RoSPA Scotland Congress to show firms how to protect their cash and kudos during tough times

The 18th annual RoSPA Scotland Occupational Safety and Health Congress, taking place next month, will explore how good safety practice can give Scottish firms crucial competitive advantage.

Places are still available for the event, which will focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by recession, taking place at the Hilton Glasgow on Wednesday, September 19 – the day before the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards.

Delegates will explore current and future health and safety issues in the wider context of budget cuts through a number of case studies and knowledge sharing with Scottish businesses.

Karen McDonnell, head of RoSPA Scotland, said: “This event provides a valuable opportunity to see how best practice in health and safety can create a competitive advantage for firms in a challenging economic climate.

“In 2011-12, 20 workers died in occupational accidents in Scotland. This was an increase on last year’s all-time low of 15. Everyone should be able to work in safety, so it is important to continue to focus on accident and ill health prevention in the workplace.

“The congress will particularly help those whose job it is to communicate the business case for health and safety in their workplace, enabling them to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, even when times are tough.”

The event, supported by educational partner Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, will open with Fraser Allan, group head of health, safety and environment at construction firm CBES Ltd, discussing “Health, safety and business resilience – Where are we now?” He will examine how Scottish organisations have used health and safety to protect themselves from damaging costs and publicity.

A variety of case study reviews covering safety leadership, communication, and health and wellbeing will run throughout the day, with plenty of top tips and practical advice given by prominent Scottish health and safety professionals. The involvement of a major Scottish firm in the resounding success of the “Big Build” for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will also be examined, and its legacy explored.

To view the full programme and to book places, visit www.rospa.com/events/scotlandcongress/ or call the events hotline on 0121 248 2120.