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17 February 2012 - NR 01/12

Local WWII evacuee awarded for his dedication to health and safety

An 84-year-old war-time evacuee was awarded yesterday (16 February) for his dedication to saving lives in the workplace.

Edward Slater, from Waveney, known to his friends and family as Ted, was awarded and praised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and Waveney District Council at a small ceremony, at Lowestoft Town Hall.

Ted, who was evacuated to Suffolk at the age of 11 during the Second World War, always wanted to save lives, so he followed a career path in occupational health and safety.

He said: “It’s good, as far as I’m concerned, that IOSH and Waveney District Council have recognised me. I feel that the work I’ve done is valued and that’s an honour.

“Since starting my career back in 1948, I have seen a number of changes in the industry. Workplace accidents and fatalities were high when I first started out, but now the UK has one of the best records in the world – it’s nice to think I may have made a small contribution to that.”

When his health and safety career first kicked-off, Ted found himself working in fact, as an assistant to the health and safety officer. As his career developed Ted then went on to work for the likes of the Air Ministry, beans manufacturer, H.J Heinz, and RAF Orfordness, Suffolk Radio Research Station, before moving onto health and safety in the construction of nuclear power stations.

Ted added: “Working for Heinz was quite an experience. Heinz was opening a new factory in Wigan – it was to be the largest food factory in Europe. As senior safety officer I was tasked with ensuring the production machinery was UK compliant and that 4,000 new members of staff received health and safety training.

“One of the perks of the job was the staff sales where you could pick up tins of baked beans for a fraction of the price – I still eat Heinz beans now, nothing beats them.”

On top of all of his achievements, Ted is also one of the longest standing members of IOSH, having signed up as a member of the Institution in the early 1950s.

Andrew Bagworth, chair of IOSH’s East Anglia Branch, said: “This is a tremendous achievement. Ted’s dedication and passion for health and safety has no doubt helped save lives and prevented people from being injured. He’s an inspiration to the younger members of our profession, we’re delighted to have awarded him for 60 years of service to IOSH and we’re proud to have him as a member.”

After his retirement in 1993 Ted lectured at Lowestoft Technical College and became a voluntary, independent member of the Waveney District Council Standards Committee - ensuring high standards of ethical behaviour among district and parish/town Council members.

Cllr Peter Collecott, Chairman of Waveney District Council, said: “As far as I am concerned, Ted is a genuine local hero, dedicating his life to protecting others and I am absolutely delighted that he is being recognised.

“It is easy to take safety in the workplace for granted, however it’s thanks to people like Ted that standards have improved over the years and he thoroughly deserves this award.”
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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.