IOSH President's message to NZ safety officers

23 February 2011

IOSH's President, Steve Granger, said the Institution was here to help answer appeals for support from New Zealand’s safety officers in wake of the Christchurch earthquake.

Safety managers on the South Island’s east coast will be part of the continuing rescue effort today – and they will have a crucial role in the city’s recovery from Tuesday’s devastating tremor.

They will be advising emergency services, businesses and local authorities, completing risk assessments for a diverse range of sites, analysing and planning for potential risks from damaged electrical networks and major gas leaks, and delivering on-hand safety training to staff across agencies.

With more than 200 members on the Pacific island and its close working with the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management, IOSH has close ties with the country.

Steve said: “Our hearts go out to the people of Christchurch. I am also reminded that people in health and safety are usually right in the middle of events like this.

“The IOSH forums reach people across the world and are there for our colleagues in New Zealand if they need extra advice or information from our wide community of members."