Vote on our poll on IOSH

IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) states that it is the "voice of the profession" however I have found it very difficult to progress through the ranks. I have been a professional for over 10 years but cannot progress higher because I haven't got the right piece of paper. I am a practical person with years of practical safety experience, however without the relevant certificate I cannot progress and feel effectively "excluded". Is it sour grapes, possibly...? So I am asking YOU ... vote in our blog poll on IOSH (Good or Bad), how do you feel?

safety health environment she ltd

www.she.ltd.uk

Do we need an alternative to IOSH?

IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health)states that it is the "voice of the profession" however I have found it very difficult to progress through the ranks. I have been a professional for over 10 years and have found if you haven't got the right piece of paper you are effectively excluded. Is this sour grapes on my behalf?

IOSH states:
"With more than 35,000 members, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation. We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people." Is this true?

Let me know your experience of IOSH (good or bad)!

Kevin Jones
kevin.jones@she.ltd.uk

safety health and environment - she ltd

www.she.ltd.uk

IOSH Presentation notes

To access information on the IOSH talk conducted on the 9th January (the benefits and pitfall of working for yourself) just follow the links -

Presentation:
http://www.she.ltd.uk/IOSH/working-for-yourself-she.ltd.pps

Notes
http://www.she.ltd.uk/IOSH/000%20IOSH%20talk.htm

www.she.ltd.uk

she ltd to give talk to IOSH

she ltd have been invited to talk to a local IOSH group on the benfits and pitfalls of working for yourself... I hope it will be good :-)

www.she.ltd.uk

IOSH response to Financial Times

Letter to Financial Times re: ‘Small businesses advised to shun health and safety experts’
Wednesday - September 10, 2008

Sir,
The recent headline ‘Small businesses advised to shun health and safety experts’ is completely wrong – the Better Regulation Executive (BRE) fully recognise the importance of health and safety assistance to small firms! What they have suggested is that ‘low risk’ small firms could consider doing more for themselves in-house, with more help from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authorities. And the government will obviously need to ensure there are adequate resources to provide this level of support.

The real imperative is for businesses, large or small, to get the best advice. Unfortunately, the government do not set minimum qualification levels and it’s difficult for employers to always recognise competent health and safety practitioners. So, we’re delighted to see BRE now support our call for better government guidance on ‘competence’ and indeed, have produced our own free guide for employers to help with this.

As the Chartered body for health and safety professionals, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) believes the current lack of clarity about competent advice could be damaging. Not only to individuals whose lives and long-term health may be put at risk; but also to businesses acting with no or inadequate advice, leading to decisions that are either dangerous or over the top. Interestingly, recent HSE research found the top two solutions suggested for preventing any ‘over-cautious’ decisions were ‘definitive guidance’ and ‘access to professional health and safety advice’.

So, engaging properly qualified health and safety professionals is essential for employee wellbeing and for UK enterprise to flourish. Any death at work is a personal tragedy for everyone concerned and has huge economic impact too. It’s been estimated that work-related injury and illness can cost society up to a staggering £31 billion per year. We all need to do more to prevent this and find better ways of working. Business leaders, decision-makers and the workforce are entitled to be guided on when and where to get the best advice.

Ray HurstPresidentIOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)The GrangeHighfield