Education and innovation

A recent report from the manufacturers' organisation EEF – 'Route to Growth: making health and safety work for business' – raised concerns about the increasing costs of complying with regulations and the impact this is having on standards across the board. With the continuing pressures on reducing costs while maintaining the highest standards of safety and health within manufacturing businesses, it is more vital than ever for managers to be fully up to speed on legislative changes and to take part in knowledge sharing with others in the industry. Safety & Health Expo returns to Birmingham's NEC from 14–16 May and will once again provide the latest information on products and legislation, along with valuable health and safety case studies, seminars from leading voices in the industry, and access to top associations and CPD opportunities. This year, to ensure the show continues to deliver relevant and forward-thinking content, the event organisers recently hosted a series of focus groups to find out exactly how the role of today's health and safety professional is evolving.  Using the focus group findings and industry insight to shape the event, Safety and Health Expo 2013 promises not only to provide a comprehensive industry update for those working in the sector, but also to offer practical solutions for enhancing safety and health culture and employee health and wellbeing. As Europe's leading annual exhibition in this area, this is the only UK health and safety show to have the support of all three leading health and safety associations: the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF). More than 250 exhibitors are expected this year, demonstrating everything from fire safety management to environmental control, PPE and lone working kit. New exhibitors to the show this year include HB Protective Clothing, Rocky Brands and Superior Glove Works, alongside returning suppliers, such as Draeger Safety, Portwest Clothing, Scott Safety and ATG Gloves. Cirrus Research is demonstrating its new Noise Doctor offering, for example. This three-step service from the noise instrument specialist incorporates advice, product and support, taking into account the standards and regulations affecting the user's particular industry. Safety & Health Expo also provides unrivalled opportunities to discover the latest products and services for the industry, while offering visitors the chance to take part in informative and interactive educational sessions – making this an essential date in the calendar for safety and health professionals. The educational sessions have been revamped and increased in number this year. Highlights include: Access Industry Forum's (AIF) Knowledge Base - Working at Height Returning for a ninth year, this ever-popular forum will bring together the principal trade associations and federations involved in working at height in a programme that covers all the hot topics affecting this sector. Focused on the critical area of working at height, the knowledge base will feature panel discussions, live debates and demonstrations centred on advancing safety, best practice and competency when working at height. Key sessions in this forum will include: a review of the HSE/Loftstedt findings, outcomes and actions; a panel discussion around a new industry-wide reporting procedure for reporting falls, in which AIF, IOSH, RoSPA, IIRSM and BSC will all take part; and a first-hand account from a victim of a fall from height. The Arco Academy Attendees will be encouraged to take part in live demonstrations and discussions that will centre on education through innovation, and the growing role behavioural safety is playing in transforming safety cultures across the globe. The organisers say this interactive theatre will host "vibrant, forward-thinking presentations" from key organisations from across the occupational health and safety industry. SHP Legal Arena Returning for a fifth year, one of the most popular and well-attended seminar theatres of the show, the SHP Legal Arena 2013 will bring together a highly respected team of legal experts, including Kevin Bridges from Pinsent Masons, Jon Cooper from Bond Pearce, Peter Forshaw of Weightmans and Ron Reid from Shoosmiths, along with many other leading solicitors, presenting revealing health and safety cases and topics, and offering advice on how to avoid costly workplace incidents and prosecutions. New for this year, the Legal Arena will also host a series of special 'Fee for Intervention' sessions, led by HSE inspectors, explaining how the scheme operates and the safety issues that are most likely to attract FFI activity. New – Business Driver Safety Zone Brought to you by Fleet 21 and Honda UK, the Business Driver Safety Zone will showcase best practice in all areas of business driver safety, using interactive presentations and discussions that address knowledge gaps identified by health and safety managers. With much misunderstanding surrounding certain areas of business driver safety and compliance, this new feature promises to be an informative and valuable addition to the show, exploring key areas of health and safety legislation, different types of training available and their effectiveness in combating road risk. Simon Turner, commercial director at Fleet21, says: "We are looking forward to making our mark on the Safety and Health Expo in 2013. Our new management team, which is highly experienced in the area of business driver safety and compliance, wanted to create an event that would match our unique approach we have to this important area of occupational health and safety." New – Health and Wellbeing Theatre The Health and Wellbeing Theatre will address issues around boosting productivity within the workplace through a variety of initiatives, including stress management, ergonomics, behavioural safety, equality and diversity. The sessions will cover employer obligations, how to promote health and wellbeing throughout the workplace, and the impact this has on the bottom line. IOSH Networks Arena Open to both members and non-members of IOSH, the networks arena will focus on several industry sectors with guest speakers offering valuable insight and case studies in their areas of expertise. Barbour Director's Club Running as part of the Safety & Health Expo Platinum Club, the Barbour Director's Club is open by invitation only to directors and senior managers. The Barbour Director's Club offers an opportunity to network with top tier management working in health and safety, while also providing commercially-driven debates on the key issues faced by leaders across the globe. Safety & Health Expo 2013 is undoubtedly a flagship event for the safety and health industry. The event is co-located with: IFSEC, the annual security event; the event dedicated to facilities management, The Facilities Show; and FIREX International, for professionals involved in fire prevention and protection. To find out more information about Safety and Health Expo 2013, visit the website at www.safety-health-expo.co.uk Your at a-glance guide What: Safety & Health Expo When: 14–16 May (opening times 10:00 to 17:00, closing 16:00 final day) Where: Hall 1, NEC, Birmingham How: Register online at www.safety-health-expo.co.uk