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News release

17 March 2011 - NR 12/11

Leicestershire-based shows bright future for global health and safety

Over a thousand delegates from around the world visited a Leicestershire-based organisation’s flagship event this week, to examine how workplace health and safety can save even more lives in the current political, legal, and economic climate.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – the world’s largest body for professionals in the field, which has its head office in Wigston – held its IOSH 2011 conference and exhibition at London’s ExCel on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 March. During the two days, 1,229 visitors walked through the exhibition doors, with 774 attending the main conference.

Chaired by BBC Today programme broadcaster, Justin Webb, the event brought together thought leaders in health and safety to discuss key issues in the profession. Amongst those, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) chair Judith Hackitt CBE gave the keynote address, assessing the impact of the Government-commissioned review of health and safety – ‘Common Sense, Common Safety’. Meanwhile, heads from the Olympic Delivery Authority discussed how the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games could leave a lasting health and safety legacy.

IOSH Chief Executive Rob Strange OBE said: “The scale of this event is, I think, a perfect illustration of how vital good, practical, proportionate health and safety is - not just in our local area, but in workplaces around the world.

“Throughout IOSH 2011 I’ve had members, non-members and speakers tell me how encouraged they are that the event has got to the heart of the profession, discussing the issues that really matter to them - workplace wellbeing and the doctor’s sick note, the Corporate Manslaughter Act and its ramifications, and how the public sector maintains health and safety amongst the cutbacks.”

International delegates from countries including the Middle East, America, Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Africa and the European Union, descended upon London, visiting the London 2012 Olympics site on Monday (14 March). President of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Darryl C. Hill, and Peter Sturm, President of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, both chaired sessions and addressed conference visitors.

IOSH President Steve Granger and Ron Durdle, Vice Chair of the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals also signed a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.

In discussing the links forged during the conference, Mr Granger said: “In meeting other safety organisations around the world, there’s always a constant, positive reminder that we are all striving towards the same aim of making our workplaces healthier and safer places.

“When I started out in this Presidential role, one of my main aims was to develop lasting relationships to enable our members, and members of other organisations, to share best practice to drive up standards. The events of the past couple of days will only help that cause.”

- 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.