Tough times call for tough debate
22 March 2010
It’s time to make the case for health and
safety, as the tough economic climate puts pressure on the
profession to prove its worth. That’s the message Institution of
Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) chief executive Rob Strange
will deliver when he addresses the IOSH 10 conference in Glasgow on
25 march.
Rob will be urging health and safety professionals to challenge
preconceptions, drive forward meaningful debate and think hard
about how they can build a strong case for the industry as it
squares up to tough economic conditions and some negative
press.
IOSH 10 takes place at Glasgow’s Scottish Exhibition and
Conference Centre on 24 and 25 March. The conference will provide a
forum for debate, encouraging attendees to find new ways to
convince employers of the value of health and safety, combat
hostile press attention, and drive forward debates on the political
agenda.
“IOSH 10 is about making the case for health
and safety, and I’ll be discussing the key role that IOSH, the
world’s largest single community of health and safety
professionals, can play in that,” said Rob.
“It’s no secret that these are challenging
times for our industry. As we emerge from the recession, it’s more
important than ever to show employers the true value that competent
health and safety professionals can bring to their business. Our
profession is facing media hostility, tightening budgets and, with
a UK general election coming soon, a changing political
environment. But those challenges have also brought us
opportunities to drive the debate forward, and really make the case
for good health and safety.
“The professionalism and commitment of IOSH
members is well known, and we all hold some answers to the
challenges we face. By demonstrating the value of employing
competent health and safety professionals, sharing a positive and
constructive image of our profession, and driving forward the
important debates, we can build an unbeatable business case for
health and safety.”
Visitors to the conference will be able to hear Rob’s views on
the role of IOSH in making the case at 10.15am on Thursday 25
March.