Looking ahead to 2012

David Lummis, CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), discusses what the year 2012 has in store for the health & safety industry and the Federation

As 2011 comes to a close, I’m left to contemplate what
the year ahead has in store for the health & safety
industry. The Lofstedt Review and the revised PPE
Directive, are just a few of the topics that spring to mind which
will have an impact.

Despite the seemingly endless stream of gloomy news from
Europe, the UK appears to be weathering the turbulent financial
storm. While confidence remains fragile and with many
investment plans on hold, industry output continues, something
which is of course vital to keep the UK moving.

In Vince Cable’s speech at the beginning of the year, he
highlighted that the UK remains the world’s sixth biggest
manufacturer — a fact that still surprises many people when
they hear it. With the spotlight continuing to shine on
manufacturing, manufacturers will need to ensure that suitable
health & safety measures are in place. Keeping up to speed on
these varying health & safety needs, especially as manufacturing
technology continues to develop, will be pivotal for our
profession to develop and thrive.

Additionally this year, an independent review of health & safety
legislation, chaired by Professor Ragnar Lofstedt, has taken place.

Following a stakeholder consultation, the Lofstedt Review has now
been published. Within this review, Professor Lofstedt makes a
number of recommendations to simplify and improve the way
health & safety legislation is enforced. As these recommendations
are implemented throughout the next few years health &
safety professionals will need to keep abreast of the
changes taking place.

Another change in European Legislation
is the amended version of the PPE
Directive. The PPE Directive is a
fundamental piece of European
legislation relating to occupational
safety throughout Europe. It has a
large impact on the sale of PPE and
directs many of the requirements of
supplying this equipment to the UK
market. A period of consultation has
taken place and it is now anticipated
that the final draft will be available in
2012 albeit that the final text of the
Directive might not be available until
2013. The changes that are set to be
made in the PPE Directive will have
potential ramifications for
businesses throughout the
industry and is something
the BSIF will
continue to
keep abreast of
and advise as
appropriate
throughout
the New Year
and beyond.

Changes afoot
2011 has also been a hive of activity for the BSIF. With plans to
relocate the offices to the South East of England and hire two
new members of staff, the BSIF is moving into a new phase of its
development. During 2011, nine new members have joined the
Federation including Cromwell Industrial Tools and Buckman &
Hickman. Through our new and existing members, the BSIF will
further strengthen its voice and presence in the market place and
we are looking forward to forging many new fruitful
partnerships on behalf of our members in 2012.

Over the past year, BSIF export activity has gone from strength
to strength. In January 2012, approximately 20 BSIF members will
be jetting off to Dubai to participate at the Intersec trade fair
allowing new export opportunities to be explored. Through the
help of the BSIF, a number of members have received funding
from UKT&I to support this trip, thereby helping to further
strengthen their export efforts. Opportunities like this allow
members to form new beneficial relationships and establish key
contacts. Over the coming year, the BSIF hopes to further enhance
its members’ overseas profiles and the exporting opportunities
available to them. As the health and safety needs of other countries
increase, so does the window of opportunity for our members.

Progress on combatting counterfeit goods
Finally, one of the BSIF’s key focuses throughout this year has
been its campaign to combat illegal and counterfeit PPE
products. Throughout 2011, this campaign has gathered
momentum and the aim to further educate end users about the
need to purchase genuine, safe and legal safety products is a
message that has been consistently reinforced. As the success and
the drive of this campaign builds, so do our aims. 2012 will see
the launch of our new PPE Checklist that has been devised to aid
recognition for end users and trading standards of legal and
compliant PPE. The BSIF’s Registered Safety Supplier Scheme
has also seen an increase in members as organisations seek to
join an initiative that helps them stand out from the crowd! All
companies participating in the scheme have signed a binding
declaration that the safety equipment they offer meets the
appropriate product performance standards, is fully compliant
with the PPE Directive and is therefore legally carrying the mark.

Making sure end users are aware of the importance of
purchasing PPE from a reputable organisation will continue to
drive the BSIF into the New Year and beyond!
The world of health & safety is changing and in turn so must
the businesses operating within the industry. As new legislations
are implemented, organisations need to embrace the changes
and adapt accordingly. Without doubt, 2012 may be challenging
but the rewards in store far outweigh the challenges. We wish
you a happy, healthy and
prosperous new year.