The challenging economic climate affected many of our members this year – wherever they are based in the world, and whatever sector they work in.

And in the UK, health and safety has rarely before come under such national scrutiny. This year saw the start of a new focus on health and safety from the government, kickstarted with the publication of the Young Report, 'Common sense, common safety', in October. It heralded the introduction of reforms ranging from injury claims management to how school trips are organised. We applauded the Report’s long overdue attempt to rein in unnecessary bureaucracy and to restore a sense of proportion to the national health and safety debate, which has overshadowed genuine health and safety issues over the last few years. < Go Back

But we raised concerns too about some of the proposals, for example, criticising over-simplistic solutions such as the new ‘tickbox’ assessment and checklist regime, comparing it to giving the Highway Code to someone and expecting them to know how to drive. IOSH is calling on the government to make sure that the UK's world class standards in protecting people aren’t compromised in the rush to slash red tape. It’s critical that we don’t leave businesses and hard-working people vulnerable in the wake of these reforms.

We have persuaded two successive governments to recognise the importance of qualified and experienced health and safety professionals, and introduce voluntary regulation for consultants. So we support the new Occupational Safety and Health Read More >

Consultants Register, introduced under the Young Report, as a step in the right direction. But there’s more to be done here. Our original proposal, drafted in partnership with the CIEH, was modelled on a standards-based approach, including consultancy skills, and we believe that this would give the register a stronger foundation.

As events unfolded during the year, we urged the UK government to avoid the 'perfect storm' that could develop as a result of its drastic cost-cutting measures, combined with the new agenda for health and safety and a dramatic drop in the number of HSE inspections, announced by the Minister for Employment, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, in March. We're concerned that the national statistics for work deaths and serious injuries could suffer a 'hockey stick' effect in the coming < Go Back

years. Sadly, we have already seen the number of deaths go up by nearly 12 per cent in Ireland in 2010, against a backdrop of rising unemployment figures. Our warning is not a contribution to the political debate – it’s a timely cautionary note that hard-pressed managers looking to meet tough savings targets could be tempted to cut corners.

We know that contemporary health and safety is a long way away from the old ‘burden on business’ stereotype. As the year under review drew to a close, we were preparing to launch our new campaign to highlight the financial savings that good health and safety management can make. The Li£e Savings campaign will showcase some of the great work our members are already doing to drive growth and achieve savings to the tune of thousands or millions of pounds for the businesses Read More >

they work for, from Leeds Met University to E.ON. Smart businesses, large and small, know that even a modest investment in effective health and safety management can deliver a welcome 'triple whammy' – better protection for their staff, direct operational efficiencies and significant cost savings. But we know that more can be done on a national scale, and that’s why IOSH will be calling on the government to put a series of simple steps in place to go towards cutting down the British economy's staggering £22 billion bill for health and safety failures. Now, more than at any other time, this message is well worth hearing. < Go Back

IOSH members are motivated to do the best they can to protect people – and to make a real difference at the heart of business. I've spoken with countless members all over the UK and internationally during my Presidential year. Time and again I'm impressed with my colleagues’ dedication and drive. It has been a pleasure and an honour to take on this role for my professional body – my sincere thanks to all who have shared their inspiration and ideas with me.

Steve Granger

on YouTube