This April, the London Health & Safety Group will celebrate a belated 80th Birthday (83 years to be exact). The Group’s Committee members, Michael Morgan and Abi Piper look back on a rich history that began on a London bus during the Blitz.
We were born on a red double-decker London bus in 1941 while German bombs fell around us.
We knew employers needed to look after their workforce and the workers needed to be aware of the risks associated with their important roles.
We have been a pivotal force in promoting and maintaining high standards of health and safety across industries in the vibrant city of London ever since.
We endured four years of World WarII and have since seen many other wars including Korea, Vietnam and the Falklands. We have seen the birth, marriage, enthronement and death of Kings and Queens.
We saw the birth of the National Health Service and the Welfare State and have seen 17 different Prime Ministers in Downing Street.
We saw the coming into being and were affected by, the Mines and Quarries Act 1954, the Offices Act 1960 as well as The Factories Act 1961 and the Offices Shops and Railways Premises Act 1963.
Then came the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and this was quickly followed by the production of The Robens Report, which was the product of the first comprehensive Health and Safety Legislative study, from which a new approach to Health & Safety came about.
From this report arose the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 which remains the backbone of Health & Safety today.
We are the London Health & Safety Group (LHSG); a fully independent group managed by an Executive Committee in accordance with a Constitution.
Our members are all volunteers who live and work predominantly in and around London, representing a cross-section of both public and private organisations.
We are founded on the principle that a collaborative approach is essential for ensuring the wellbeing of both workers and the public and the LHSG has continuously evolved to address the dynamic challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Our rich history reflects the relentless pursuit of excellence in safety standards, making us a cornerstone for organisations seeking to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
Many members are full-time health and safety specialists but we welcome anyone who has a keen interest in health and safety matters: from Directors, Facilities, HR, Quality and Environmental to Project Managers and those who are training within the profession.
Membership of the Group can help with any CPD requirements that you have. We welcome anyone who has a keen interest in health and safety, no matter what your role or the industry you work in. Presentations are aimed at introducing new concepts, looking at challenges met and overcome on specific projects and reviewing pending government regulations.
Over our 80-plus years we have served as a catalyst for positive change, bringing together professionals, experts and enthusiasts from diverse sectors.This celebration not only reflects the group’s enduring legacy but also an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable strides made in promoting safety throughout London.
At the heart of the group’s success lies our commitment to drive safety through the sharing of information and best practices. Regular meetings (from September to May) provide a platform for professionals to exchange ideas, insights and successful safety strategies.
By fostering an environment where knowledge is shared freely, the group has played a pivotal role in shaping a safety-conscious culture across various industries.. We encourage networking and being open to sharing experiences and discussing challenging situations. Sociably after the meeting, we can be found at a local establishment for a few drinks!
In conclusion, our 80th (now 83rd*) anniversary celebration is a testament to our enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to driving safety. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and actively engaging with diverse stakeholders the group is continuing to actively promote health and safety in London.
As the city continues to evolve, our mission remains the same, ensuring the next 80 plus years are characterised by even greater strides in promoting and maintaining a culture of safety.
Join us in celebrating this milestone on 22 April 2024.
We are holding our AGM and belated 80th Birthday celebrations (*delayed due to Covid restrictions) after our regular annual legal update we are going to celebrate where we started: on a red double-decker!
Book your space to celebrate with us here.
You can find out more about the group at our website here and also in LinkedIn here.
