BSIF presents first Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award

The BSIF Annual Networking Day proved, once again, to be a popular event and an opportunity for friends and colleagues across the safety industry to get together, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Heythrop Park and celebrate the achievements of the last year.

The golf tournament and leisure activities were as popular as ever and generated a slight competitive nature to the day as delegates from rival companies battled for bragging rights. The evening Gala Dinner was the perfect opportunity for all to relax and enjoy the meal and fantastic entertainment provided by the mind reader Graham Jolley, whose talent and quick wit left the guests both amazed and amused.

At the Gala Dinner we introduced a brand new award and the first presentation was made. Sponsored by The McOnie Agency, the BSIF Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award will celebrate the achievements of those in our industry that have made a real difference to helping keep people safe at work.

We were delighted to present the first BSIF Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award to Mr Jon Mellor, technical support manager, Bunzl Greenham. Recognised for his selfless contribution to the development and improvement of safety products, standards and processes, Jon Mellor has had a distinguished career with some of the country's leading safety organisations.

Jon first became aware of the need for respiratory protection in 1963, when he was responsible for removing paint from Vulcan bombers and, after a few years improving the hygiene standards in the restrooms of Heron Service Stations across the UK, Jon joined James North as national sales manager. At James North, he contributed to the development of respirators, safety helmets, safety footwear, ear defenders and chemical clothing.

His involvement in developing new products to protect industrial workers continued at BRB Industrial Services, where he helped to launch the first stainless steel chain mail gloves and aprons for workers in meat processing plants. After a period at Man Equip, Jon joined Greenham Trading, where he worked on the development of flame retardant clothing for three major oil refineries.
Today in his role as technical support manager for Bunzl Greenham he is responsible for standards, EC type test certification, imported product quality control, preferred supplier vetting, ethical trading development and technical support.

He acts as a consultant for Network Rail on its hand protection rationalisation programme and on PPE standards and product specification for major government purchasing agencies. As vice president of its Distributor Group, he is an active member of the BSIF and fully supports its Registered Safety Supplier Programme.

David Lummis, BSIF chief executive officer, said: “It is with great pleasure that we make this inaugural award to Jon. The contribution he has made to our industry and to keeping people safe at work, during a very distinguished career, is outstanding.

The judging panel was unanimous in its decision and this is a very well deserved accolade.”