IOSH quizzes Conservatives

05 October 2011

Conservative party conference delegates flocked to IOSH's innovative exhibition stand today as the Institution promoted its message that good health and safety can boost the economy.

Around 200 people took part in our 'Who wants to save a million?' quiz, which asked visitors a series of questions linked to the business benefits of occupational safety and health.

Watch out for the next Connect e-bulletin to test yourself on our Li£e Savings campaign quiz.

IOSH head of communications Ian Smart said: "It is vital that we promote the business benefits of real health and safety at a time when managers are looking to save money.

"Our message at the party conferences has been that investing in good health and safety will save an employer significant sums, thanks to a reduction in absence from work and an increase in productivity. Our 'Who wants to save a million?' stand has gone down extremely well at this week's conference in Manchester. People were leaving the stand saying that they now saw health and safety in a new light. That was exactly what we wanted to hear."

Among delegates to visit the stand was Dudley (Kingswinford South ward) councillor, who said: "I think it is an imaginative way to attract people's attention. Although it's got a message it's delivered in a way that's fun.

"The central message is clearly that real health and safety is not about penalising business. If you take it seriously and do it correctly, you will save yourselves money."

A string of high profile Conservatives visited our stand at the Manchester Central conference centre, and took part in the quiz.

Attorney General Dominic Grieve told us: "Health and safety is very important. Well-targeted health and safety regulation is essential. If applied correctly it can bring immeasurable improvements to the working environment and prevent accidents."

Other visitors included Minister for Work and Pension Chris Grayling and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles, to name but two.

Ian added: "Our members tell us all the time that they are sick and tired of health and safety being hijacked and wrongly used as a catch-all excuse to ban activities. This was a message we hammered home at every opportunity over the past couple of weeks."

Visit our blog to catch our postings from all three party conferences.

         MP Chris Grayling visits the IOSH stand to play the quiz