We’re a small company who specialise in taking the confusion out of Health and Safety by adopting a common-sense, balanced approach to the daily dilemmas of running a business, event or organisation. We have a wide range of experience and have worked with everything from small firms, schools and charities to major events, exhibitions and product launches as well as working on film sets, gas field launches and royal visits both in the UK and internationally – and we’re here to help you!
Eddie O’Donnell
Having trained and served as a RAF Health and Safety Officer I left the services in 1994 and completed a NEBOSH course that year. I went on to complete the British Safety Council Diploma in Safety Management and am a member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management and hold technician grade with IOSH. On leaving the services I worked as a H&S officer in two manufacturing companies before moving to Stage One Creative Services ( a company specialising in stage/film set building and specialised entertainment events sets) as H&S co-ordinator and Quality Assurance Officer. This included a period working as H&S advisor for a section of the Millennium Dome during 1999-2000. In 2002 I became a freelance H&S advisor, founding Spot On Health & Safety. In this capacity I advise small firms and charities and work on site as a H&S advisor on large exhibitions and entertainment events such as a number of British International Motor Shows, Ideal Home exhibition, Grand Designs Live and Nottingham Lawn Tennis Association Championship. I additionally work on individual product launches and corporate events such as BP AGM, L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards and trade fairs such as the International Spring Fair in Birmingham. I have worked in major arenas and exhibition sites across the country and worked on various product launches overseas as well as on film sets and outdoor TV events. I’ve also worked on events requiring additional security clearance eg with Saudi Royal Family and at HM Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday Party and Military Tattoo and was involved in the build up to 2012 London Olympics. This means I have extensive experience of H&S in a range of unusual situations as well as the more usual workplace requirements!
Gill O’Donnell
I never intended being a H&S advisor! I worked in primary, secondary and middle schools as a teacher and head of department as well as working in adult education while accompanying Eddie on his various postings with HM Forces. When he set up Spot On Health and Safety I started helping out with the paperwork and decided I may as well get qualified – completing my NEBOSH certificate in 2003. Since then I’ve worked as a Health and Safety advisor on large exhibitions and entertainment events at key venues across the country, including British International Motor Shows (where I provided solo safety cover during the night shift of the build and get out at Excel) , Horse of the Year Show, Crufts and International Spring Fair. I’ve also worked on corporate events for companies such as BP, Barclays and Goldman Sachs and provided safety cover during a royal visit. In 2008 I completed her NEBOSH Fire Safety Management Certificate. I still “do the paperwork”, providing office support for the company and writing of policy documents for small firms and charities as well as one off risk assessments for special events for firms. Drawing on my knowledge of education I write a Health and Safety column for headteachers/bursars in School Financial Management magazine for Optimus Education and we act as consultants on H&S matters for their “Consult the experts” website providing support to schools. I am the author of “Practical Health and Safety in Secondary Schools” and have also written an e-book providing guidance on H&S aspects of school trips and also provide consultancy and training support to schools.
Click for details of our work at Optimus Education
Click for details of practical health and safety in secondary schools resource book
Click for details of getting grips planning safe enjoyable school visits