Meeting Schedule

Here is the Meetings Schedule for 2014

Meeting Dates for 2015

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13th January 2014
Work at Height

Jon O’Neil from Avalon will discuss their experience in undertaking work in challenging environments, including being involved in breaking a Guinness World Record for suspending the world’s biggest bra from the ITV Southbank Building.

Focusing on specialist access solutions for the built environment. The presentation covers such topics as working at height hazards and solutions, the design, installation and maintenance of safety systems, working in hard to reach areas. CDM co-ordinator questions, specialist lifts (as used on the Olympic Velodrome) and working safely over rail, water and pedestrians. Also working on ropes, climbing with and without ropes (aid climbing). Other topical subjects covered are Why Scaffold?, Abseiling vs. Scaffolding, Cost and Safety!

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10th February 2014

Confined Spaces Training

Ken Smith from ARCO will give a presentation on where confined spaces can be found and explore areas where they exist but are often overlooked. Confined space training is required for anyone involved in confined spaces and the different requirements are discussed.

What’s in it for me? Confined spaces have traditionally been identified in either industry in general, particularly in oil and gas or specifically in the water industry. Experience has shown that many manufacturing sites have only recently identifying that some areas in factories are confined spaces. In addition, confined spaces are found in many buildings and installations where previously their existence had not been considered. University and hospital buildings are examples along with airports and other infrastructures.

In organisations that have only recently discovered the existence of confined spaces in the areas they manage, understanding the requirement for training the differing groups of people involved in any entry of maintenance can be daunting. The issues surrounding rescue from confined spaces can be complex and needs planning against the background that “calling 999” is not considered to be “suitable and sufficient arrangements”. There are specific training requirements to be discussed.

Who should attend? Anyone who finds they have, or may have, confined spaces in the areas they manage and want clarification on the training requirements or the identification of confined spaces.

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17th March 2014

The Equalities Act for H&S Managers


Albert Peters, Director of Pegasus Personnel Consultancy, will give a presentation on the Equality Act 2010 and its implications for H&S Managers.The Equality Act 2010 replaces the old Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The new Act contains requirements that have been updated and extended, particularly with regard to making “reasonable adjustments” for disabled persons.He poses the questions. Has it worked? What impact has the Equality Act 2010 had on employers? Has it changed employer’s willingness to make “reasonable adjustments”?Albert Peters specialises in Employee Relations work and has dealt with some complex cases involving employees with a disability or ill health.Come and find out what initiatives have been taken recently. Also to hear what has been said by employees, Trades Unions and the Courts

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14th April 2014
AGM & HSE Update

The Annual General Meeting will be held at the start of the meeting. A Letter of Invitation, Agenda, Minutes of last year’s AGM and Nomination Form for Election to the Committee are available as a download.Richard Boland, HSE Inspector, will discuss legislative changes that have been introduced in the past 12 months together with other planned and implemented changes within the HSE. They will also discuss target areas for special attention within London and the Home Counties during next year. Also partnership focal areas agreed with Safety Groups UK.

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12th May 2014 (9.30 – 16.00)

Gordon Hicks Memorial Day
Construction Safety

This all day workshop is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Hicks, who died in July 2012. There will be a charge to cover the catering costs. For further details see the Programme and Booking Form. All applications are to be made using the Booking Form.


CDM Update

 

Louise Brearey, HSE Head of Operations Construction Southern, will provide an update on the recent changes to CDM. Also what documentation an inspector expects on construction sites for commercial and domestic projects.

Ground Surveys

 

Nigel Knowles, Geotec Surveys, will discuss what to do when “You’re sure there’s something down there, but do not know exactly where?” He will explain how to find out without digging.

An Architect’s and a Site Manager’s Viewpoints

Belinda Simpson, Geoff Beardsley & Partners Ltd, and Ian Walters, Survey2site Ltd, will present an Architect’s and a Site Manager’s Views on Safety in the Construction Industry.

Workforce Safety Training

Sonia Rawlings, SR Partnership, will provide an overview of the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme and the forthcoming changes.

Safety Leadership

Dougie Guildford, Head of Safety Willmott Dixon, will give a presentation on Safety Leadership in the Construction Industry.

