A key output of the new strategy is for the UK to recognise and fully appreciate the value of our industry and be proud of the nation’s current health and safety record. It is imperative that our work is seen as a force for good and that the Federation continues to serve and represent businesses who are dedicated to keeping people safe and healthy whilst they are at work. We will be showcasing successful companies delivering on safety and health and highlighting the impact of this on business profitability. 

More than ever before,  we will be communicating the tangible benefits of a BSIF membership – from active participation in our various product/working groups that implement change across the industry, through to our ability as a Federation to offer legislative support and advice on key industry issues. We will be encouraging our members to be advocates of the BSIF and to ensure their and our work is communicated to their key audiences. 

We also recognise that with increasing numbers comes increasing strength and influence with legislators and regulators and we hope that through these communications, we are able to grow the membership significantly over the next 10 years.  

Planned activity scheduled over the coming months includes reinforcing  the existing Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) and introducing a Safe Supply Accreditation programme. This will become a nationally recognised achievement, participation in which will be a requirement of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. We will also be ensuring that the Fit2Fit scheme continues successfully and that we can reach as many people as possible with the accreditation. 

2016 will see major progress from the BSIF, aimed at supporting manufacturers, distributors and service providers in the health and safety community. We look forward to sharing these developments with you over the coming months. 

PPE regulations adopted by the European Council  

Following the vote of the EU Parliament in January, on 12^th February, the European Council adopted the new Regulation on PPE.  The new regulation updates the existing directive 89/686/EEC and applies to each individual PPE item intended to be placed and/or put into service on the EU market. The new rules will be published in the Official Journal and will be applicable 2 years after it comes in to force to allow stakeholders to be ready. 

The new PPE regulations are in line with our expectations  having worked with the various drafts over the last year. We will be working with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to develop the official guidelines over the coming months and along with BIS we are planning regional workshops for the membership in order that their views can be taken and concerns aired. We will be contacting members with arrangements over the next few weeks.