Health & safety series cements success

With successful shows in the South, the North and for the first time in
2010, in Scotland, the health & safety regional event series has cemented
its position as the UK’s must-attend safety event. In 2011 the show will
also make its debut in Ireland.Georgina Bisby looks back at some of the
highlights of the 2010 series and looks forward to what 2011 has to offer

From the launch of the first show in
2006, the health & safety series of
regional events and exhibitions
has gone from strength to strength. The
show’s format has enabled those with an
interest in health & safety to access a
comprehensive exhibition, a high level
education programme, (organised by
educational partner the British Safety
Council) and expert advice on their
doorstep, free of charge.

From the very first show a continued
effort has been made to ensure the events
provide the best possible use of time. All
visitors to the show are encouraged to
provide feedback on what they have
found useful as well as being given the
opportunity to suggest further areas of
interest. A number of new features have
been added to the show in response to
this process.

New attractions
In response to visitor demand and
following its successful inauguration at
Health & Safety ’10 North, each show will
now feature a dedicated Plant &
Machinery Safety Zone. The Zone
incorporates a seminar area with
presentations on the latest issues related
to Plant & Machinery Safety and the
opportunity to discuss topics such as the
Machinery Directive with leading industry
experts.

Another subject visitors to the show
have asked to see more on is Cleaning &
Hygiene, so in 2011Health & Safety ’11
North will feature a zone dedicated to this
subject. Visitors will have the opportunity
to see the latest solutions in infection
control and discover the role optimum
cleaning and hygiene can play in keeping
a workforce healthy.

One of the most popular seminars
during 2010 has been Barry O’Conner,
the head of health & safety at Adidas’s
presentation on the subject of managing
wellbeing in the workplace. The high
visitor numbers at this seminar confirmed
that health & wellbeing is a subject which
is rising up many health & safety
managers agendas. For this reason 2011
will see an increased commitment to
coverage of this subject at all four of the
shows.

There will also be a continued
commitment to providing updates on
legal issues and and giving an insight into
potential new risks facing businesses as a
result of developments in health and
safety law in recent years.

New products
Several manufacturers and distributors
chose to launch and showcase new
products and services at the 2010 events.

Safety supplier Arco used the Scottish
leg of the show to launch its annual Big
Book safety catalogue which features a
number of innovations, many of which
were on display. The new Versaflo TR-
300 Powered Air Respirator from 3M was
one such example (pictured left). The
powered air respirator is designed to
protect workers from contaminated air
with the flexibility for changing
environments and comfort preferences.

Other examples included: The Bootmate
Safety Sock from Canonbury Healthcare,
which is designed to protect the top of the
foot from damage caused when a steel toe
cap comes into contact with the foot. The
experts at Canonbury Healthcare believe
the high level of interest that they had in
this product reflects a growing awareness
of the value of addressing orthopedic
issues in the workplace.

Visitors also had the opportunity to see
the latest in hand protection at the
Microlin Cooper stand where experts were
demonstrating the new Search-lite glove.

The glove protects against punctures and
needles while giving the wearer flexibility
and sensitivity in the fingertips making it
suitable for those carrying out search
activities such as security staff.

New venues
With established shows in the North and
South and a very successful first show in
Edinburgh, the Health & Safety Series will
add another show in Dublin in 2011.

Commenting on the show’s growth, event
director Tim Else said: “2010 saw
significant growth in both visitor
numbers and exhibitor support. Our
focus on providing free advice and
education has always been very
important, but we are now offering access
to many more of the UK’s primary
equipment and service providers.

“As the series grows again in 2011,
visitors returning to their local event will
benefit from larger exhibitions as well as
enhanced learning experiences through
the addition of new focused zones”.

Health & Safety ’11
Dates and venues for the 2011 events are as follows. :
Health and Safety ’11 – South (Sandown Park, Esher 1st/2nd March
2011)
Health and Safety ’11 – Scotland (The Royal Highland Centre,
Edinburgh 7th/8th September)
Health and Safety ’10 – North (The Reebok Stadium, Bolton
13th/14th October)
Health and Safety ’11 – Ireland (The National Show Centre, Dublin
16th and 17th November)
The event partners for 2011 are 3M, Ansell, Arco and Dupont,
Health and Safety ’11 – South is supported by the British Safety
Council and endorsed by IIRSM.

Visitor registration will be via: www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk