Lorna's Story
From one office manager to another!
Starting out as an office manager, the whole health and safety thing felt like a maze of overwhelm and worry. I didn't have much experience or clear guidance, and that really knocked my confidence, especially as health and safety seemed more reactive in a job that's mostly proactive.
You know how it goes – problems pop up, and we need answers pronto. But finding simple solutions was like searching for a needle in a haystack. I was spending way too many hours just trying to keep the company compliant.
To add to the stress, being an office manager can be pretty isolating. I couldn't find a website that explained things in plain language, and there was no one I could chat with who was dealing with the same safety challenges. It was a bit like being in a submarine.
And let's talk budget – my company didn't want to splurge on Health & Safety consultants. So, I had to figure things out on my own, which took forever. And all the while, the worry cloud was hanging over me because I knew we weren't fully compliant.
I finally reached a point where I thought, 'Can I even be an office manager?' Doubting myself was tough, but I realised that if I wanted things to change, I had to take action. So, I booked myself on a Health and Safety course, and that decision changed everything. In 2008, I caught the Health and Safety bug (don't worry, it's not contagious). Now, I'm a qualified, experienced, and proud safety professional.
For the last 16 years, my mission has been crystal clear – to help, support, and guide anyone whose main gig isn't Health and Safety, especially those feeling lost on where to start. Over the years I've had various Health and Safety positions, but the work closest to my heart is assisting those who find Health and Safety overwhelming.
I love breaking down the complicated stuff into simple terms—the whys, the whats, and the hows. I get that office managers are swamped, and they don't have time to create policies, procedures, and risk assessments from scratch. That's where I come in, making Health and Safety less of a headache and more of a manageable journey.
Office managers juggle numerous responsibilities, with health and safety being just one element of their multifaceted role. I aim to streamline this dimension, enabling them to succeed in their role.
I’ve got you covered!
Lorna
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