Health & safety series cements success

With successful shows in the South, the North and for the first time in 2010, in Scotland, the health & safety regional event series has cemented its position as the UK's must-attend safety event. In 2011 the show will also make its debut in Ireland.Georgina Bisby looks back at some of the highlights of the 2010 series and looks forward to what 2011 has to offer

From the launch of the first show in 2006, the health & safety series of regional events and exhibitions has gone from strength to strength. The show's format has enabled those with an interest in health & safety to access a comprehensive exhibition, a high level education programme, (organised by educational partner the British Safety Council) and expert advice on their doorstep, free of charge.

From the very first show a continued effort has been made to ensure the events provide the best possible use of time. All visitors to the show are encouraged to provide feedback on what they have found useful as well as being given the opportunity to suggest further areas of interest. A number of new features have been added to the show in response to this process.

New attractions In response to visitor demand and following its successful inauguration at Health & Safety '10 North, each show will now feature a dedicated Plant & Machinery Safety Zone. The Zone incorporates a seminar area with presentations on the latest issues related to Plant & Machinery Safety and the opportunity to discuss topics such as the Machinery Directive with leading industry experts.

Another subject visitors to the show have asked to see more on is Cleaning & Hygiene, so in 2011Health & Safety '11 North will feature a zone dedicated to this subject. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the latest solutions in infection control and discover the role optimum cleaning and hygiene can play in keeping a workforce healthy.

One of the most popular seminars during 2010 has been Barry O'Conner, the head of health & safety at Adidas's presentation on the subject of managing wellbeing in the workplace. The high visitor numbers at this seminar confirmed that health & wellbeing is a subject which is rising up many health & safety managers agendas. For this reason 2011 will see an increased commitment to coverage of this subject at all four of the shows.

There will also be a continued commitment to providing updates on legal issues and and giving an insight into potential new risks facing businesses as a result of developments in health and safety law in recent years.

New products Several manufacturers and distributors chose to launch and showcase new products and services at the 2010 events.

Safety supplier Arco used the Scottish leg of the show to launch its annual Big Book safety catalogue which features a number of innovations, many of which were on display. The new Versaflo TR- 300 Powered Air Respirator from 3M was one such example (pictured left). The powered air respirator is designed to protect workers from contaminated air with the flexibility for changing environments and comfort preferences.

Other examples included: The Bootmate Safety Sock from Canonbury Healthcare, which is designed to protect the top of the foot from damage caused when a steel toe cap comes into contact with the foot. The experts at Canonbury Healthcare believe the high level of interest that they had in this product reflects a growing awareness of the value of addressing orthopedic issues in the workplace.

Visitors also had the opportunity to see the latest in hand protection at the Microlin Cooper stand where experts were demonstrating the new Search-lite glove.

The glove protects against punctures and needles while giving the wearer flexibility and sensitivity in the fingertips making it suitable for those carrying out search activities such as security staff.

New venues With established shows in the North and South and a very successful first show in Edinburgh, the Health & Safety Series will add another show in Dublin in 2011.

Commenting on the show's growth, event director Tim Else said: "2010 saw significant growth in both visitor numbers and exhibitor support. Our focus on providing free advice and education has always been very important, but we are now offering access to many more of the UK's primary equipment and service providers.

"As the series grows again in 2011, visitors returning to their local event will benefit from larger exhibitions as well as enhanced learning experiences through the addition of new focused zones".

Health & Safety '11 Dates and venues for the 2011 events are as follows. : Health and Safety '11 - South (Sandown Park, Esher 1st/2nd March 2011) Health and Safety '11 - Scotland (The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh 7th/8th September) Health and Safety '10 - North (The Reebok Stadium, Bolton 13th/14th October) Health and Safety '11 - Ireland (The National Show Centre, Dublin 16th and 17th November) The event partners for 2011 are 3M, Ansell, Arco and Dupont, Health and Safety '11 - South is supported by the British Safety Council and endorsed by IIRSM.

Visitor registration will be via: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk