Head Of Training, The Healthy Work Company

April 26, 2016

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OH2016 opening: “Health is now on the agenda – The landscape is shifting”

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Steve Perkins, BOHS Chief Executive, welcomes delegates

OH2016, the occupational hygiene conference from BOHS, the chartered society for worker health protection, opened this morning in Glasgow.

Steve Perkins, BOHS Chief Executive, welcomed delegates to the three-day conference and exhibition at the Hilton in Glasgow city centre.

Following on from the construction health summit meeting last week, Steve spoke of the shift towards health from within the construction sector, and the positive impact BOHS is having on getting health firmly on the agenda.

“BOHS has grown in membership, resources and optimism.” he began. “BOHS members have become more engaged. Health is on the agenda – the landscape is shifting and BOHS is a big part of that.”

 

OH16

Professor Sir Anthony Newman Taylor, Imperial College London, addressed the room with a presentation entitled The continuing challenge of occupational lung disease.

Speaking about the construction health summit, Steve added: “Can people believe things are going to change? It’s a huge task. Many people feel mentally paralysed about how to move things forward with health.

“I compare it to smoking. It used to be everywhere, on planes, in offices, restaurants and bars. My children are in their 20s and they could never imagine a time like that. They don’t even really understand the term smoke-free, as it’s just the way things are now. Things can change.”

Giving his advice to the delegates on how they can help move things forward, Steve said: “Keep asking – what sort of health do you mean? Clinical and wellbeing is just two thirds of it. The one that’s being neglected is the workplace health and long latency disease. A long view is needed.”

The conference and exhibition continues at the Hilton Hotel Glasgow until 28 April.

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