My H&S journey.

[mrmoe]

Hello to all that reads this

I have been in a number of different professions.. I started by gaining a BA degree in web design 6 years ago, I then went onto working as an IT technician for AMEC FOSTER WHEELER for 4 years. My latest move came 3 years ago when I completely changed my profession (due to financial situations) where I moved into Oil&Gas working for a company who specialise in Column/Vessel/Tower internals. I didn't have any experience within this field of work.. but during the 3 years working on countless oil refineries/gas plants and oil rigs I have gained an interest in the health and safety, not only this I broke my neck beginning of December last year, with this in mind I am not sure how long I have left tunnelling through columns so it has kind of sped up my choice of going into H&S a bit quicker than first anticipated. Sorry for going into details and boring you all, I wanted to let everyone know my history as I wanted to share my journey with you all ( thats if your interested ).

So I first of all thought I would self study while working but I didn't feel I would benefit as much and found it quite hard without proper guidance. With this in mind I decided to go ahead and book the intent course (2 weeks with exam after it). I booked it for 31st October this year with the exam a year and 1 day to the date of my accident, so I am hoping someone is looking down on me again to give me some good luck

Basically there is a few questions I would like to ask if anyone would care to help me

- With me having 3 years experience in the oil & gas field would it put me high in regards to applying for H&S jobs in future when I attain my Nebosh certificate?

- with the NGC how best is it to apply for jobs and what jobs are best to apply for in regards to having a chance of getting the job, for example not having experience etc? HSE Advisor / SHEQ advisor etc?

- When reading the study revision guide I purchased I have tried to spend a lot of time delving into the Law side of H&S, is this a must to pass my NGC because I have spent a lot of time and sometimes I struggle to recall all the information read?

- I don't know if I am panicking and putting to much on my shoulders but I am just in need of a little it of guidance on how best to revise ( I know people are different) because I seem to lose track of where I am and can be easily led away. Would you recommend shutting myself in a room and just read the revision guide?

- I look at the syllabus and each point within the elements to be learnt, and I try to note them down, is this right?

I am sorry for the lengthy post, I thought I would share my journey because there will be people like me new to this field and could do with some guidance also

Thank You
Lee

[Alexis]

Hello Lee and a very warm welcome to you.

Thank you for your informative first post.

My reply is just short for the moment, but I will certainly come back with my thoughts on your queries very shortly.

Good to have you aboard.

[Alexis]

So I first of all thought I would self study while working but I didn't feel I would benefit as much and found it quite hard without proper guidance. With this in mind I decided to go ahead and book the intent course (2 weeks with exam after it). I booked it for 31st October this year with the exam a year and 1 day to the date of my accident, so I am hoping someone is looking down on me again to give me some good luck Thank You Lee

The way you have coped with everything else you have been through, I am sure you will cope well in the exams Lee.

Basically there is a few questions I would like to ask if anyone would care to help me

- With me having 3 years experience in the oil & gas field would it put me high in regards to applying for H&S jobs in future when I attain my Nebosh certificate?

I do think your experience within the O&G industry will certainly help, but it would not necessarily put you in "high regard" even with your NGC, which is the basic introduction to H&S. However, in saying this, it would most certainly help in my view if your CV was geared to the H&S side of your experience. The Diploma, along with experience is what will give you the high regard.

- with the NGC how best is it to apply for jobs and what jobs are best to apply for in regards to having a chance of getting the job, for example not having experience etc? HSE Advisor / SHEQ advisor etc?

The best way is to try and find an employer (possibly your own) who would be willing to take you on at an Entry Level, however, these jobs are very few and far between, but it would be worth approaching your own employer as you have all the experience for their particular set-up. If this is not possible, without direct experience in H&S, it is quite difficult to find any type of H&S Adviser jobs, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE! Maybe best to join your local Safety Group to have some networking would help, plus rearrange your CV and send it out to companies with a nice cover letter asking if they have any voluntary work in H&S would help with experience.

- When reading the study revision guide I purchased I have tried to spend a lot of time delving into the Law side of H&S, is this a must to pass my NGC because I have spent a lot of time and sometimes I struggle to recall all the information read?

