Workplace safety matters

Good health and safety matters to manufacturers and it's a fast-changing subject in terms of government policy, official guidance, new products and services. Next month's Health & Safety South event aims to help by combining an exhibition of products and services with a hard-hitting seminar programme covering up-to-the minute topics on workplace safety. The event takes place at Sandown Park racecourse on 28-29 February and features a two-day seminar programme – this year organised by the British Safety Council – which is always a key attraction for visitors. Announced as part of the government's plans to reform Britain's health and safety system, the 2011 Löfstedt Review was described as the first step in reducing bureaucracy and bringing common sense back to UK health and safety legislation. Opening the seminar programme on day one will be Dr Paul Almond, a senior lecturer in law at the University of Reading, who will discuss current directions in government policy including how that is set to change following the publication of the Löfstedt Review. Dr Almond researches issues of criminal law, health and safety law, regulations and enforcement, and his PhD looked at HSE enforcement policy in relation to work-related fatalities. Also on day one, Shaun Knott of Casella Measurement will give practical advice on COSHH compliance; Malcolm Tullett of Risk and Safety Plus will discuss fire safety and the implications for building owners; and Howard Dawes of the British Safety Council will lead a session on the duties and strategies of environment and sustainability management, looking at the key requirements for duty holders. On day two, and of particular interest to manufacturers, will be Jane Saunders, occupational health manager at defence equipment manufacturer Selex Galileo. Her presentation will use the Selex Galileo delivery model to show how full workforce buy-in can be achieved, from top to bottom, plus how to create and maintain employee engagement and interest – proving the business benefits of occupational health initiatives. Also on day two, a presentation from Sarah Page, former HSE inspector and now researcher for union Prospect, will discuss the positive role that health and safety representatives can play within businesses. Mark Tyler, solicitor and chartered safety and health practitioner who has given evidence at many high profile cases and enquiries, is also confirmed to speak on 29 February. Tyler will discuss the legal scene in 2012, highlighting how health and safety law and policy is set for its greatest changes in two decades. He will explain the implications of the law reform issues coming out of the Löfstedt Review and look at the future of enforcement and penalties. He will also seek to explain the increasing liability risks that safety managers face if they do not meet required standards. The full seminar programme can be viewed at www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk/seminars.asp and registration is recommended to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited. The accompanying exhibition includes some of the key names in health and safety products and services, from major equipment suppliers such as Toyota Material Handling UK and dust and fume extraction specialist Nederman, to leading industry bodies such as IOSH. A key subject for manufacturers is personal protection equipment (PPE) and this area is well represented by an array of suppliers including 3M, Arco, Specsavers, Ansell, Bollé and DuPont. There have been reports recently of counterfeit PPE equipment with falsified CE certificates – the suppliers at the event represent best practice in the industry and can give advice on how to spot this, as well as discussing specialist applications. Health and Safety South is free to enter, but visitors can register in advance to save time and to ensure a place at popular seminar sessions. To register visit www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or call the event hotline on 0870 4866816. your at-a-glance guide What? Health & Safety South When? 28-29 February 2012 Where? Sandown Park racecourse, Surrey How? Register online at www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or call 0870 486 6816