Mr Gary Hodge
CMIOSH GIFireE
Overview
I have 16 years’ experience as a Health & Safety Consultant providing help, expertise and support to a wide range of businesses in the South Devon area. During this time one of my clients offered me a part time role as the Health & Safety Manager of their manufacturing site, which I carried out alongside my consultancy business for 6 years.
The impact of Covid-19 on employers and business owners in terms of their health and safety requirements was such that I am now operating Assist Health & Safety Services on a full-time basis in order to help and support more businesses in the region with their growing needs.
I have worked with multiple companies ranging from manufacturing sites to warehouses, from offices to companies in the service industry and from golf clubs to sports clubs to name a few, so I am confident I can provide you with the expertise you require for your business, whatever it may be.
The services I offer range from the development and implementation of a full health and safety system / manual, to being held on a retained service facilitating the position of your 'Competent Person' and guiding you through the raft of legislation that will be applicable to your business or just overseeing your system with an annual H&S Audit to help with accreditation purposes.
My approach is very much to support you as a business. To have clarity in everything we agree to do. To only complete what was agreed to be done, within a timeframe that suits both parties. To take you through each stage of your compliance rather than 'bombard' you with action plans for you to try to understand and implement yourself. To work with you to break down the often percieved negativity and 'Red Tape' of health and safety and to develop a safety culture that your employees are fully involved in for the good of all. "If your employees are safe then your business is also protected". Win Win.
I am experienced at working with all levels in a business, from Managing Directors, middle management to employees on the shop floor.
Specialisms
| Industry | Years Experience |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 7 |
| Entertainment and leisure | 14 |
| Glass and glazing | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Warehousing | 14 |
| Topic | Years Experience |
|---|---|
| Ergonomics | 7 |
| Fire and explosion | 14 |
| First aid at work | 16 |
| Managing for health and safety | 7 |
| Musculoskeletal disorders | 7 |
| Offices | 16 |
| Slips and trips | 7 |
| Transport (workplace) | 7 |
Work History
| Role | From - To | Job Title / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Health & Safety Consultant | 11.2003 - 04.2024 | Provide tailored advice to business customers in respect of legislative compliance. Carry out specialised risk assessments including; Fire, DSE Workstation assessments, COSHH, Manual Handling (including MAC & ART Tool), Working at Height to name a few. Develop & Implement Health & Safety Policies, Systems & Manuals to a clients needs. To assess compliance through audits to help clients to identify gaps within their systems or against statutory legislation. To work with clients on site to promote health and safety at shop floor level to change the culture for the good of all. To carry out training including; First Aid, Health & Safety, Manual Handling COSHH, Working at Height to name a few. |
| Health & Safety Manager | 10.2013 - 08.2020 | Work with the senior management leadership team to manage the health and safety business risks and work to achieve the key business objectives. Work on a day to day basis with middle management to ensure the effective implementation of safety standards across the site to reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to company property. Designed, implemented and was responsible for managing a health and safety system , which was initially HSG65 and then working towards 45001. To carry out workplace risk assessments including; work equipment, COSHH, DSE, Manual Handling and general area & task assessments. Advise the manufacturing operators on safe working procedures. Identify, develop and provide relevant health and safety related training and support across all functions. Advise the business on all aspects of health and safety law and best practice. Effectively developed and chaired a H&S Committee with representatives of employee safety. Implemented and managed regular site-wide safety inspections, audits and the management of follow up actions. Managed contractors in line with contractor management procedures. Proactively promoted a number of wellfare campaigns, promotions and competitions to improve employee involvement and health. Liaised with external authorities e.g. HSE, Local Authority & company insurers as necessary. Worked with HR and company insurers to defend a number of litigation claims. |
| Health & Safety Consultant | 11.2003 - 10.2013 | As above |
Membership of Professional Bodies
| Professional Body | Membership | Member since | OSHCR Eligible Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| IOSH | Chartered Member (CMIOSH) | 08.2020 |
Qualifications
| Accrediting Institute | Type | Qualification | Date passed |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEBOSH | Diploma | National Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health | 03.2003 |
| IFE | Certificate | NEBOSH Fire Safety & Risk Practical Application | 05.2011 |
| IFE | Certificate | NEBOSH Fire Safety & Risk Management | 05.2011 |
| NEBOSH | Certificate | General Certificate | 11.2001 |
| City & Guilds | Certificate | Level 4 Certificate in Further Education Teaching | 02.2004 |