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News release

5 September 2011 - NR 40/11

Dangers of Government cuts to public sector health and safety tackled at event

The dangers of cutbacks to health and safety in the public sector are up for debate today and tomorrow (5-6 September) at a national event held in Oxford.

Over 140 health and safety professionals within public sector organisations gathered at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) National Safety Symposium, at The Oxford Belfry Hotel.

During his opening address to delegates, Bruce Phillips, chair of IOSH’s Public Services Group, said: “We all face drastic budget cuts, this year and next. As our economy emerges from difficult times, we must continue to ensure that safety is prioritised and appropriately resourced within the constraints we have.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important we protect the workforce within the public sector. This year’s symposium will help you, the safety professional prepare for the difficult tasks you face in the year ahead, cutting costs and not cutting corners.”

Faced with anxiety over potential job losses and extra pressure in overstretched departments, for staff in the public sector, occupational health and safety has never been more important.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the Health and Safety Executive, urged public sector safety professionals to "demonstrate some realism” when dealing with making cutbacks. She said: “There is a good deal of change going on in the world of health and safety. There are a lot of challenges to face but the focus remains the same. Times are tough, we all have tough decisions to take and to be made.

“Cost reduction is a challenge for us all but it is also an opportunity to look for new and innovative ways of maintaining, and wherever possible even improving, on the outcomes - especially when it comes to health and safety. Because there cannot be another option.”

As well as Judith Hackitt, speakers at the two-day National Safety Symposium include chief medical advisor for the Department for Work and Pensions Bill Gunnyeon, head of strategy and organisation design for Birmingham City Council Catherine Griffith and chairman of the Association of Police Health and Safety Advisers Nick Cornwell-Smith.

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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.