From the Secretary’s desk
February 1st 2008 Spring, the annual season of re-generation and renewal. Within the BSIF there is a new urgency is in the air.
The Federation is concentrating on the generation of new ideas and initiatives, is reviewing and modernising its existing schemes and programmes and is actively seeking to ensure that every BSIF activity is developed and delivered to reflect 21st century requirements.
What's new? Firstly, the BSIF Safety Awards scheme is being expanded to incorporate a series of Safety Excellence awards. These new awards for 2008 are based upon submitted case studies of existing and specific safety activities which have created improvements in the occupational safety of organisations.
The second new activity is designed to combat the increasing incidence of "rogue" products being sold as PPE. The BSIF is commencing a programme to increase the awareness of purchasers and users of PPE to the risks involved and ensure that there is an information "fast-track" to the regulators to eliminate these products from the market.
In addition, and third on our list, the BSIF is about to launch several major initiatives to significantly reduce the number of injuries caused by inadequate respiratory protection incorporating a high profile awareness campaign and the launch of an industry self-regulatory scheme to ensure the competency of fit-testers and fit-test trainers.
Over the next few months, the BSIF is to up-date its website. While it is maintained as current when searching for products, services and advice, and is fast becoming the "first option" for enquiries, modern IT facilities will provide easier navigation, access to a broader range of information and more efficient links to other safety related sites.
The BSIF is looking forward to the Safety & Health Expo in May and to being able to network with the broader occupational safety community by featuring the launch of the various new initiatives in addition to showcasing its awards winners and providing a proactive communication hub for specifiers, purchasers and users of safety equipment with the supply-side of the safety industry.
Remember, if you wish to comment on any of the issues mentioned within our BSIF pages or share information on any health and safety issues affecting you or your organisation, please do not hesitate to contact us - through the Editor please.
Geoff Hooke
Secretary General to the BSIF More articles from British Safety Industry Federation: | 
