Developing the Health and Safety Profession

Welcome to my first health and safety blog. Choosing a topic to discuss is actually a difficult task and no more so than this first entry. What makes it more difficult is the choice of topics available - I could have discussed the ICL explosion inquiry, swine flu, the HSE proposals on a tower crane register, or the first prosecution for corporate manslaughter.

Instead I will discuss something that has gone largely unnoticed, yet is vitally important - the push for the accreditation of the health and safety profession. I admit, it isn't the most exciting of topics, but this could have a major impact on the level of professionalism within the industry.

The issue of accreditation has been around for some time - last year a Parliamentary Committee proposed the initiative which as welcomed by the Government. However, the HSE is adamant that it will not run such a scheme, nor control or regulate the professional bodies that do establish it.

IOSH has long advocated some form of official accreditation with their view that the current situation in which anyone can act as a health and safety consultant or advisor is not good for business.

The current ideas being floated include a voluntary scheme, and more detail will be published in coming weeks. That said I don't expect a scheme up and running this side of the next election.

So what does this mean for business? Well, it should mean that business has access to competent professional advice. But just what is competent advice? And isn't there a requirement for this already?

During my time in the profession I have seen it professionalise year on year, backed up by an increasing recognition at senior levels that health and safety is more than just a compliance issue.

These days you would expect to see health and safety professionals with qualifications and experience - such as NEBOSH or NVQ's in Health and Safety. But that isn't always the case. Perhaps this is because the perception of the profession still needs some work to move us away from the killjoy, clipboard carrying stereotype.

If there is a message for business in this issue then it is review your sources of health and safety advice and in IOSH's words - get the best. Would you have an accountant with no qualifications or experience?

Developing the professionalism of the health and safety profession is a passion of mine, and I would look forward to speaking to anyone about how their business, or even themselves, can develop their competency.

Mathew Joyes is Head of Risk Management at Associated Training and Consultancy, a leading provider of health, safety and environmental solutions.

All of the entries in this blog provide general advice and should not be interpreted or used as specific health and safety guidance to your organisation – you must always consider your own circumstances and take appropriate action. If in doubt, contact us for professional and specific advice.