Think tank created

The British Safety Council has set up a specialist unit to shape policy, undertake research, campaign and influence important workplace health and safety issues and future legislation.

Julie Nerney, chief executive, says: "The Think Tank will enable the British Safety Council to further influence and inform health and safety legislation, policy and debate, and engage with government and other key stakeholders on health and safety issues that really matter to businesses and workers alike.

"It will also allow us to spread knowledge about health and safety solutions, publish easy-to-follow practical guidance and work to help all employers achieve best practice in this area. The Think Tank will also raise our profile as a trusted organisation, independent in nature and with an authoritative voice." The Think Tank will be headed by Neal Stone, British Safety Council's director of policy & research. He says: "Our strengths are two-fold - our own and our members' knowledge and proven track record in delivering and sustaining high quality health and safety in the workplace. Our goal is simple but challenging; it is to help shape the health and safety landscape both in the UK and internationally and through that work help prevent work-related injuries and ill-health.