Posted By MP Grayson
I think that this is in the wrong area as it is more a career forum question. However, putting that aside, this is the way things are in my opinion.
Key players in UK health and safety (the people who play with the big boys in the playground) are: -
The HSE - obviously!
IOSH (The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health).
NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health).
BSC (British Safety Council).
IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management).
RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). I have never worked with them so I do not know what they have in the way of courses etc.
Then there are what I would call helpful groups out there such as “health and safety for beginners”.
Google them for specific info on each.
These are the levels for qualifications.
Level 1. Working safely.
IMO all employees should be at level 1. It’s a one day course and gives a basic insight into H/S. The exams are relatively easy.
Two good courses are out there written by the BSC and IOSH. I have delivered both courses. They approach the issues from different angles, but the end result is the same.
Level 2. Managing safely.
This is the level that managers should be at ideally. It’s a 4 or 5 day course and the exam takes a bit of thinking.
Again IOSH and BSC have their versions. I believe that NEBOSH are about to or have rolled out their own version.
Level 3. Certificate (NGC).
Now we are moving into the more serious side of OHAS. Level 3 roughly equates to 2 A levels in health and safety. You have to work hard and the exams are by no means easy. It’s a two week course and the exams are not included in those days.
NEBOSH and BSC both have their own versions. Also BSC will deliver NEBOSH courses, so don’t let that confuse you.
Another way of getting a level 3 qualification is to undertake an NVQ3.
Other qualifications such as NEBOSH fire and construction certificates are also set at this academic level.
Level 4-6. Diploma.
This is the level which is now “generally” regarded as the level at which H/S professionals should be at. I would not jump straight into this. I say do the NGC first.
We are now into the area which is almost guaranteed to send people off on a rant. People get very emotional over the subject and quite a few previous threads have dealt with the Diploma “v” NVQ issue.
The way I understand the system is that any qualification set between 4 and 6 is classed as a Diploma. There are quite a few Diplomas out there, set by various organisations. I don’t know if they are set at level 4 or 6, as I went the NEBOSH route, so I cannot comment on them. You can also do an NVQ4, which many claim to be a level 6 qualification??? I don’t know the answer to that and quite frankly don’t care. Both will get you Grad-IOSH status.
As already stated I went the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma route. Two main providers for L6 Dips are NEBOSH and BSC. A Level 6 qualification is set at the same academic level as a degree. This has in the past led many (including instructors) to believe that they are the same as a degree. That is not correct; they are just at the same academic level.
L6 Diploma is hard. No two ways about it. Unless you are committed, forget it. It’s all about study, study and more studying.
Level 7. This is your master’s degree. Not been there so I can’t comment.
The next sticking point is getting a step up on the H/S profession ladder. It’s not easy and there are many threads to justify that statement. I have come across many that have in my opinion the right attitude and capability. Sadly they cannot get a job because of pure bad luck. I have also met those who quite frankly seem to have a poor attitude. The sad fact is that if you have a NGC and little or no direct experience, then I am sorry but employers are not going to be rushing to your door with a £36k pay packet, a company car and all of the trimmings. It ain’t going to happen very often, though many (NOT ALL) seem to think that they will. Sometimes you have to take a hit and a big drop in pay, just to get into the groove. My first full time H/S job only paid £17k, that was not all that long ago (that was a 60% pay cut for me). I took the job, gave it my maximum effort for 3 years, then moved on with the experience and a few extra qualifications. I viewed it as a form of an apprenticeship. Now I am happy and earning millions, well, maybe not, but …...
Organisations such as the one I originally worked for live in a dream world where they advertise for people with Diplomas and bags of experience. I say apply for those jobs first. They are simply not going to get CMIOSH people with Diplomas up the ying-yang, so they will have to lower their sights.
COMPETENCY (the C word). It's a combination of training, knowledge, experience and ability. If you are in the building trade then some of what you have already learnt and experienced is going to count towards your competency to do a job.
There are other “bolt on” qualifications to be picked up along the route. Train a trainer, display screen assessment, manual handling instructor, vibration etc, etc.
Hopefully this has answered your questions a little bit. Good luck.
Crack on.