7th April 2010, 12:33 PM
BuntyFlint Wrote:Late addition to the thread (looking as need to get CSCS card too).
I've also been looking at museum jobs and was interested to see that, for applications for the post of visitor services assistant at The Imperial War museum it is desirable you have a SIA card - it's a 'Security Industry Authority' card. Here's the website, complete with Robson Greene lookalike - http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/home.aspx
Just thinking it's interesting the growth of qualifications/cards for jobs these days. Is it a good thing (increased professionalism?) or 'ID cards by the back door'? Or more ways to make money off people/create card issuing jobs for people.....
Although people may find the H&S bureaucracy annoying, I think it's a necessary thing - the CSCS test isnt really to create awareness of dangers and what to do about them (although if it does then that's good) as most of us are aware of that, but rather to create a situation where employees (everyone!) are properly binded to the law requiring then to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others around them, as far as possible.
The card allows us to say "that person knew better - everything was done to ensure that they did" which means essentially that you can't do your job with a half-assed glance at whether you are working safely or not and then just blame someone else when it goes wrong. People are forced to act more responsibly because it's far less likely they will be able to act the victim and get a big cheque - they are masters of their own H&S fate. Of course when you are injured or put in danger due to someone else (co-worker, employer etc) not taking responsibility then you ARE the victim and the regulations will recognise you as such.
All in all, I would say it's a considerably better situation today than 20-30 yrs ago, so annoying though they are, I would say the regulations and cards are worth it.
(not sure about the cost mind you...)
NEVER expect competence.