Health & Safety '10 regional event series gets off to a galloping start

The first event in the Health and Safety '10 series of regional health and safety shows took place at Sandown Park, Esher on 23rd/24th February.HSM reports from the event.

Officially opened by Sir Bill Callaghan, the former HSC chair, Health & Safety '10 South gave businesses in the South the opportunity to hear about key issues from some of the leading experts in health and safety management - right on their doorstep.

The free seminar programme arranged by the British Safety Council, the official educational partner, featured a high calibre of speakers including three past- President's of IOSH. Topics covered ranged from slips, trips and falls, safety leadership and safety culture to workforce engagement. In addition visitors had the opportunity to hear Lawrence Waterman the head of health and safety for the Olympics Delivery Authority (ODA) reflect on the project's health and safety programme and discuss how the ODA's supply chain is delivering on time, on budget and with a clear, relentless focus on health and safety. All of the presentations from the Sandown event are now available to download at: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk As well as the seminar programme there were several special events taking place around the exhibition. The IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management) which officially endorses the series of events, hosted afternoon tea on both days giving existing and potential members the opportunity to get an update on the organisation's activities.

Elsewhere an independent team was conducting research into the safety eyewear industry to determine what the most important factors are when selecting eyewear, (look out for the results of the survey in HSM soon). In addition there was an extensive range of exhibitors and experts on hand to give visitors advice on subjects from PPE to spill containment as well as several brand new product launches, including a cut and puncture resistant range of gloves from BM Polyco and a risk management software system from Laidler Assoicates.

For readers in other parts of the UK there are still two events to come this year the first being held in Edinburgh in September and the second in Bolton in October.

Also announced at the Sandown event was the launch of an Irish show for 2011 which will be held in Dublin on 14-15 June.

As well as a new venue, the 2011 series is to be developed further with the addition of a Machinery Safety Demo Zone and other key new areas. To keep up to date with what is happening at any of the events or to register for free for the 2010 Scottish or Northern shows, visit: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk