irish legalisation quoted). Our inspectors respect advisors and realise that they advise, its up to clients to implement.

The Safety Advisor

The role of the safety advisor is to:

• advise the company on safety compliance
• understand the principles of the ‘duty of care’ towards people at work
• facilitate the safety consultation process
• advise on the application of the General Principles of Prevention outlined in the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007
• communicate safety messages to the workforce
• monitor safety on site
• monitor the safety training of staff
• influence senior managers and line managers
• initiate regular site inspections in conjunction with workers' safety representatives where appropriate
• participate in consultative structures to maximise their usefulness
• monitor all internal data on accidents
• liaise with Health and Safety Authority inspectors
• investigate accidents and prepare reports .

Posted By steve e ashton
MPB: In the light of your further clarification I would offer paragraph 50 of the HSE Guidance to the Management Regs "The appointment of such health and safety assistants or advisers does not
absolve the employer from responsibilities for health and safety under the HSW Act and other relevant statutory provisions...." In other words - its the employers (Managers / supervisors) responsibility - not the safety advisors!

Steve