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News release

12 May 2011 - NR 24/11

Mock accident promotes best practice

Health and safety professionals from the retail and distribution sector will gather in Warwickshire on 3 June to take part in a mock workplace accident.

Organised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) Retail and Distribution Group, the event will show those in the industry sector how to deal with a fatality in the workplace.

Steve Clark, chair of IOSH’s Retail and Distribution Group, said: “In 2010 there were 286,680 retail outlets in the UK – that’s not including all of the warehouses, distribution centres or supply chain members involved in the operation.

“The high street continues to suffer following the rise in the cost of living, so it’s more important than ever managers and bosses don’t cut corners when it comes to protecting the health and safety of the workforce.

“It’s vital that managers make sure health and safety remains top priority and does not slip or we could see fatalities and injuries in the sector rise.”

The one day event will take place at Warwick University. Based on a ‘live’ interactive learning experience, delegates will learn how to deal with staff, police, journalists, bereaved families, environmental health officers and solicitors, following an accident in a retail and distribution environment.

Mr Clark added: “This event uses a training method that has been used for training the staff of one of the biggest retailers in the UK.

“It is guaranteed to make the learning experience memorable and enjoyable, providing real solutions to what could be real health and safety issues at work.”

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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.