The law side will be applicable for your NGC1, but don't try (at the NGC) stage to remember every section of every H&S law. You won't need this much in-depthness (is that a word ) for the NGC. Take a look at this past post from otto, updated by AdamUK. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6133" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- I don't know if I am panicking and putting to much on my shoulders but I am just in need of a little it of guidance on how best to revise ( I know people are different) because I seem to lose track of where I am and can be easily led away. Would you recommend shutting myself in a room and just read the revision guide?

- I look at the syllabus and each point within the elements to be learnt, and I try to note them down, is this right?

I am sorry for the lengthy post, I thought I would share my journey because there will be people like me new to this field and could do with some guidance also

Thank You
Lee

Never need to be sorry for any question in HSfB Lee. There is no such thing as a "stupid" or "daft" health and safety question!

As for revision...........loads of people have asked and will continue to ask this question in our forums, so you are not alone.

1 We have our downloads section with loads of revision tips. http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/downloads" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2 We have a search function at the top right hand corner of this page where you can search with any words and find past posts.

I will try and find similar posts for you and put them in here.

Hope this helps a bit. Remember our members are amazing at helping when they can, so if in doubt about anything, just ask.

If asking a specific NEBOSH exam question, owing to NEBOSH Copyright and HSfB complying with same, please re-word the question and we will understand what you mean.

Recent past post found using search function. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=44710&p=332614&hili ... dy#p332614" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Bindo]

The only thing i'd say is don't over emphasise the Oil&Gas element on your CV, unless it's an oil & gas specific role you are applying for.

The reason i say this, is that a lot of firms in "the real world" are a little afraid of the O&G safety professionals.

I've worked in oil and gas, as a technician, and the H&S paperwork, SSOW and risk assessments can be extremely OTT depending on the company.

For example, I was participating in a FAT at the test tank on site, some genius had written into the RA and SSOW that we should wear life jackets AND work restraints with full W@H harnesses!

Do your NEBOSH, or look at the NCRQ diploma and it'll open your eyes in a big way!

[mrmoe]

So I first of all thought I would self study while working but I didn't feel I would benefit as much and found it quite hard without proper guidance. With this in mind I decided to go ahead and book the intent course (2 weeks with exam after it). I booked it for 31st October this year with the exam a year and 1 day to the date of my accident, so I am hoping someone is looking down on me again to give me some good luck Thank You Lee

The way you have coped with everything else you have been through, I am sure you will cope well in the exams Lee.

Basically there is a few questions I would like to ask if anyone would care to help me

- With me having 3 years experience in the oil & gas field would it put me high in regards to applying for H&S jobs in future when I attain my Nebosh certificate?

I do think your experience within the O&G industry will certainly help, but it would not necessarily put you in "high regard" even with your NGC, which is the basic introduction to H&S. However, in saying this, it would most certainly help in my view if your CV was geared to the H&S side of your experience. The Diploma, along with experience is what will give you the high regard.

- with the NGC how best is it to apply for jobs and what jobs are best to apply for in regards to having a chance of getting the job, for example not having experience etc? HSE Advisor / SHEQ advisor etc?

The best way is to try and find an employer (possibly your own) who would be willing to take you on at an Entry Level, however, these jobs are very few and far between, but it would be worth approaching your own employer as you have all the experience for their particular set-up. If this is not possible, without direct experience in H&S, it is quite difficult to find any type of H&S Adviser jobs, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE! Maybe best to join your local Safety Group to have some networking would help, plus rearrange your CV and send it out to companies with a nice cover letter asking if they have any voluntary work in H&S would help with experience.

- When reading the study revision guide I purchased I have tried to spend a lot of time delving into the Law side of H&S, is this a must to pass my NGC because I have spent a lot of time and sometimes I struggle to recall all the information read?

