new boss has asked (told) me to be the health and safety officer-help!

squashy

I have been, and still am, a H&S officer for my place of work, however it is more a string to my bow rather than a full time job. Basically I keep a log of fire alarm tests, monitor evacuation procedures, make sure there are adequate first aiders (I am also trained as one), hold the accident book, complete basic risk assessments..however both of these were written into the jobs before I applied for them so I suspect the salary reflects this responsibility. Do you have an appraisal due or anything like that? I would definately think you have a case to ask for a little more money. Are there other staff members at different branches or departments that your job is comparable with? Or you could look in newspaper advertsements to see what would compare. If you like, PM me and I will tell you my salary

ohreally

squashy wrote: »

I complete basic risk assessments..

To be compliant, risk assessments must be suitable and sufficient...not basic.Risk assessments should also be carried out by a competent person.

Jarvisma

Was that meant to come across as argumentitive as it did?

I'm sure steps have been taken to ensure Squashy's competance to carry out the role is sufficient or it certainly isn't for us to question that it has in any case.

You can carry out basic risk assesments that are both suitable and sufficient for the situation and advise more detailed assesments for any special cases if necessary, such as pregnant women, manual or specialised posts, situations involving the public or the vulnerable etc etc.