Introduction

A Health and Safety Adviser (also known as Health and Safety Trainer and Health and Safety Auditor) works to advise and to ensure a commitment to safety is maintained by all departments of a council, under its requirements for complying with all statutory duties in respect of health and safety legislation.

Work Environment

A Health and Safety Adviser is usually based at local authorities offices and is either part of a team of safety advisers or is the sole adviser for the Council. In some cases an Environmental Health Officer also acts as the Health and Safety Adviser. Much of a Health and Safety Adviser’s time is spent auditing/training all departments of the Council therefore visits will be made to where its officers are based.

Daily Activities

The work is very varied and could involve any of the following:

• advising managers, as appropriate, on all aspects of health and safety including advice in relation to relevant legislation, directives, codes of practice, policy matters etc.
• assisting training centres’ staff with the assessment and monitoring of employer based work placements
• assisting in the development, production and updating of guidance notes, policies, practices and procedures and ensure conformity with any specific requirements
• carrying out risk assessments and other assessments e.g. control of substances to health (COSHH) and advise on appropriate action when necessary
• carrying out site inspections (safety audits) to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, council and departmental policies and procedures
• carrying out accident investigations where appropriate
• carrying out safety induction training
• evaluating, designing, developing and delivering appropriate training courses
• liaising, as appropriate, with contractors/clients/outside organisations e.g. Health and Safety Executive
• attending various departmental/corporate working groups
• producing written reports as appropriate
• maintaining manual and computerised health and safety records including accident statistics.

Skills & Interests

As a Health and Safety Advisor’s work incorporates assessments of people/workplaces/procedures it will involve the training of staff. In order for this to be achieved good interpersonal skills are essential. Good written skills are also essential when writing reports/letters/procedures to be followed by departments. An understanding of how to interpret health and safety law is critical in order that requirements of legislation can be followed and put into place. An overall commitment/interest of health and safety issues are required in order to keep abreast of new developments in the health and safety field.

Entry Requirements

Different routes are as follows:

Route 1 – National Examination Board of Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Certificate. NEBOSH Diploma 1 & 2 and experience will lead to full membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Route 2 – Ongoing work related assessment by National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Occupational Health & Safety Practice from NVQ 1 to NVQ 4. When NVQ 4 achieved full membership of IOSH can be gained

Route 3 – University degree in Occupational Health and Safety.

Estimated salary range

£25,900 – £29,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Opportunities to progress to more senior posts exist, although these are normally greater in larger councils. Movement to other authorities to gain more experience, breadth of work and promotion is often necessary.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Protecting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health www.iosh.co.uk

Ento www.empnto.co.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under AA.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Health & Safety Adviser vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.