The law side will be applicable for your NGC1, but don't try (at the NGC) stage to remember every section of every H&S law. You won't need this much in-depthness (is that a word ) for the NGC. Take a look at this past post from otto, updated by AdamUK. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6133" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- I don't know if I am panicking and putting to much on my shoulders but I am just in need of a little it of guidance on how best to revise ( I know people are different) because I seem to lose track of where I am and can be easily led away. Would you recommend shutting myself in a room and just read the revision guide?

- I look at the syllabus and each point within the elements to be learnt, and I try to note them down, is this right?

I am sorry for the lengthy post, I thought I would share my journey because there will be people like me new to this field and could do with some guidance also

Thank You
Lee

Never need to be sorry for any question in HSfB Lee. There is no such thing as a "stupid" or "daft" health and safety question!

As for revision...........loads of people have asked and will continue to ask this question in our forums, so you are not alone.

1 We have our downloads section with loads of revision tips. http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/downloads" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2 We have a search function at the top right hand corner of this page where you can search with any words and find past posts.

I will try and find similar posts for you and put them in here.

Hope this helps a bit. Remember our members are amazing at helping when they can, so if in doubt about anything, just ask.

If asking a specific NEBOSH exam question, owing to NEBOSH Copyright and HSfB complying with same, please re-word the question and we will understand what you mean.

Recent past post found using search function. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=44710&p=332614&hili ... dy#p332614" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Alexis, thank you very much for taking the time out to reply it is appreciated!

I have a good opportunity I believe to go into the H&S side within the company I am with now, fingers crossed. I am hoping 1 or 2 years experience will aid in moving into a more permanent contract elsewhere, because I would only get a rolling contract from job to job, like I am doing now.

Alexis, how long till you should know which side of H&S I should look towards, for example a H&S advisor, SHEQ advisor etc? Should I know now because in truth I don't, is there guidance on which roles to follow and take on?

I will take everything on board you have said and will continue to use HSFB because I think for the beginners like me, it is brilliant.

Once again thank you

[mrmoe]

The only thing i'd say is don't over emphasise the Oil&Gas element on your CV, unless it's an oil & gas specific role you are applying for.

The reason i say this, is that a lot of firms in "the real world" are a little afraid of the O&G safety professionals.

I've worked in oil and gas, as a technician, and the H&S paperwork, SSOW and risk assessments can be extremely OTT depending on the company.

For example, I was participating in a FAT at the test tank on site, some genius had written into the RA and SSOW that we should wear life jackets AND work restraints with full W@H harnesses!

Do your NEBOSH, or look at the NCRQ diploma and it'll open your eyes in a big way!

I know exactly what you mean, within my company now the H&S side can be very OTT, but I think within confined space and the environment we will be working in, they have to be. I will never call on anyone, only doing their job and protecting me within the workplace. BUT saying that, sometimes a little common sense wouldn't go a miss

Is the NCRQ another route into H&S?

Thank you for replying I appreciate it

[Alexis]

I have a good opportunity I believe to go into the H&S side within the company I am with now, fingers crossed. I am hoping 1 or 2 years experience will aid in moving into a more permanent contract elsewhere, because I would only get a rolling contract from job to job, like I am doing now.

Alexis, how long till you should know which side of H&S I should look towards, for example a H&S advisor, SHEQ advisor etc? Should I know now because in truth I don't, is there guidance on which roles to follow and take on?

Hi Lee. If you have an opportunity to gain experience with your current company, that's fantastic! The best way to enter the H&S profession and an opportunity that most people don't have available to them.

I understand what you are saying in regards to which area of H&S you would want to pursue, but I would "bide your time" with this one and just gain the experience of how you apply what you have learned in your NGC study regardless of type of industry.

As with anything, it is always better to learn new things (like your H&S application) withing the industry you already know and eventually, you may find another area you would feel happier in. It's your own preference and you may even find you want to stay where you are progressing with your study by doing the Diploma, which will open up a lot more job prospects in all sorts of sectors.

If you continue your professional development in the H&S sector, take it forward definitely with the Diploma. The NCRQ route is becoming more and more popular mainly because (as everyone taking agrees) it isn't just bland learning and then exam sitting, it is about APPLIED H&S in loads of different workplace situations, which in turn, in my view, lend a hand in making your decision as to which industry you would prefer to specialise in. These courses are recognised by IOSH so you can still gain your CMIOSH/GradIOSH status at the end of the day.

