Safety event crosses border

Making its first appearance north of the border,Health and Safety '10 takes place at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh on the 15th and 16th September.Here, IPE summarises what the event has to offer

With event partners 3M, Ansell, Arco and DuPont, Health and Safety '10 - Scotland offers a free seminar programme, free exhibition and free parking.

The event enables visitors to find the latest in health and safety information, products, services and consultancy all under one roof and it is officially endorsed by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).

One of the main attractions is the free conference and seminar programme, which includes sessions organised by the event's official educational partner, the British Safety Council. Some of the foremost authorities on safety in Scotland will be speaking; such as Dr. Paul Stollard, Director, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Scotland who will be giving an overview of the health and safety challenges facing Scotland.

According to Dr. Paul Stollard, the health and safety of workers in Scotland has improved significantly since the Health and Safety at Work Act was introduced over 30 years ago; however, too many Scottish workers are still being injured, in some cases fatally, or having their health damaged by work. Key industries where the HSE continues to seek significant improvements are construction, agriculture and waste and recycling. The HSE also continues to play a vital role in maintaining the safety of such major risks as the nuclear industry and the off-shore and on-shore oil and gas industries. A new challenge is working alongside those developing large scale renewables projects.

The seminar programme encompasses the diverse range of working environments in Scotland from the offshore industry to construction, while Andrew Sharman, divisional manager, safety, health and wellbeing for the Royal Bank of Scotland, addresses the office working environment and how to manage health and safety communication during time of corporate change. The seminar will present a selection of sophisticated communication techniques and principles in a straightforward and understandable way. Specifically, it will consider improving safety connectivity following a global downturn, developing capability or raising awareness, and the new rules of employee engagement.

A seminar giving an update on health and safety law in Scotland will be delivered by Laura Cameron of McGrigors LLP and will discuss the latest legislative trends and focuses. Cameron says: "There is a general rush on enforcement just now and with the creation of the specialist prosecution division recently I expect this to have had some impact by September. Also, the HSE is looking more closely at individuals in companies, directors and managers, when it comes to prosecution and I'll probably look at this area too." The all-new HSM Demonstration Zone, which is sponsored by machinery safety company the Laidler Group, is a dedicated area that will run five live presentations daily and provide a comprehensive range of practical safety advice that is relevant to many industries.

Highlights include a presentation from the HSE's Dr. Bob Rajan OBE in conjunction with the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) on the topic of 'Clean Air? Take Care?' - which follows the successful launch of the BSIF's campaign of the same name at the beginning of the year.

Laidler Associates, part of the Laidler Group, will give a presentation on 'Practical Machinery Safety, Including Guarding Issues'. In addition, the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives - which is now officially supporting the Health and Safety events - will be giving a presentation entitled 'Health risks at work - do you know yours?' and respiratory and hearing protection company,Moldex, will present on 'Revisions to the respiratory standard, EN 149'.

Tim Else, event director, comments: "Scotland has, in the past, been poorly served in the ways it can access the latest in health and safety, with those people who need this information required to travel great distances. Our aim is to deliver a high quality event at a logistically convenient location, free at the point of access for the visitor. " In addition to the seminar programme, there are some of the biggest names in health and safety exhibiting at the event. Major equipment providers, service providers and distributors from all areas of health and safety are well represented.

With the outstanding combination of seminars and quality exhibitors to attract visitors, it is highly recommend that you register in advance for entry tickets and especially for seminar places.