Hello and welcome to

Connect

Hello and welcome to another issue of Connect.

Whatever fears and aspirations we may have in the coming weeks and months for a UK coalition government, at least the profession has a potential ally sitting at the new-look Cabinet table.

Vince Cable, the new Business Secretary, held talks with IOSH recently and the feeling after the meeting was that he is keen to support health and safety.

Of course, no-one knows what concessions the coalition will have to make in order to push legislation through, but at least the health and safety profession is being championed in government.

Away from national politics, IOSH has changed a clause in its Constitution relating to voting at Branch general meetings. Regulation 15, clause 33, now reads:

“All members in good standing are allowed to vote at branch general meetings. A members’ resolution shall be passed by a simple majority of the votes passed by those present at the meeting and entitled to vote. The chairman shall have and exercise a second or casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.”

If you have any queries, or need more information about this change, please contact Jane Sparrow on +44 (0)116 257 3161 or Sarah Hamilton on +44 (0)116 257 3115.

In this issue of Connect we introduce the first in a five-part series on fire risk assessments – identifying the hazards.

In our second feature article, we look at how many of our healthcare institutions occupy buildings that are likely to contain asbestos. Connect asks what you can do to protect yourself and others.

We also have a round-up of the latest industry news, including how many employers don’t have a policy in place to deal with potential staff absenteeism during the upcoming World Cup.

If you have any comments or queries about Connect, then please drop me a line.

Thanks for reading.

Shaun Gibbons
e-Editor, IOSH