The annual IOSH conference and exhibition celebrate their 60th anniversary this year at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 March.
The industry-renowned event will address the latest developments in occupational safety and health through its comprehensive conference programme, with top-level speakers from leading organisations, including: the BBC, Laing O’Rourke, Olympic Delivery Authority and Shell. Running alongside the conference is an extensive exhibition, which will host such well-known organisations as 3M, RoSPA, RBS, St John Ambulance and, of course, IOSH itself.
Following the success of last year’s IOSH conference chair, BBC Breakfast presenter Declan Curry, the 2009 conference will again be chaired by a professional facilitator — newscaster, Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Krishnan will be overseeing lively debate and introducing various modules throughout the two days, including both plenary sessions.
Lord McKenzie, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, will deliver the opening address of the conference, focusing on emerging risks and future priorities in health and safety. Jan Jilek, director-general of employment, social affairs and equal opportunities at the Health, Safety and Hygiene at Work unit of the European Commission, will open the second day, with a talk on achieving harmonisation of European legislation and standards.
The conference
Visitors to this year’s conference can tailor their own agenda to ensure they are able to attend the sessions that are of greatest interest to them. The extensive programme has been devised to ensure that there is plenty across the two days to meet everyone’s needs. High-profile industry experts will be speaking on a wide range of topics, including: Working in a war zone: risk management strategies and disaster planning — hosted by Stephen Ryan, high-risk advisor, BBC; Managing contractor safety in a ‘public environment’ — hosted by Ros Seal, health and safety advisor, Olympic Delivery Authority; Improving health and work: changing lives, turning words into actions — hosted by Dr Bill Gunnyeon, director — health, work and well-being, Department for Work and Pensions, and Nattasha Freeman, president of IOSH.
The closing speech will be delivered by Tim Brabants, 2008 Olympic champion (kayak, 1000m), who will share his top tips for achieving success and effectively managing his work-life balance as a doctor and sportsman.
In court: live
Following a successful launch at last year’s event, ‘In court: live’ returns to IOSH 09. This feature involves a series of interactive debates in which delegates will be able to pose questions to a panel of distinguished lawyers from different practice areas. The panel includes: Kevin Bridges, senior associate at Pinsent Masons; Steffan Groch, partner and head of regulatory at DWF LLP; Madeline Abas, chair of the Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association and partner at Osborn Abas Hunt; and Nathan Peacey, partner at Bond Pearce LLP.
The exhibition
This year’s exhibition is set to be the most extensive in the event’s 60-year history, with more than 100 leading health and safety manufacturers, distributors and suppliers on site. Visitors to the exhibition receive access to the two spotlight theatres, offering a range of topical seminars, case studies and training advice. Furthermore, there will be dedicated media and Internet zones, offering free copies of key industry publications and online access, as well as complimentary advice and guidance on sector and region-specific issues from the IOSH groups and branches.
With a high concentration of leading experts from the health and safety industry present, networking opportunities will be extensive. Event director, Adrian Newton, said: “We are in no doubt that IOSH 09 will deliver unrivalled expertise and information on the latest challenges being faced by health and safety professionals nationwide. With the comprehensive conference programme and extensive exhibition line-up, this event will offer visitors the opportunity to learn first-hand from leading industry experts.”
IOSH president, Nattasha Freeman, added: “This year, we are focusing on providing tangible solutions to everyday challenges. Our conference tracks offer expert guidance on a range of issues, including culture and behaviour, risk management in practice, emerging risks, regulatory and legal changes, and many more. Visitors will also be able to take part in role-play sessions with actors, and spend more time at round-table discussions and debates. IOSH 09 truly has something to offer every health and safety professional who wants to keep up to date with industry issues.”
To find out more visit www.ioshconference.co.uk