Hand Arm Vibration

Stewart McNaughton, Havmeter, will discuss how to assess Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome in the construction industry.

A Reality Check
A Contractor’s Viewpoint on the Olympic 2012 project.

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9th June 2014
Managing Sickness Absence

Tracey Harding, Head of Health & Safety at Unison will give a presentation on Managing Sickness Absence.Sickness absence procedures should support sick & injured workers as well as taking into account the needs of the business.How will the external referral service impact the way in which employers manage the return to work process. Will it be detrimental to the health & well-being of the workers? Or will it make a positive contribution to the management of sickness and well-being in the workplace?

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15th September 2014

Accident Investigation

Kizzy Augustin, Senior Associate at Pinsent Masons LLP will be presenting on “Accident Investigations and Incident Investigation Protocol”, which will include how and why to conduct an incident / accident investigation, the HSE and Local Authority investigatory and interview powers and practical tips on incident protocol and how to avoid criminal liability in the event of an investigation or prosecution from an Enforcing Authority 

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 16th October 2014  

Visit to Ford Motor Company 

This is a rare opportunity to visit one of the most renowned manufacturing sites in the UK.  

Ford Dagenham is a major automotive factory operated by the Ford of Britain subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. The plant opened in 1931 and has produced 10,980,368 cars and over 37,000,000 engines in its history.

Today it remains one of the largest manufacturers of engines in the world and is a key part in the company’s  global distribution chain.

During the tour you will get to see the manufacturing process as well as the logistics side of the operation and have plenty of chances to discuss how Ford implement their safety procedures in such a varied work environment.  

Numbers are limited so members will be chosen at random.

Please email Lisa at londonhealthandsafetygroup@gmail.com no later than 3rd October. You will be advised either way the following week. 

9:30 arrival for a 10am start (visitors passes etc will need to be completed before 10), the tour will finish approx. 13:00 – 13:30  

You will need to provide your own safety shoes and hi-viz top ( jacket / vest) . No footwear – no entry ! As the site is a port you will also need to carry photographic ID on you at all times. 

By prior arrangement we will be able to collect you from Dagenham Dock Station (C2C), there is ample free car parking available on site if you wish to drive. 
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10th November 2014
Stress

This meetings topic will be about Stress. A subject that is often talked about but with little action forthcoming in dealing with it.

The speaker is Nick Achilleos

Nick is the Commercial Director of The Stress Management Society – a leading international authority on work place wellbeing and recognising and managing stress. His passion and expertise lies with helping organisations from across the planet recognise the cultural and commercial impact of workplace stress, understand the exposure from a risk management perspective and providing guidance to maximise profitability. This is achieved through two way dialogue and the creation of programmes and initiatives designed to help staff and management excel under pressure and in turn increase productivity and efficiency.

He spends his time working with his clients at board level developing a strong business case in order to achieve high level buy in, engagement, and investment in the formation of strategic wellbeing initiatives.

His understanding of the value of staff performance maximisation and how to set business strategies to achieve this, has allowed him to excel in his field of expertise. Nick is a regular contributor to various media channels, providing his expert knowledge and opinion.

The Society is recognized as one of the UK’s leading authorities on stress management issues. It is included in the NHS’s Mental Health Promotion sub-committee. It works with a broad range of companies and agencies too – from advising British Airways on how to reduce passenger stress (www.ba.com/wellbeing) to working with executives from organizations as diverse as Shell, the Home Office and The Football Association.

The Society is widely quoted as an authority on stress management issues, having appeared in media from Top Sante, Men’s Health, Glamour magazine, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, and Bride magazine to Channel Five news. They frequently appear on BBC and commercial radio being interviewed about stress management.

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15th December 2014
Fire Risk Assessors

David Ware, Fire Risk Consultancy, will discuss how a client can judge the core competence of a Fire Risk Assessor. This is essential information when it comes to appointing and managing a Fire Risk Assessor.David will review issues arising from the fire at Lakanal House, a 14 story tower block with a central staircase. Also the need to train housing managers to do the FRAs for their buildings.