News release
07 February 2010 - NR 07/10
Record breaking month for Leicestershire-based H&S
headquarters
The world’s leading body for health and
safety professionals, based in Leicestershire, has seen 573 members
join its ranks this January - a record-breaker for the
organisation.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), in
Wigston, now has a membership of 38,743. It sees this as testament
to the importance of workplace health and safety, especially in an
age of austerity as budgets are slashed and people’s workloads
increase, placing extra pressure on employers and employees.
With 4,153 joining over the last 12 months, IOSH Chief Executive
Rob Strange OBE also believes this shows people see that where
common sense health and safety exists, not only does it saves
lives, but it also makes good business sense.
Rob Strange said: “This is a groundbreaking
month for IOSH, made even more significant by the fact we are still
in a time of economic uncertainty with budgets being slashed.
“We have worked closely with the Government
on the ongoing review of UK health and safety, because we want the
protection given to workers to be proportionate. We’re also trying
to right the wrongs of recent years, where health and safety has
been used as an excuse to avoid doing things.
“So, with an ever-growing membership of
health and safety professionals, this can only be a positive thing
for people’s working lives in the future.”
By the end of 2011 IOSH hopes to have over 42,000 members. Its
most prolific month before this January was in November 2009 when
480 new members joined the ranks.
- Ends -
Notes for editors:
IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals.
With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s
biggest professional health and safety organisation.
We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members
with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of
the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of
working people.
IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with
international NGO status.
Media enquiries
For more information please contact:
- Tim Walsh, Media
Manager, +44 (0)116 257 3252 or +44 (0)797 660 4715
- Amy Chappell,
Media Officer, +44 (0)116 257 3141 or +44 (0)798 000 4494
- Ruth Davies, Media
Officer, +44 (0)116 257 3139 or +44 (0)798 000 4474.