Role, function and responsibilities of the safety practitioner in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This study reports an investigation into the role, function and responsibilities of the U.K. safety practitioner, from the perspective of the role incumbent. Its objective is to increase understanding of safety practitioner role, thereby assisting in the professionalization of the occupation. The thesis is divided into two volumes. Volume I presents an analysis and review of the occupation of safety practitioner at national and local levels, although the two levels are interactive and separation is difficult. The first part of the main text offers an analysis of safety practitioner role, using quantitative research methodology: it proved impossible to establish the role of the safety practitioner. The research methodology was revised in order to generate qualitative data. It was then found possible to identify key common core components of SP role: as an adviser, a provider and processor of information, acting as a change agent, a problem solver and as a gatekeeper to various health and safety specialists. Variations in safety practitioner role, content and performance were found to be due largely as a consequence of the control exercised by employers and managers over the activities of safety practitioners and occupational health and safety in the undertaking. Volume II includes survey data and three appendices particularly important as strategies for the future professionalization of the occupation.