It's countdown to kick-off

Topical seminars, an exhibition featuring many of the biggest names in health and safety, a new Cleaning & Hygiene Zone and the chance to win tickets to Silverstone - just some of the reasons to visit Health & Safety North

Taking place at The Reebok Stadium in Bolton on 5-6 October 2011, Health & Safety North offers visitors the chance to increase their knowledge of health and safety, meet some of the industry's most respected organisations and to network with other professionals.

One of the overall messages of the event is that safety should not be thought of as restrictive, but considered as a positive approach to good business management. One seminar that encapsulates this is called 'Safety is a "Can Do" Business'. Delivered by Ken Smith, divisional director consultancy services from Arc Associates, the seminar will challenge misconceptions and discuss the benefits of doing safety right to avoid any risks.

Smith says: "Safety should not be restrictive but be concerned with a positive approach to good business management; it isn't about can't do but can do!" In addition, discussing the right steps to a sensible approach to health and safety will be Richard Evens, commercial training director of St John Ambulance presenting 'Health and Safety Gone Sane'. Back in 2010, Lord Young pointed out that unqualified consultants had given Health and Safety a bad name and resulted in 'health and safety gone mad' stories. Since then, the government has acted to reduce some of the bureaucracy often associated with health and safety planning. Richard Evens says that having a clear and qualified understanding of the possible safety risks in an organisation and knowing how to minimise them is one step, but having trained personnel in place when accidents do happen is essential.

On day two, the seminar delivered by Kevin Bridges, partner associate, Pinsent Masons LLP, - What Lessons have been learnt from the First Corporate Manslaughter Prosecution? - will focus on the wake of the first conviction and fine imposed under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act.

The lesson to be learnt by employers is that it has never been more important to ensure that safety management systems are robust and that senior managers understand their own health and safety obligations.

Kevin Bridges represented Cotswold Geotech and its MD in this first prosecution and will outline the background to the case; the respective arguments advanced by the prosecution and the defence and what lessons can be learnt. They will go on to explain the significance of having a clearly defined Incident Response Protocol, incorporating Legal Privilege over accident investigation reports and other internally produced documents.

Bringing something different to the event is the Cleaning & Hygiene Zone, sponsored by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), a trade association of suppliers to the cleaning industry that represents more than 200 manufacturers and distributors across the UK. The Zone will feature products and have details of services.

The main objective of the CHSA is to raise the long-term performance of member companies by assisting them in offering excellence of customer service to end-users.

As well as the educational programmes a HSM Demonstration Zone is planned.

Sponsored by machinery safety specialist Laidler Associates, part of the machinery division of TÃœV SÃœD Product Service, the zone will host demonstrations and offer free theoretical and practical information about the latest legislation and technology.

Valmy, has been chosen by the Pramac Moto GP racing team as official sponsor and supplier of PPE to the racing team and, to celebrate the launch of its Fiteor Cartridge Mask and Fedeor air supplied respirator, the company is offering visitors the chance to win two pairs of Roving Grandstand tickets to the 2012 Moto GP at Silverstone. Valmy will have the Pramac Teams show bike on its stand at as well as its new products.

Each year the event organiser's work in partnership with the UK's top safety product and service providers, as well as leading safety industry organisations to provide an exhibition and a conference programme that are relevant to today's workplace. The British Safety Council is the Official Educational Partner for the conference and the event is endorsed by the IIRSM and Safety Groups UK.