A packed day of debate at annual conference, Health and Safety – What’s Next? in London

Held at Dexter House in London, keynote speeches and seminars tackled the pressing issues facing the industry as part of the day’s theme, Health and Safety – What’s Next?

Highlights from the morning’s presentations included from Steve Hails, health and safety director at Crossrail, one of Europe’s largest railway and infrastructure projects, who gave insight into key challenges and priorities.

Statistics were perhaps the starkest demonstration of the challenges the future presents. HSE's director of general regulation, Kevin Myers (pictured) told delegates that while the UK remains one of the safest places to work in Europe, having the lowest rates of worker fatalities, there are 13,000 people dying each year from work related illness.

Professor Stephen Bevan from the Work Foundation articulated the necessity of addressing health at work and potential policy outcomes for business. Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, had strong opinions on the impact of the Trade Union Bill on health and safety within organisations and the health of the unions themselves.

The afternoon sessions offered delegates the opportunity to participate in panel discussions – one on ‘compliance and enforcement’ and the other on ‘competence and training’ – or presentations on sharing best practice from British Safety Council member organisations – Black & Veatch, Unipart Group and North Star Shipping – and gain insight into some of the latest health and safety campaigns – Safer Lorries (TfL), Breathe Freely (BOHS) or Speak Up, Stay Safe (British Safety Council).

Mike Robinson, chief executive of the British Safety Council, said: "As my first annual conference as chief executive of the British Safety Council, I’ve been delighted to have the opportunity to meet our members, and other supporters, who share our vision. Events like these are vital in enabling us to build understanding and to share knowledge both for individuals and organisations.”

Download presentations from keynote speakers here.

Download and view photos of the event here.

Read the full report of the event here.

The next event from the British Safety Council is Health & Safety North - Bolton Arena, Bolton, 7-8 October 2015. To register for your free place or to find out more, click here.