Carl West – How did I get here?

How did you get into health and safety?

I first became involved in health and safety in the early 1990s, when I was working at a steel forging company. I was an apprentice at the time and was asked to help the safety manager with the implementation of the European ‘Six Pack’ of regulations. So, in a nutshell, my first involvement was simply helping out.

What qualifications do you hold?

I have the NVQ3 and NVQ4 in Occupational Health and Safety from Loughborough College. I also hold the NEBOSH General Certificate and Construction Certificate, as well as the IEMA Certificate – all of which I undertook at North Notts College on day release.

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

Without question, inspection and audit. Being out on the construction site, or in the workshop when the work is happening, is the true ‘sharp end’ of the role for me. Being able to influence minds and thoughts while actively looking for improvements makes the role enjoyable.

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

Of course, all the “well done” remarks are always a joy to hear and well recieved, but one of the high points has to be reaching the finals of the SHP IOSH Awards in 2009 for a safe system of work designed to monitor exposure to vibration. Low points come after an accident, or even a major injury, when I sometimes question my work.

What has been the biggest change in health and safety since you have been working in it?

Looking purely at the industries that I have been involved with, I would have to say the Work at Height Regulations. For most of my career I have worked in the steel industry, so getting to grips with the changes (particularly in steel fabrication, where the work changes size through production) was a task in itself.

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

Globally, by 2020, I would like to think that enforcement will play a large part. In terms of statistics globally, stronger enforcement in some countries will hopefully evolve. For too long we have been seeing pictures of scaffolding made from tree branches, etc… Great for training slides but this behaviour still goes on!

If you were prime minister for a day, which health and safety law(s) would you introduce, or repeal?

I probably wouldn’t focus too much on changing the law but facilitating the understanding of the law. The HSE does a great job in conveying the message and has excellent free advice, but maybe the understanding of the law hits the wall further down the line. Possibly, I would advocate more options for educational influence regarding the law.

How do you capitalise on your IOSH membership?

I attend branch meetings and training events. Fortunately, my work allows me to attend the Yorkshire branch meetings fairly regularly, which are great value and a great way to meet like-minded professionals. I am also involved on the panel for the IOSH peer reviews, which I enjoy and feel honoured to be part of.

What are your top two pieces of advice on getting a job in health and safety?

We all started at the beginning and found it hard. The CMIOSHs, CFIOSHs, GradIOSHs all started where you are. Also, join forums and groups. It’s all about getting involved and asking questions.

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

Apart from support and help from my family and friends I would have to say my very first boss! Guiding me into the world of work, showing me principles and morals that have helped me through my working career. It’s strange how you meet people throughout your career and take some traits from them without realising.

If you could be anything other than a health and safety practitioner, what job would you choose?

Definitely a professional road cyclist, with the level of a Tour de France rider. As an avid cyclist myself, I can be found in the Peak District most weekends.