From the Secretary’s desk
February 1st 2009 However we view the fate of the banking system and the credit crunch, the reality is that every commercial organisation is now reassessing its business plans and, in many cases, severely reducing its staff and operating costs. Whilst the temptation will be for some companies to reduce their health and safety budgets the BSIF makes no apologies for continuing to promote the need for workplace safety to be maintained.
To help its members, the BSIF has announced that it will maintain its fees at 2008 levels for the foreseeable future together with a commitment to its members that it will work more efficiently to ensure that it is able to deliver an unaltered 2009 programme. In addition to support for companies exhibiting the Dubai Exhibition and work with the organisers to further develop the Safety Expo at the NEC, the BSIF is actively engaged in launching two campaigns in conjunction with the HSE. Phase II of the "It's in your hands" campaign [to reduce work-related dermatitis] is about to be launched and plans are now in their final stage to launch the ":Clean Air? - Take Care!" campaign [to increase awareness of respiratory hazards] at the Expo in May.
The announcement of the BSIF's Registered Safety Supplier scheme, as part of its campaign to eliminate counterfeit and illegal products, should provide specifiers and users of PPE and safety equipment with greater confidence that the products they are purchasing will perform as stated and comply with regulations.
The publication of the new strategy statement by the HSE is welcomed by the BSIF. The greater emphasis on engagement with Trade Bodies is a significant development and the BSIF will certainly play an active role. For some time now the BSIF has been lobbying for the HSE to create a stronger enforcement regime coupled with a greater emphasis on the need for employers to more readily accept their health and safety responsibilities. The inclusion of this within the HSE's forward strategy is specifically welcomed by BSIF members . If this can be achieved it will go some way to reducing accidents, minimising the effect of vexatious litigation and help to counter the adverse, and sometimes frivolous, comments in the media.
If you wish to comment on any BSIF item within Health & Safety Matters or require any additional information, please contact us through the Editor.
Geoff Hooke
Secretary General. BSIF More articles from British Safety Industry Federation: | 
