Latest news from the BSIF

BSIF CEO Award to be presented for the first time

To recognise his time in the health and safety industry and mark his retirement in 2014, David Lummis, CEO of the BSIF, will be presenting an award at the Federation’s annual Networking Event. The award will be presented to an individual who he considers has made an outstanding contribution to the progress and reputation of the health and safety industry.  

“We work in an industry that is often misrepresented but the fact is that the collective work that is done helps save the lives of many workers every year.  It is an industry that has to manage the dichotomies of risk management in an engaging way, safe practice but with innovative ideas and high quality, reliable products that are affordable.  These extremes are challenging and can only be achieved because the industry boasts many clever and dynamic people who work tirelessly to grow the industry year on year.”

“Consequently I will be choosing someone who I think epitomises the successes of the industry and it is the BSIF’s intention that my successor will continue to present this award each year.”

Two other awards are to be presented at the Gala Dinner – the BSIF Outstanding Contribution Award for an individual who currently works for a BSIF member, yet has put in exceptional personal effort to improve occupational safety. This award is sponsored by The McOnie Agency. The third award is the BSIF Outstanding Contribution Award for a company who have especially committed resource to and through BSIF to improve safety. Both these awards are voted for by the members.

The BSIF makes its voice heard 

In July, the BSIF asked members for their comments on the HSE in response to the call for submissions on the HSE Triennial Review. 

The BSIF acknowledged the role of the HSE in making Britain a world-leading occupational safety environment for workers, with some of the lowest per capita injury rates anywhere in the world.  

But the BSIF is concerned that the current funding limitations have resulted in HSE / HSL influence and input during PPE standards drafting reducing to virtually nil, particularly at European and International levels. The BSIF strongly recommends therefore that, in the interest of the UK, availability of funds for these objectives be reviewed and re-instated.

The BSIF has also responded to the HSE’s consultation on their proposed amendments to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) Regulations. 

Initially BSIF was concerned at the plan to remove guidance from the appendices of CoSHH and make it available separately on the HSE website. However on consideration, this will allow the guidance to be expanded and the resultant ACOP appears a little clearer and more manageable. BSIF has therefore given a positive response to the consultation, with a comment that perhaps it should still be possible for anyone who has concerns about accessing it online to be able to obtain a hard copy of the guidance.

A fond farewell to Geoffrey Podger 

The
BSIF takes this opportunity to wish Geoffrey Podger the very best in
his new role as acting Chief Executive-designate of WorkSafe New
Zealand, the country’s new workplace health and safety regulator. 

“Geoffrey
has been a great supporter of ‘UK Safety’ and also of the initiatives
of BSIF since he became Chief Executive of the HSE in 2005. What is our
loss is New Zealand’s gain” said BSIF CEO David Lummis.