It's show time

The inaugural Health & Safety Midlands event will take place at The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham on the 12th and 13th of September 2012

The latest in the series of regional events will provide visitors with information, insights on industry trends, the latest legislation, health and safety case studies, plus, the opportunity to meet the industry's most highly respected organisations and the chance to network with other professionals.

Neal Stone, director of policy and communications for the British Safety Council will chair the conference programme on 12th September while Joscelyne Shaw, head of policy and influencing, will chair on the 13th.

Insight into the HSE's expectations The educational programme, which is authored by the British Safety Council and is designed to be as valuable as any paid for conference, will be covering the latest news and legislative updates. Opening the programme will be Rosi Edwards, regional director, Wales, Midlands and South West, HSE, whose presentation is entitled 'What HSE is - and isn't - looking for from duty holders'. Commenting on her presentation Rosi said: "I am looking to explain what the HSE is and - as importantly - isn't looking for in its interaction with people. Businesses need to concentrate on what is important for them to be successful as a business and hopefully this seminar will help them focus on the issues that matter from a health and safety standpoint." Her presentation will refer to the guidance issued by the Institute of Directors in relation to the HSE and although the seminar is not just for directors (it will also benefit health and safety professionals who want to communicate with directors) it does however discuss why directors need to know what is happening in their business and how to gain this knowledge through honest and open communication with staff.

Focus on directors' responsibilities Another presentation which covers current trends is, 'Directors in the Dock- Could it be you?' delivered by Chris Green the lead partner of Weightmans LLP. The seminar is aimed at all employers in the industry as well as health and safety practitioners and will cover enforcement and inspection of safety in the coalition era; charging for inspectors, common sense safety and the procedures for appealing enforcement notices. Chris said: "I'm hoping to give employers a better insight on their duties and responsibilities when it comes to health and safety within the company and give them a heads up on what to look out for.

The perception is that health and safety is being enforced disproportionately judging by some of the recent media headlines.

People are now less likely to volunteer for a health and safety role due to this, and so with this seminar I'm hoping to straighten out any uncertainties an individual may have within their job role." A fascinating insight on traditional communication methods is promised in the presentation 'Designing and delivering high impact health and safety communication campaigns" delivered by Neil Budworth, corporate health and safety manager, E.ON UK. His seminar will explore the theory behind communication design and the different approaches to communicating about a particular issue. "I want to address how communication is structured," says Neil.

"Most people know things in relation to their health, for example the five a day message. But, what does it take to make people think and change their behaviour? I want to talk about how to move people along the journey," he added.

Practical presentations As well as the British Safety Council programme there are other, more practical, seminars taking place across the two-day event. For example visitors will be able to see the likes of NQA, with its presentation entitled 'Using Auditor Training to Achieve Certification to OHSAS 18001'. Delivered by Andrew Burns Warren, health & safety auditor and Jonathan Wilson, health & safety sector manager, NQA, the presentation will cover the process that an auditor goes through to become firstly an internal auditor and then a lead auditor. It will also briefly cover the background of OHSAS 18001 and look at why companies implement a health and safety management system looking at some potential pitfalls and structures.

Dedicated Cleaning and Hygiene Zone The new 'Cleaning and Hygiene Zone', will provide the latest information for health and safety professionals who are also responsible for specifying and purchasing cleaning products and services.

Health and Safety Midlands has partnered with ISSA for the 'Cleaning and Hygiene Zone', and the ISSA will lead the zone's educational programme, which will feature the presentation entitled 'Cleaning for Health: The Critical Role That Good Cleaning and Hygiene Practice Plays in Health & Safety Matters', delivered by Keith Baker, director of EMEA Services, ISSA and Andrew Dunning, ISSA Europe Vice Chairman & Board Representative, UK. In addition there is the "Live Demonstration Zone", offering visitors the chance to see up close how new product technologies can dramatically improve the safety of your workforce, improve worker comfort and therefore reduce costs and enhance productivity.

Alongside event partners 3M, Ansell, Arco, NQA and DuPont, Health and Safety Midlands is supported by the British Safety Council and Safety Groups UK and officially endorsed by the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM). Health and Safety Midlands is free to enter and has free parking but it is highly recommend that visitors register in advance to facilitate speed of entry and for guaranteed seminar places as these are extremely popular.

To register online or access the full conference programme timetable visit: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk