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paul abbott  
#1 Posted : 19 February 2010 13:18:37(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
paul abbott

I have been asked to provide a risk assessment training day and give some guidance on practical risk assessments.

What type of insurance cover (how much) would I require for this particular type of work.
I aim to do two or three days per month in this activity for the forseeable future.

I would feel uncomfortable putting my name to RA's when offering advice / guidance what are forum members thoughts on this point of view

Many thanks
Tony Baker  
#2 Posted : 19 February 2010 15:01:48(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Tony Baker

I assume you are providing this service for a Client and not your Employer ?
I would start by asking the client what level of Professional Indemnity Insurance cover he requires/would expect.
If the Client does not stipulate then I would seek advise from a reputable insurance broker.
As for putting your name to their Risk Assessments...I wouldn't!.. You are just providing advise. Your client should carry out the assessments as they have the specific knowledge of their activities and associated hazards.
Clairel  
#3 Posted : 19 February 2010 15:34:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Clairel

PI and PL are standard really. How much is open to opinion. I went for a middle of the road approach, higher than I probably needed but I feel happier that way.

Don't put your name on a RA as a consultant. Fast track to court IMO.
pete48  
#4 Posted : 20 February 2010 16:06:47(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
pete48

No reason why you shouldn't put your name to anything as long as you are clear and certain about what it is you are "approving" or "recommending".
As an employer I wouldn't want a consultant who was not prepared to do so.
I might expect to jointly sign some stuff as the employer but I am relying upon the expertise of the consultant to guide me and would be worried if that consultant felt that to sign the RA was a fast track to court.
I do recognise that each contract is unique and there may be circumstances where you would not want to sign off stuff. Equally where you have been contracted as a specialist assessor, it would be bizarre if you did not sign off.
That is why you must be clear about what the consultant is doing-whether you are the consultant or the employer.
Clairel  
#5 Posted : 20 February 2010 16:21:36(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Clairel

Pete I would not sign off on a RA for many reasons:

- I understand hazard and risk and I know how to do a RA. I also have plenty of years experience to understand many industries. However, it is not my job and therefore I do not know all the associated risks that I may not see in a snapshot. For example I know lots about woodworking machines but I've never operated one. Therefore I don't understand all the little ins and outs that only an operator would understand. I'm a competent H&S professional not a competent wood machinist. It takes both to do the RA. So I won't sign off on it.

- It is also very important for the relevant people to carry out a RA so that they understand the risks. RA is a process not a piece of paper. If I do the RA for them they are not considering the risk themselves.

I see my role to help them to do the RA. To educate them, guide them and help them understand. Not to do it for them.

I believe it is a fast track to court. Inspectors do not like to see a RA done by a consultant for all the reasons I just stated.

I am not alone I don't know many consultants who are prepared to carry out and sign off a RA for a client. My advice would always be assist but don't do it for them. And if you haven't done the RA for them then you can't sign the RA.


paul abbott  
#6 Posted : 20 February 2010 19:59:29(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
paul abbott

Thanks to all who have posted. Post 5 was of particular interest to me and I share many of those views.
I now have more armoury to use if pressured to sign off any of the said RA's
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