It is good to hear of a successful relationship. How does it work
if health surveillance picks up a problem such as work-related asthma or
dermatitis, or noise-induced hearing loss, or a musculoskeletal
problem? Is the investigation of cause and correction seen as a
safety function, or are you involved?
Trevor Ogden
At 21:37 04/02/2004, you wrote:
I
am employed by the NHS to supply OH to a University. I am regarded as an
equal to the Head of the Safety Office (although he is responsible to the
university for the service). He resisted the request to be called Head of
"Health" and Safety because he says its not his area of work
but OH's and wants no confusion. We both report to the HR director who is
a great advocate for the OH service.
I have no "interference" from either HR or the Safety Office
but work as an intergal part of the team. I have the benefit of a good
relationship with both HR and the safety advisers. Often it has been a
case of ensuring good communication because it is easy for any of us to
think we have the superior ground.