Alan Roberts – How did I get here?

I began in 1979 as an electrical and mechanical tradesman. At that time, health and safety was a requirement for my electrical training, although it was not viewed as important as it is now. I progressed to senior manager, and then became a director in 2000, at which point health and safety became a bigger part of my work. Later, as sole director, I led the company’s efforts to achieve ISO standards and ensured we had the training and competence to work in specialist engineering environments.

What qualifications do you hold?

In addition to my electrical trade qualifications, I have a diploma in environmental management, IOSH Managing safely, the NEBOSH General Certificate, and I am a qualified Driving Standards Agency motorcycle instructor.

Which aspects of your health and safety role do you most enjoy?

I enjoy being able to assist in the training of those under my supervision – seeing the increased interest in health and safety among our apprentices gives me huge enjoyment. I also advise injured soldiers on civilian careers in engineering and the appropriate health and safety qualifications that they should pursue.

What have been the highest and lowest points in your career?

The highest points came this year when the company won the Tees Valley & National Skills Academy Small Company of 2011/12, the ECITB SME of the Year, and a British Safety Council International Safety Award – all of which are rewards for the emphasis we have put on training over the years. My lowest point was very recently – in July, in fact – when our parent company decided to close us, as we no longer fitted with its market strategy – a decision that has led to everyone being made redundant. I have since decided to establish my own health and safety and training firms.

What has been the biggest change in H&S since you have been working in it?

Working in engineering construction, CDM has made a large difference, as has the requirement for contractors to demonstrate the competence of their workforce. Unfortunately, during these hard economic times, not all clients appreciate the costs associated with the above and, at times, price seems to have the edge over safety and quality when bidding for work.

What do you think will be the biggest developments in the next 10 years?

I believe that those who have invested in health and safety training and the development of their people will achieve greater prominence and success over those who have not.

If you were PM for a day which H&S law(s) would you introduce or repeal?

I would pass a law to ensure that the various bodies in construction and engineering involved in competence-card schemes recognise each other’s systems of evaluation. We need to reduce the cost and confusion faced by companies and others seeking work.

How do you capitalise on your IOSH membership?

My IOSH membership keeps me informed of current health and safety issues and forthcoming changes. It also helps me secure work because of the Institution’s global recognition.

What are your top two tips on getting a job in health and safety?

Use IOSH to your advantage and keep up to date with qualifications and CPD. Highlight the benefits that can be gained from good health and safety and push this to the top of your CV.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career and how?

My dad, who passed away last year, started in the steel industry as an electrician before becoming a successful self-employed businessman. He was proud of my success at becoming a director but missed seeing me start my own business.

If you could be anything other than a H&S practitioner what would you be?

I am fortunate that, in addition to being a health and safety practitioner, I am now the owner of my own specialist engineering company. I have achieved what I wanted to, even though it isn’t the route I necessarily planned.