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News release

21 October 2011 - NR 55/11

Local doctor wins award

A man who has saved lives in the workplace through his commitment to occupational hygiene received a lifetime achievement award at ceremony in London last night (20 October).

Dr Paul Oldershaw from Ironbridge, Shropshire, was commended by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) at the SHP IOSH Awards 2011, for his dedication to the health and safety sector.

For more than 30 years Paul Oldershaw has been a key player in occupational hygiene in the UK, the EU and globally. He started his career for the Factory Inspectorate in 1974, which is now part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), after qualifying in chemistry at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST).

Dr Oldershaw said: “I am delighted to have been given this award from IOSH. It means a lot for my work to have been recognised by the biggest industry body. When starting my career back in 1974 I did not imagine myself ever being so honoured for my efforts.”

During his time at the HSE, Dr Oldershaw worked on a number of influential projects that have helped to improve occupational hygiene. He was involved in the development of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the generic framework for hygiene requirements for chemicals, which has been widely used internationally. Dr Oldershaw has also been actively involved in promoting hygiene internationally.

He added: “Occupational hygiene is vital in any workplace to prevent unnecessary illness caused by the working environment. As industry changes, so do risks to health. Thus, it’s vital that employers, employees and health and safety professionals keep on top of any changes and understand these risks, to ensure the working environment is a safe, happy and efficient one.”

Steve Granger, president of IOSH, who presented Dr Oldershaw with his award, said: “It’s great to see experts within the health and safety industry awarded for their hard work and dedication.

“Paul Oldershaw has made a difference to workplace hygiene over the years, and in turn, this has had a positive impact on occupational health and safety. Without the effort and hard work of people like Paul, the UK would not have one of the lowest workplace accident records in Europe.”

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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.