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News release

19 August 2011 - NR 37/11

Safety experts call to protect shop workers and customers

Health and safety experts are calling for more care to be taken, when refurbishing retail premises, in a drive to protect the shop workers and customers from unnecessary risk.

In light of recent scares, members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) from the construction and retail industry are reminding retailers of the seriousness of exposing their customers to risk.

David Ackerley, chair of IOSH’s Construction Group, said: “When any retail outlet is being refurbished those involved should be aware of the potential risks that making aesthetic and structural changes can have, not only to workers, but anyone in the vicinity.

“In the current economic climate it’s understandable that people are looking to save money where they can. However, when looking to make any sort of saving, they must not put lives at risk. Shop fitting is a serious business and more care and attention needs to be taken when it comes to dealing with hazards like asbestos and respirable crystaline silica (RCS) dusts.”

Health and safety professionals and business owners from both the retail and construction industry will gather in Daventry, Northamptonshire, on 22 September to discuss the issues surrounding retail refurbishment.

Steve Clark, chair of IOSH’s Retail and Distribution Group, said: “I have worked in the retail and distribution field for 18 years and completely understand the issues both construction contractors and retailers face when embarking on a refurb’ project.

“From a retail perspective, the whole process needs to be managed stringently. There is no room for mistakes, especially when the general public and staff are still going about their day to day business at the same time.”

The event, run jointly by IOSH’s two biggest industry groups, looks at shop revamping, assessing the pros and cons of different methods. Talks from the National Association of Shop Fitters, Capita Symonds, ADSA, Cathedral Interiors and Sainsbury’s Group will give those from the industry the opportunity to share best practice advice and ideas.

This event is particularly timely as it follows a national retailer being found guilty at Crown Court for failing to protect staff, workers and customers from the possibility of being exposed to asbestos during a major refurbishment of one of their stores.

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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.