Forum FAQs
We refresh this page regularly - if your question isn't
answered here please contact the Web team.
Are the forums free to use?
Yes. Our public forums are a free service,
open to everyone. IOSH members have exclusive access to the IOSH
members’ forum. Find out how to become a
member.
How do I log into the forums?
You can log into the forums two ways. 1. Log into the main IOSH website using your email address and
password. Then click on the discussion forums
link. 2. Click on the discussion forums and
log in using your screen name and password.
How do I start a topic?
Starting a topic is easy. Go to a forum (eg OSH discussion) – at
the top of the page you’ll see a new topic button.
Simply click on this to start your topic.
How do I reply to a topic?
Replying to a topic is easy. When you’re in a topic you’ll see a
post reply button at the top of the page. Simply
click on this to reply.
Can I change my screen name?
Yes. Please email the Web team and let them know
what you want to change it to (try to think of something that isn't
already in use).
How do I access committee forums?
If you are a member of a Branch or Group
committee your committee forum will be visible in the Networks
forums. If you don't see your Committee forum please email
the Web team.
What if I forget my password?
Click on the Forgotten
password? link, type in your email address and click
Forgotten password. You'll then be asked to pick
the security question and answer that you chose when you registered
from a drop down list. You'll only be able to change your
password if you choose the correct question and answer - the answer
is case-sensitive.
What do I do if I'm registered but have forgotten my email
address or no longer have access to it?
Email our Member services team.
How do I search for a specific topic?
Click on the Search tab at
the top of the page. You can search all the forums by topic,
username or keyword.
Do the forums have a 'quote' facility?
Yes. Simply click on the
Quote button when you're in a topic.
Will other forum users see my email address?
No. Your email address isn't visible to other users. To contact
another user outside of the forums, you'll need to send them a
private message.
What's private messaging?
Private messaging (PM) lets you send messages
to other users, all within the security of the IOSH forums. It's
safer than sending an email as you're not revealing your email
address to anyone. You'll have your own PM inbox within the IOSH
forums, and you'll be alerted by email when you receive a new
message (you can unsubscribe from this on your profile page).
Can I upload an avatar?
Yes, just click on the Avatar tag at the top of your forum
profile page and follow the instructions.
Will forum users still be anonymous, or will I
be able to tell who posters are?
Yes. Forum users will be anonymous. However,
you'll be able to distinguish IOSH members from non-members. An
IOSH member is indicated as being an IOSH
member and a Registered user. A
non-member is indicated as being a Registered
user only. You'll also be able to see other users'
profiles.
What's a profile page?
A page dedicated to you! Here you have the option to add extra
details about yourself, such as your real name, occupation or
location. Your profile page also shows your last 10 postings.
Can I add attachments to forum posts?
No. You won't be able to attach documents
to your posts. However, if you're a Branch or Group
member, you'll be able to share documents in your
own part of the website.
Can I have more than one screen name for forums?
No. Our forum rules don't allow you to have
more than one login.
Are there any exceptions to the 'one login' rule?
Yes. Moderators are allowed to have more than
one login.
Will there be a spellchecker on the new forums, and can I edit
my post after I've submitted it?
There is a spellchecker on the forum but once
you've submitted your post you won't be able to go back to edit
it.
Can I put links into my forum
postings?
Yes, as long as they're industry-related
and not promoting any commercial activity.
Can I follow forums and/or topics?
You can subscribe to forums and topics - these
will appear on your MyIOSH homepage, where you can keep an eye on
the latest additions.
What's a rank?
All forum users start off with a New forum user
rank. Once you've posted more than 10 messages, your rank changes
to Forum user. If you post more than 300 messages,
your rank changes to Super forum user.
Can I watch forums and topics?
You can watch topics and forums - these will then appear on your
MyIOSH page, which saves you time searching through the forums.
- Watch a topic - when you're in a topic click on
options, which appears at the top of the page,
then click watch this topic.
- Watch a forum - when you're in a forum (eg OSH discussion
forum) scroll to the bottom of the page and click the watch
forum link.