Conference to focus on health and safety issues affecting food and drink manufacturing

Delegates hear from a speaker at last year’s conference

Combatting modern slavery, the use of new technology and preventing health problems will be among key topics at a leading food and drink industry event.

The Food and Drink Manufacturing Health and Safety Conference will also hear real-life stories as speakers share the challenges they have faced in ensuring employees aren’t injured or become ill at work and how they have overcome them.

These speakers will include Chris Moon, who will recount his experience of being held prisoner by the Khmer Rouge terror group in Cambodia and lost and arm and leg in an explosion in East Africa.

The annual conference is organised by the Food and Drink Industries Group of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), in conjunction with the Food and Drink Manufacture Health and Safety Forum.

Delegates will hear from Mark Heath, Deputy Director of Business Change at the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, who will provide an update on their work to tackle the exploitation of working people.

Clare Forshaw, Occupational Health and Hygiene Partner at Park Health and Safety, will review common health problems faced by employees and how they can be managed, while Ben Bennett, Managing Director of Luminous Group, will explore how technology can enhance health and safety training.

Meanwhile, IOSH’s Director of Strategy and Business Development Richard Orton will examine ‘the safe and healthy route to going global’ and Dr John Rowe, Head of Manufacturing and Utilities at the Health and Safety Executive, will discuss their strategy for the next decade.

Neil Catton, chair of the working party which organises the conference and member of the IOSH group, will reflect on his own personal story about the value of health and safety.

He said: “We know businesses are faced with a multitude of health and safety risks and that new ones are emerging all of time. For example, new technology is both a risk but also an opportunity, while it is crucial organisations ensure good practice is followed right through their supply chains.

“Managing these health and safety risks successfully can be the key to an enhanced reputation and increased profitability. What business wouldn’t want that?

“Our conference will focus on the major health and safety issues affecting the food and drink manufacturing industry at the moment. Delegates will leave the event armed with key updates and information which can readily be transferred to their own business.”

The conference will also see the presentation of the annual Food and Drink Health and Safety Awards.

It is being held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Broughton, on 1-2 October.

IOSH Magazine