IOSH Conference and Exhibition 2013 Draws Record Numbers to ExCeL London

LONDON, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

More than 1800 health and safety professionals attend ExCel London to take part in the annual industry gathering

At the end of February the world's biggest health and safety organisation, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), hosted its annual flagship conference and exhibition, which this year welcomed almost 700 delegates, 114 exhibitors and 1853 visitors, a landmark year for the event with record numbers of safety & health professionals participating over the two days.

The yearly event, organised in partnership with UBM Live, focused on how health and safety professionals can strike the right balance between promoting wellbeing in the workplace and safe work practices.

IOSH President Gerard Hand said: "It was fantastic to see so many people attending this year's conference.

"Across the globe the workforce is changing, as health and safety professionals it's important we keep on top of what's going on in order to continue to reduce injury, ill-health and even death in the workplace. IOSH 2013 gave professionals the opportunity to do just that, providing them with the latest updates in the industry and helping them to stay 'fit for the future'."

Returning to ExCeL London, 2013 proved to be a perfect trial run before the event returns in 2014 as part of Safety & Health Expo from 17-18 June.

Heather Beach, Brand Director, Occupational Safety & Health Portfolio at UBM Live, said: "We are delighted that 2013 attracted record numbers this year and we certainly plan to maintain this when we return in 2014. We have had really positive feedback and we will build on this as we plan for next year, hosting this as part of Safety & Health Expo in the same great location that London ExCeL has offered us ensures another exceptional event for the industry."

Over the two days more than 60 expert speakers took part in presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops as part of the fully comprehensive conference schedule. Speakers this year included Lásló Andor, the man responsible for European Union policies on health and safety at work, who gave the international keynote speech as well the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Shadow Minister for Employment; Lawrence Waterman OBE, Head of Health and Safety for the Olympic Delivery Authority and David Ashton, Director of Field Operations at HSE, to name a few.

Speaking at the conference Labour's Stephen Timms, MP, praised safety professionals gathered at the event, but warned against cutting regulations and the lowering of standards: "Health and safety is serious business and both employers and employees alike can't afford to ignore the regulations. The UK has a fantastic health and safety record and we wouldn't have that without the hard work of the dedicated professionals in IOSH."

In its third year the dedicated CoreSkills+ stream, which is also open to non-conference delegates, was the most popular to date, welcoming 621 participants to the 24 workshops over the two days.

Additionally, the exhibition which ran alongside both the conference and CoreSkills+ witnessed a 12% increase in year on year visitor numbers along with a 5.5% increase in exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations, as well as offering advice and guidance on best practice and compliance.

Visitors to the event were equally enthusiastic praising the quality of the speakers and the numerous opportunities to network with peers. Gary Holley, Health and Safety Consultant at BHTD Ltd, stated: "The conference was extremely useful and informative. The whole experience was highly enjoyable and would recommend this to all of my colleagues."

"This event provided a unique opportunity to receive up to date information and insight into the experience of other HSW organisations. The wake-up call presentation given by Jason Anker also gave a dimensional view of the consequence of an accident at work," added, David Orr the Health and Safety Manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

In 2014 the IOSH conference will be held in conjunction with Safety & Health Exhibition in its new home at London's ExCeL, the event will take place from 17-18 June.

About UBM Live

UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies across five continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products, promote their brands and expand their markets.   Through premier brands such as MD&M, CPhI, IFSEC, TFM&A, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show and many others, UBM Live exhibitions, conferences, awards programs, publications, websites and training and certification programs are an integral part of the marketing plans of companies across more than 20 industry sectors.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 38,000 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.