Safety matters

With an in-depth conference run by the British Safety Council (BSC), plus a line-up of leading suppliers of safety-related products and services, next month's Heath and Safety North event promises to be a useful fixture in any manager's calendar. It takes place on 10 and 11 October at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton. The first day of the main conference will be chaired by Joscelyne Shaw, the BSC's head of policy and influencing; the second by Neal Stone, director of policy and communications. On day one, sessions will cover subjects including leadership and occupational health, and how to deliver high-impact health and safety campaigns. One of the most popular conference slots is likely to be the keynote session on day two. A presentation entitled, 'The Greatest Show on Earth – Preparing for London 2012', will be delivered by Lawrence Waterman, head of health and safety at the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). During his presentation, Waterman will be touching on a number of themes that have brought the ODA great success, including worker engagement and the successful way in which this was used during the construction of the Olympic venues. "By just taking a few minutes before the start of every shift or project to talk to the workforce about the job they are undertaking, the equipment they will use, the hazards that are present and, vitally, listening to them as they feedback on related issues, this has had an enormous effect," says Waterman. "This is the kind of information that we can now share with people and that's relevant to all workplaces." A key reason why he wants to present at the event is the issue of Olympic legacy: "That legacy doesn't necessarily need to be bricks and mortar. When Seb Coe was over in Singapore seven years ago bidding for the Olympics, part of his message was that the legacy of the games was that they would be used to inspire people. And part of that is through the health and safety success we have had, we can inspire people... they can learn from our mistakes and successes." Discussions on the legal landscape are a regular, and hugely popular, element of the conference programme. On day one, Kevin Bridges who specialises in health and safety for law firm Pinsent Masons, will look back at landmark judgments from the past year. He'll look at the most significant court cases in the last 12 months and will reveal his thoughts on how they might impact businesses in future, plus what they mean for health and safety professionals when implementing risk management strategies. Other presenters at the main conference include IOSH president Subash Ludhra, who will give the keynote on day one, and Richard Evens, training director for St John Ambulance. In parallel with the conference, there will be seminar sessions by event partners including 3M, Ansell Healthcare and Dupont on a range of subjects such as PPE, safety training and a safe business culture. All in all, a worthwhile free educational programme – register for sessions in advance at www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk . The accompanying exhibition plays host to some of the leading providers in the health and safety industry. Dupont will be displaying a range of products, including a new PPE offering, the Tyvek Classic Xpert coverall, design to give superior protection. Arco will also be exhibiting many products, including workwear and PPE, and new additions to its Arco Essentials range. NBC Bird & Pest Solutions who will be showcasing two of its innovative bird control methods: falconry and fake fire gel. Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with Hazel – a live Harris hawk – and qualified bird control specialists will be on hand to explain the company's full range of services. Health and Safety North is free to enter and has free parking. Organisers urge visitors to register in advance – a must for popular conference sessions – at www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or call the event hotline on 0870 4866816. your at a-glance What? Health and Safety North Where? Reebok Stadium, Bolton When? 10-11 October How? www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or call 0870 486 6816