Welcoming delegates at the IOSH 2011 Conference and Exhibition to “London – the birthplace of health and safety, and welfare-at-work reform” the Institution’s president, Steve Granger, promised two days of stimulating debate and learning, and an unrivalled opportunity for developing and sharing best practice.

Steve kicked off the conference by requesting a minute’s silence to reflect on the recent tragedies in New Zealand and Japan, and the chaotic events in the Middle East, and reminded delegates that their work is crucial to efforts to mitigate such suffering around the world.

Referring to the conference’s theme Steve said that challenges are currently erupting on all fronts “but it is how we rise to them that will define our profession for years to come”.

He promised that IOSH would be a front-runner in the months ahead in terms of “making the case” for health and safety, explaining that a team from the Institution met MPs at the House of Commons only last week. “It is vital”, he said, “that we continue to have such discourse with movers and shakers, and that we represent you, our members.”

He continued: “We can rise to the challenge both as an organisation and as individuals. It is about being versatile, finding new ways to save money, and convincing employers to keep to the spirit of health and safety law and remain compliant. We must convince directors, managers, politicians and employees that health and safety makes good business sense – at all levels, and in all countries around the world.”

Steve concluded: “2011 will be a challenging year and the stakes are high, but together we can win the argument.” 

To watch Steve's address click on the video below: