Posted By Nigel Hammond I've just returned from the IOSH conference, and wonder what people thought of it. Here are some of my thoughts - although I have to say it was such a complex event with so many parallel sessions that every delegate's experience of the event will be different. Good Points: 1, - With the exception of a few delays on the first day, it was a very smooth and professionally run event. 2, - Most speakers were interesting! I haven't been to an IOSH conference for a few years and noticed that speakers are far more dynamic now. I particularly enjoyed the session with the Australian drama group! 3, - The subject matter was very interesting. As an Ex-Occupational Hygienist, to hear emphasis on the importance of 'health' in 'health & safety' was music to my ears. 4, - Nice to hear so much talk around management systems and road safety. Road safety seems to normally be 'owned' by ROSPA - so it is good to see IOSH giving this attention. 5, Good to get a bang-up-to-date account of corporate killing legislation. Points to improve on 1, To involve environmental health in debates - e.g. CIEH or HELA. It always amazes me how top brass from HSE come along and say what a wonderful job they are doing without mentioning the role of Environmental health officers. Most workplaces will never see an HSE inspector as they come under environmental health enforcement. I work in social care. We are inspected by EHO - not HSE, and I usually find that EHOs seem to focus mainly on food hygiene rather than H&S. 2, More time for questions and debate from the audience. This would be difficult because it would mean cutting back on talks a little but I think it would be worth it. The debate was particularly frustrating because the Inst of directors and small business leaders moaning about red-tape in health & safety needed challenging. I suspect most small businesses never see a CMIOSH H&S adviser - so it seemed rather inappropriate for the panel to start lecturing us on being more flexible and less risk adverse when dealing with SMEs. I also question the attack on red tape. It's easy to make sweeping statements but I would love to challenge these people on what aspects of H&S paper work they would remove - risk assessments, accident reporting - etc etc? 3, No mention of bird flu. I know these events need lots of pre-planning but I think they should cover important topical events like bird flu - or what ever is the buzz subject next time. I needed to get these last three points off my chest. Even so, I would highly recommend the conference to any H&S adviser.

Posted By Aidan Toner I am pleased my fellow members derived benefit from the 06 Conference.I would point out that there are two factors which will constantly work against the liklehood of myself EVER attending.I am a safety professional working in the Public Sector -As such, the fees do not equate with my organisation's training/conference budjet.The lesser point relates to geography and I suspect there are many regional professionals who have to add travel and accomodation costs to initial cost of fees(Allow Minimum £500).As an active member in both local branch and PSG Northern Ireland, I am simply pointing out the good fortune of my fellow professionals(mostly from the private sector) who can attend.

Posted By Alan Hoskins Didn't go (again) though it did sound like a worthwhile event. Cost is definitely the killer here - couldn't afford to attend the Cardiff one last year and that was local. One day... Alan

Posted By Alan Haynes The trouble with where Conference is held is that now it is so popular, there are a limited number of locations that can accommodate it. So, if it continues to be successful, I assume we are likely to rotate between those venues that can accommodate it [the likes of London, Manchester, Telford (if that succeeds in 2007) and possibly Glasgow for example] With a limited number of venues available - IOSH won't always get the dates it would like. That's probably why conference was early in March on a Monday/Tuesday this year. I note we already have a venue for next year - perhaps we should already be looking at where to go in 2008, in order to maximise our options?