Health & Safety North 2016 showcases the latest developments in health and safety policy and practice

The two-day event, which returns to Bolton Arena on 12th-13th October, is centred on an exhibition that includes a free-to-attend conference curated by the British Safety Council. The event also showcases leading trade bodies, manufacturers and distributors, training providers and consultants in the health and safety sector, providing visitors with access to key industry speakers who will offer unique insights into the health and safety industry. 

Opening the conference programme, Shaun Knott, manager at Casella, draws attention to the growing issue of occupational illnesses, which are a far bigger killer than industrial accidents. Shaun looks at the management of occupational exposure to dust and explains how businesses can better protect the workforce. 

In addition, Zoe Betts, criminal regulatory lawyer from UK legal firm Pinsent Masons LLP, assesses the Sentencing Council guidelines for health and safety offences, which was introduced in February, and the impact that increased fines has had on the industry. As Zoe will point out, never before has there been such intense scrutiny on the risk of harm arising from business activities and the systems in place to ensure regulatory compliance. 

Safe businesses are reliant on the entire workforce maintaining excellent standards of health and safety. The presentation from Nigel Bryson, director of Bryson Consulting, references the Health and Safety Executive’s new strategy for health and safety in Great Britain and highlights how worker involvement is vital for effective health and safety management. 

Following a busy first day, the programme for the 13^th October is also not to be missed. A highly topical issue that will be of significant interest to businesses is the thorny issue of HSE’s fee for intervention (FFI). Kevin Bridges and Gareth McManus, partner and associate at legal firm Pinsent Masons LLP, offer some practical advice on what businesses should expect and how they can prepare from a visit from an HSE inspector. Highlighting the changes that have occurred as a result of FFI, they will answer the all-important question – when can the HSE inspector charge a fee for their engagement with the business? 

The event will also benefit from a Safety Dialogue Theatre; a panel discussion during which experts discuss the latest issues and open up the floor to questions from the audience. With panellists drawn from event partners 3M, the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), and event supporter, the National Examination Board for Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH), topics will include respiratory protection, noise hazards and hearing protection, and training and demonstrating competence. After its success at the Health and Safety Event at the NEC in March, NEBOSH’s Education Pavilion will make its debut at Bolton, offering visitors an opportunity to access the latest and best in training, education and competence. 

The full seminar programme for the event can be viewed online at: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk