The right advice

Access to ‘competent advice’ can be varied and sometimes received as being ‘by the book’. Although competent advice is not only essential legally but provides an opportunity for the recipient to understand what they should do.

Sometimes this advice can be misunderstood or perceived in a certain way or in serious cases not understood at all resulting in no action being taken.

Competent advice is paramount to any organisation but the right advice is critical. Being able to fit this advice into a niche business is essential. Too many simple questions result in elongated and confusing answers. The right advice will ensure the following:

• It is in line with legal and moral responsibilities.

• It fits within the current resource available to a specific business.

• It will ensure the current culture can embrace it as a value and not as an obstacle. 

• It gets done and it works.

ACCESS TO NO ADVICE

Of course, there are business owners and organisations who have access to no advice. Some of which feel they don’t need with others not realising they need it. Access to competent advice is a legal requirement under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety Regulations if the company employs 5 people or more. 

This can be appointed internally as long someone has the required level of knowledge, experience and training but for those companies that do not have the internal resource, it makes sense to appoint someone externally who can offer this resource as and when it’s required. 

Seek that professional support and view it as an opportunity for your management team to use as an external mentor or coach. Guide your management team in the right direction. Whatever you do, don’t do nothing.

Stay safe!