From the new CEO’s desk

2014 has also seen the publishing of the Health and Safety Executive’s Triennial Review. As well as recognising the HSE’s successes and overall contribution the review recognised the importance of the Executive’s priorities remaining properly focussed in the drive towards continual improvement in occupational safety and the wellbeing in the UK.

Another very important landmark this year is the publishing of the revision of the Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC the text of which is now out for comment. One of the key issues is that the “Directive” will now almost certainly become a “Regulation” in national statutes which in itself will create some issues in enforcement.

This year also marks 20 years since The British Safety Industry Federation was established and the membership should be extremely proud of the part that they have played in ensuring that the workplace that we serve is a safer healthier place to be. To have a career in the Health and Safety Market and to have contributed to a safer working environment should be recognised as an extremely worthwhile and fulfilling activity.

But it could be said that sending someone home safe and in one piece at night from work is not enough and the figures for long latency illness tell us that we still have much to do. Major areas of concern include conditions such as: Respiratory, Hearing, Skin Conditions, Muscular Skeletal problems and Work Place Stress. Our task is obvious and that is to maintain the knowledge, capability and competence necessary for those specifying safety programmes to ensure that where hazards exist and cannot be overcome by other means, the correct, fit for purpose, safety equipment is specified and used.

BSIF believe that awareness of safety and the opportunity to protect lives and preserve health starts at the top. This creates the culture for both the whole country and individual companies to ensure their work force is adequately protected. We strongly recognise this and consequently BSIF has linked up with PB Consulting, an expert political engagement business to ensure that the Safety & Health message effectively gets to the Westminster audience. They need to understand the benefits of good health and safety so that they too can be rightly proud of the UK’s achievement in protecting the UK’s workforce.

This is a significant step forward for BSIF and our members and we believe that this programme will make a major practical contribution to continuing improvement and the perception of the value and the benefits of a professional approach to safety.

The effectiveness of the message and the efficiency of the delivery are key components of the mission. This year and going forward we will strive to ensure that education and best practice are communicated effectively and in a coordinated fashion. 

The HSE and Safety Groups UK both have timetables focussing on specific areas. 2014 is “Respiratory” followed in 2015 by “Hearing and Vibration” and BSIF’s drive is to ensure each message is amplified by working together together to ensure the key programmes such as ‘Clean Air Take Care’ maximise the impact and benefit to users and decision makers in the wider safety market.

Building upon this pivotal year the BSIF will ensure our momentum increases, with further drives to welcome more members to the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme ensuring that safety equipment is appropriately specified and is properly marked, tested and fit for purpose.