Diverse event offers improved seminar programme

The free seminar programme, delivered by industry experts and by IOSH members representing the London Metropolitan branch, proved to be one of the most popular elements of the event in 2007 and its content has been updated and improved for 2008. A major change to the Sandown event’s seminar programme is the introduction of some new elements that reflect the latest thinking in regard to occupational health.

Forward thinking safety organisations believe that while it is true that more employers are becoming aware of the need to promote a healthy lifestyle, if they really want to improve the health of their workforce, they should also address problems like stress and poor office design that are really making their staff ill.

On the 26th February, Liz Skelton of IOSH’s London Metropolitan Branch delivers a seminar entitled Stress Management. The presentation addresses the practical application of the HSE's stress management standards and looks at making the link between good health and good business.

Emphasising the up to the minute nature of the seminar programme is the lead seminar on the first day entitled, Corporate Manslaughter/Homicide – The Impact. Delivered by Kevin Bridges this seminar discusses The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act which comes into force in April 2008. Another contentious and interesting seminar, this time delivered on the second day (27th February 2008) looks at the relationship between insurance and health and safety regimes. Presented by Mike Flannery, Insurance – Friend or Foe? makes the point that for years, insurance and health and safety seem to have been somewhat at odds and only in the largest organisations do you find arrangements where both are viewed as equal and mutually beneficial partners in the management of risk.

The breadth of information available at Health and Safety 08 is especially impressive. As well as occupational health and the latest legislation there are a whole host of practical seminars which discuss the continuing problems that people face in their day to day working lives. There are seminars on general risk management; safety in the construction industry; behavioural safety; HAV best practice; Manual Handling; Hearing Protection and PPE selection over the two days.

Among these practical topics is a paper from David Staniforth on Electrostatic Discharges – The Hazards and How to Manage Them. Also delivered on both days of the event is a presentation from Mike Denton entitled, Hearing Protection – Just Legal or Just Right? Plus, Paul Difford looks at Industrial Accident Investigation - Intentional ‘At Risk’ Behaviour while Elaina Harvey looks at Protection against burn injury from electric arc.

The seminar programme is of such a high quality that Members of IOSH should note that attendance offers a fantastic opportunity to accrue Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. Many attendees to last year’s shows in Sandown and Bolton commented that it would usually cost hundreds of pounds to receive such expert guidance.