Occupational health problems to be tackled at RoSPA conference

With ill health accounting for more than 99 per cent of work-related deaths, 84 per cent of sickness absence and 43 per cent of all health and safety incidents each year, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is looking to reduce these worrying numbers at its Occupational Safety and Health Congress.

Although safety is frequently the priority for organisations, and continues to be an important focus for protecting the workforce, only one per cent of work-related deaths occur as a result of safety breaches with the rest being from occupational ill health.

At the Occupational Safety and Health Congress on Wednesday November 19, at 15 Hatfields in London, a series of speakers will address the most pressing issues currently affecting the workforce up and down the UK.

From mental health and stress management, to occupational cancer and hearing loss, the talks will deliver learning opportunities, practical solutions to issues, and best practice examples of ill health reduction currently being implemented in a range of sectors.

Presenters include Nick McGruer, the deputy director for health and wellbeing at the Department for Work and Pensions, who will be discussing the effect of the new Health and Work Service, and HM inspector of health and safety at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Chris Lucas, who will talk about occupational health risks in the construction industry.

Tom Mullarkey, chief executive at RoSPA, said: “The protection of staff at work is imperative, and safety matters are rightly given the utmost consideration by employers across the country.

“But occupational ill health is a major issue within the UK’s workplaces, and can take many forms – from tinnitus and stress to asbestos-related cancer and mental health issues.

“Thankfully we are now seeing an ever-increasing number of employers turning their attentions to preventative measures, but we want to put the spotlight on the issue and bring the problem to the forefront of the workplace health and safety psyche.”

To find out more about the Occupational Health and Safety Congress, or to book your place, call 0121 248 2089 or see www.rospa.com/events/congress/