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21 October 2010 - NR 47/10

Lifetime achievement award for veteran health and safety campaigner

A man who has dedicated his life to keeping people safe has received a lifetime achievement award for his outstanding contribution to the occupational health and safety sector.

Roger Bibbings, from Colwall near Malvern, Worcs, was commended by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) at last night’s SHP IOSH Awards 2010, in London, after dedicating 38 years of his life to the profession.

Roger began his career in health and safety in 1972, working as a research assistant for the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers.

Since April 1994, Roger has worked in Birmingham at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as Occupational Safety Adviser, advising the organisation on all matters associated with work-related risk.

Within his health and safety career, which began in the trade union movement, Roger has striven passionately for improvements to the working lives of thousands.

Roger Bibbings, a Chartered Fellow of IOSH, said: “I am highly flattered to be named this year’s winner. During my career I have received much help and encouragement and have been given many opportunities.

“Safety is all about people working together –so when individuals are singled out for recognition and thanks, it is crucial to understand their contribution as part of a much bigger team.

“As we move into a new political era, progress achieved over the last three decades in health and safety cannot be taken for granted, and we remain vulnerable to both external sceptics and zealots alike.

“However, IOSH, amongst other organisations, are the key bulwarks in the defence of the carefully crafted and balanced system we have built for protecting workers and others at risk. I would like to say I am proud to still be a brick in that fortification.”

President of IOSH John Holden said: “There is no doubt that Roger Bibbings has made a significant difference to the safety of the working lives of people across the UK.

“His hands-on approach over the last 25 years has earned him the utmost respect from his peers and his passion and enthusiasm for his industry have made such a huge impact on UK health and safety that it must be recognised.”

- Ends -

Notes for editors:

Roger Bibbings Biography

Roger Bibbings has been a steadfast advocate of health and safety for 38 years and has made a significant contribution to the industry, exemplified by his roles where he has striven for improvements to the working lives of thousands.

In 1990 he received an MBE for services to occupational safety and health and Roger is now a Chartered Fellow of IOSH, having received the IOSH President’s Distinguished Service Certificate in 2006.

For 17 years, Roger was a voice for Trades Union Congress (TUC) members, developing health and safety guidance to reduce danger in the workplace. Through supporting safety representatives and in representing the TUC on numerous health and safety policy issues with the then Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive, he spearheaded and championed better practice for employers and employees.

During that time, Roger served on subject and Industry Advisory Committees, covering issues from toxic substances, to the construction and rubber industries, railways, the NHS, offshore safety and education – he was also a member of the European Commission’s (DGV) ‘Luxembourg’ Committee.

In the wake of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, he worked for two years on nuclear safety and radiological protection, visiting the site of the explosion at Pripyat, as well as other European facilities to help inform policy.

Since April 1994, Roger has been RoSPA’s Occupational Safety Adviser and now works within its Communications Division to advise the organisation on all matters associated with work-related risk, as well as to build on its invaluable contribution to the British health and safety system.

He works with the Society to prepare policy submissions and is heavily involved with its lively programme of events and awards programmes, taking on much press and media work in the process. As secretary of RoSPA’s National Occupational Safety and Health Committee, Roger also has oversight of a number of ‘Key Issue’ policy development projects for the organisation. He is also Secretary of Safety Groups UK.

The IOSH lifetime achievement award

The IOSH/Sypol Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals who have furthered the status and practice of occupational health and safety, leading to substantial improvements to the lives of working people. The award has previously been won by Lord Walker of Doncaster, Professor Sir Julian Peto, George Brumwell, Nancy Tait MBE, Michael Clapham MP and last year, Judith Donovan CBE.

List of other award winners

Achiever of the Year
Sponsored by OSH Expo Africa
Winner: Dave Joyce, Communication Workers Union

Best Health and Safety Achievement in a Local Authority and Education
Sponsored by Energy Solutions
Winner: Leeds Metropolitan University - Wellbeing Excellence Programme

Best Health and Safety Achievement in a Utility and Offshore
Sponsored by The Health & Safety People
Winner: Northern Gas Networks - It's Your Call

Best Health and Safety Achievement in Construction
Sponsored by Sperian Protection
Winner: Turner Access - Removing risks associated with traditional aluminium tower assembly

Best Health and Safety Achievement in Health Care and Emergency Services
Sponsored by Safety and Health Expo
Winner: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Awareness of Hospital Specific Issues for Construction Workers

Best Health and Safety Achievement in Manufacturing
Sponsored by ARCO
Winner: Jaguar Land Rover - Managing Restricted Workers

Best Health and Safety Achievement in Retail and Leisure
Sponsored by Leisure Industry Week
Winner: the Co-operative – Project 'Store Check'

Best Health and Safety Achievement in Transport and Logistics
Sponsored by The Facilities Show
Winner: Northern Rail - Schools Charter

Campaign of the Year
Sponsored by RRC Training
Winner: Magnox North, Oldbury Site - Driver Safety Awareness Campaign

Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by IOSH Conference and Exhibition
Winner: DHL Supply Chain and Don-Bur: Safe Suzie

New Entrant of the Year
Sponsored by Hays Health & Safety
Winner: Danny Plumb, British Gas

Partnership Initiative of the Year
Sponsored by T&CD Live
Winner: Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, Health and Safety Executive, Scottish Chamber of Safety & ROSPA : Health Risks at Work initiative in Scotland

Training Initiative of the Year
Sponsored by NEBOSH
Winner: BBC - The Journalism Safety Guide

About IOSH

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 37,000 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.