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15 October 2010 - NR 52/10

Local health and safety hero awarded

An 88-year-old health and safety veteran has been awarded for his dedication to the industry.

John Chinnock from Nantwich, Cheshire, was praised for his commitment to health and safety by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), at its annual conference in Leicester.

John is the longest standing member of IOSH, the world’s leading occupational health and safety organisation, having signed up as a member of the institution in early 1950. John was accoladed to celebrate his 60th year as an IOSH member and for his commitment to the occupational health and safety sector.

He said: “I am delighted to have been presented this award by IOSH. When I first joined IOSH in the 1950s there were no employed staff and the institution was run by only a few members, I only had to pay just over one pound to be a member for the year.

“Health and safety has changed so much over the years. When I first started out in the profession, there was less fear of litigation and whilst a strong emphasis on preventing accidents existed, the number of accidents which took place in the workplace was higher.

“I could only have dreamed that IOSH would be where it is now – the biggest chartered health and safety charity in the world. I have so many happy memories of being a member and, made some life-long friends at the same time.

“If there is one thing I would say to young health and safety professionals today, it would be; you can’t stand on your own feet in safety you have to have backing, things are changing all the time and without IOSH you could not keep up with all the changes.”

During the past 60 years as an active IOSH member John has undertaken a number of roles including president of the institution between 1972 and 1974, chair of various specialist groups and regional branches as well as sitting on a number of committees and boards for the charity. At the height of his career John worked as chief safety officer for British Gas and in 1976 was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his contribution to the occupational health and safety profession.

Rob Strange, IOSH Chief Executive, said: “Well, what can I say apart from if there is someone that truly deserves an accolade then John is the one. He has given his time and commitment to IOSH and made a huge contribution in his time to the health and safety profession.

“Without committed members like John Chinnock, the Institution of Occupational Health and Safety would not be where it is today. He has provided us with his knowledge, time and expertise over the years and for his 60 years of dedication we are truly grateful.”

- Ends -

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.