A couple of links to help....... https://www.ncrq.org.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; viewtopic.php?f=1&t=44677&hilit=NCRQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mrmoe]

I have a good opportunity I believe to go into the H&S side within the company I am with now, fingers crossed. I am hoping 1 or 2 years experience will aid in moving into a more permanent contract elsewhere, because I would only get a rolling contract from job to job, like I am doing now.

Alexis, how long till you should know which side of H&S I should look towards, for example a H&S advisor, SHEQ advisor etc? Should I know now because in truth I don't, is there guidance on which roles to follow and take on?

Hi Lee. If you have an opportunity to gain experience with your current company, that's fantastic! The best way to enter the H&S profession and an opportunity that most people don't have available to them.

I understand what you are saying in regards to which area of H&S you would want to pursue, but I would "bide your time" with this one and just gain the experience of how you apply what you have learned in your NGC study regardless of type of industry.

As with anything, it is always better to learn new things (like your H&S application) withing the industry you already know and eventually, you may find another area you would feel happier in. It's your own preference and you may even find you want to stay where you are progressing with your study by doing the Diploma, which will open up a lot more job prospects in all sorts of sectors.

If you continue your professional development in the H&S sector, take it forward definitely with the Diploma. The NCRQ route is becoming more and more popular mainly because (as everyone taking agrees) it isn't just bland learning and then exam sitting, it is about APPLIED H&S in loads of different workplace situations, which in turn, in my view, lend a hand in making your decision as to which industry you would prefer to specialise in. These courses are recognised by IOSH so you can still gain your CMIOSH/GradIOSH status at the end of the day.

A couple of links to help....... https://www.ncrq.org.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; viewtopic.php?f=1&t=44677&hilit=NCRQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This NCRQ sounds very interesting, is it a broader way of applying your education within H&S in comparison with a diploma/NVQ. I got talking to a H&S guy when I was working on a site earlier in the year, he said it was a good idea to go via the NVQ route? and also said to sign up for IOSH which I am going to do in a month of so.

In laymans terms once I get the NGC qualification and and experience under my belt.... I could then go for the NCRQ / Diploma or NVQ ? or is it something you can start straight away? I like the sound of the NCRQ, I will research it further. Also I have seen many job requirements mention IOSH MANAGING SAFELY certificate, is this a good thing to have or a must?

Thanks Alexis

[Alexis]

This NCRQ sounds very interesting, is it a broader way of applying your education within H&S in comparison with a diploma/NVQ. I got talking to a H&S guy when I was working on a site earlier in the year, he said it was a good idea to go via the NVQ route? and also said to sign up for IOSH which I am going to do in a month of so.

In laymans terms once I get the NGC qualification and and experience under my belt.... I could then go for the NCRQ / Diploma or NVQ ? or is it something you can start straight away? I like the sound of the NCRQ, I will research it further. Also I have seen many job requirements mention IOSH MANAGING SAFELY certificate, is this a good thing to have or a must?

Thanks Alexis [/quote][/color]

The Diploma, regardless of which way you do it, (NVQ, Distance Learning etc) is the next step after the NGC to further your H&S career, providing much much greater knowledge to take you forward.

The NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is like all NVQ's where you learn from application within your own job and then write what and how you learned each requirement within individual module level until completion. Some information in this link, but there are many many providers. http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/wo ... vq-safety/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Diploma can be taken via an NVQ route, by NCRQ way of learning or by the NEBOSH Diploma route. It is the same Diploma just taught in different formats, so it depends upon what way the individual prefers to learn, how much time they have to do their learning, what costs the individual has available and what way they prefer to study.

