Safety Institute of Australia – SIA

The SIA describes itself as: “Australia’s leading body for health and safety professionals with over 3,800 members”

Their vision is “OHS professional excellence to facilitate a safe and healthy workplace for all Australians”.

Some of the benefits of membership of the Institute are listed on their website as: regular updates on legislative changes, access to safety related newsletters and magazines, professional development, networking, professional recognition and, discounts on seminars.

I’ve never felt disadvantaged by not being a member of the SIA but what have I been missing out on?. No client has ever asked if I was a member and I’ve never seen it as a prerequisite in a job ad.

I’ve read their magazines and been to their conferences – very impressive stuff but is a lot of this information is readily available from so many sources these days?

Lots of letters after your name on your business card? – I don’t think that is as impressive any more as it used to be and is sure to get a smart arse comment or two from anyone not wearing a tie! Do only fellow members know what they mean anyway?

I’ve thought about joining many times but for some reason just couldn’t justify the $175/annum.

I really want to keep an open mind on the subject and I would love to hear from members or past members of the SIA about the benefits of being part of the SIA. Is it just a Club for consultants and academics? Are they strong advocates for change and improvements that will quickly cascade down to the coal face? Will I benefit personally and professionally by being a member? I don’t know but I really want to hear from people who do!

Tagged as: Safety Management