The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) has been set up to increase employers’ confidence that they can access good quality, proportionate advice.
Its creation addresses concerns outlined in the Government’s report on the UK health and safety system, Common Sense Common Safety, that some employers can find it difficult to know how and where to get external health and safety advice.
OSHCR has been established by a number of professional bodies representing general safety and occupational health consultants across the UK, with support from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The register, which is voluntary, is open to individuals who provide commercial advice on general health and safety management issues and who have achieved at least one of the following:-
- Chartered status with IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health); CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health); or REHIS (Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland) with health and safety qualifications
- Fellow status with IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management) with degree level qualifications
- Member or Fellow status with BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) Faculty of Occupational Hygiene
- Registered Member or Fellow status with IEHF (Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors).
In addition, all consultants wishing to join the register are required to declare that they will:
- demonstrate adequate continuing professional development;
- abide by their professional body’s code of conduct;
- provide sensible and proportionate advice; and
- have professional indemnity insurance or equivalent to cover the nature of their duties.
The application process includes a check with the relevant professional body that an individual has met all the requirements relating to their member status.
For further information on the register, please visit www.oshcr.org