As for the IOSH Managing Safely, now this is something, like an added course as it were, that you can do anytime if you wish, but this in itself will not add as much to your qualifications to secure a job. The NGC (General Certificate) NCC (Construction Certificate) NFC (Fire Certificate) followed by securing the Diploma qualification is what will gain a good position. Here is a link, but again, many many Providers do this course, for the Managing Safely course.
http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/wo ... ng-safely/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's great that you are trying to understand the whole H&S field and study modes, but your NGC will let you see the way forward depending upon how you manage the study in accordance with your lifestyle and take it forward from there.

If it was me, just for interest, I went down the Distance Learning route for my NGC, but had NCRQ been around then, I would have done it that way and once completed, would have then gone on to do the Diploma with them too. (If that's any help).

[mrmoe]

The Diploma, regardless of which way you do it, (NVQ, Distance Learning etc) is the next step after the NGC to further your H&S career, providing much much greater knowledge to take you forward.

The NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is like all NVQ's where you learn from application within your own job and then write what and how you learned each requirement within individual module level until completion. Some information in this link, but there are many many providers. http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/wo ... vq-safety/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Diploma can be taken via an NVQ route, by NCRQ way of learning or by the NEBOSH Diploma route. It is the same Diploma just taught in different formats, so it depends upon what way the individual prefers to learn, how much time they have to do their learning, what costs the individual has available and what way they prefer to study.

As for the IOSH Managing Safely, now this is something, like an added course as it were, that you can do anytime if you wish, but this in itself will not add as much to your qualifications to secure a job. The NGC (General Certificate) NCC (Construction Certificate) NFC (Fire Certificate) followed by securing the Diploma qualification is what will gain a good position. Here is a link, but again, many many Providers do this course, for the Managing Safely course.
http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/wo ... ng-safely/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's great that you are trying to understand the whole H&S field and study modes, but your NGC will let you see the way forward depending upon how you manage the study in accordance with your lifestyle and take it forward from there.

If it was me, just for interest, I went down the Distance Learning route for my NGC, but had NCRQ been around then, I would have done it that way and once completed, would have then gone on to do the Diploma with them too. (If that's any help).

[/color]


Hi Alexis thanks again for your reply.

With you saying distance learning do you mean, doing it yourself (E-Learning)? I started to work on my own (buy the revision book / use the internet) but found it very hard because I didn't know if I was doing it right if you know what I mean, this is why I have booked the course as I believe the guidance in itself will help massively. I think its just different people adapt to different methods of learning.

I may go down the NCRQ route once I have done a bit of research once I get my NGC, is this as big a notable qualification as a NVQ would be? for example, are employers going to look at the NCRQ diploma as they would the NVQ. I say this only because I have heard of NVQ as I have one myself in another trade, and I haven't heard of the NCRQ until today (hope I don't sound stupid )

Thanks again
Lee

[mrmoe]

Update*

I have just completed the First part of my NGC course which delved into NGC1 and NGC3. 2 weeks of heavy revision then its the next week of NG2 and more NGC3. Then the exam on the 2nd December.

I would recommend studying this way if people were contemplating going for their Nebosh (obviously this isn't the only way).

I have learnt a lot just by studying this week, not only the content but also understanding how Nebosh write the questions and how they want the questions to be answered (command words). I also acquired the knowledge of HOW to revise, as before I started the course I was worried I wasn't revising the correct things.

I feel a lot more content in following on for the certificate now after just week 1 of the course and can't wait for the 2nd week.

[Alexis]

Update*

I have just completed the First part of my NGC course which delved into NGC1 and NGC3. 2 weeks of heavy revision then its the next week of NG2 and more NGC3. Then the exam on the 2nd December.

I would recommend studying this way if people were contemplating going for their Nebosh (obviously this isn't the only way).

I have learnt a lot just by studying this week, not only the content but also understanding how Nebosh write the questions and how they want the questions to be answered (command words). I also acquired the knowledge of HOW to revise, as before I started the course I was worried I wasn't revising the correct things.

I feel a lot more content in following on for the certificate now after just week 1 of the course and can't wait for the 2nd week.

Hi mrmoe. Many thanks for the update. We always like to hear how our members are getting on.

You sound very positive AND have a grasp on what NEBOSH want. Well done and good luck.