Recently, seven of the UK’s most prominent Health & Safety organisations have come together to form the Occupational Safety & Health Stakeholder Alliance which will offer an all-round perspective on critical safety & health issues. This is the first time that these organisations are coming together with the hopes that going forward to only help to increase the safety of our customers.
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), British Safety Council, British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) signed a memorandum of understanding on May 12th 2023 to create the Occupational Safety and Health Stakeholder Alliance.
The members of this group possess a comprehensive range of competencies that cover all aspects of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) considerations. These competencies include expertise in areas such as education, regulation, policy creation, defining professional standards, and providing thought leadership. Together, they form a cohesive and unified voice for the OSH industry, leveraging their combined knowledge and experience to offer valuable insights and guidance for OSH decision-making both at the government policy-making level and within corporate environments. Through collaboration and cooperation, this group aims to support and inform OSH initiatives and measures, ultimately contributing to the improvement of workplace safety and well-being.
Numerous members of the Alliance have actively participated in lobbying efforts with key Government departments. Their objective is to protect essential UK Safety & Health legislation that originated from the European Union and is currently covered by the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill. This advocacy work will remain a central focus for the Alliance going forward.
Although the UK has achieved commendable progress in ensuring workplace safety, there are still significant tasks ahead. Apart from safety concerns, the “Alliance” will prioritize the subject of health, with a specific focus on mental health. Recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that mental health issues related to the workplace contribute to over 50% of all workplace incidents. Addressing and improving mental health conditions in the workplace will be an immediate and crucial area of concentration for the Alliance.
About the OSH Stakeholder Alliance
The Occupational Safety & Health Alliance membership includes BOHS, British Safety Council, BSIF, CIEH, IIRSM, IOSH and ROSPA.
British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) is the leading authority on occupational hygiene in the UK. They have strong partnerships with national and international health and safety organizations, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), trade unions, and businesses. Their members come from various fields like industry, health, education, and research, making them the most prominent hygiene society in Europe. Our main goal is to advance the profession for all practitioners, regulators, academics, and students.
As a respected society with a history of over 60 years, they offer internationally recognized qualifications, scientific conferences, membership services, and publications. The Faculty of Occupational Hygiene within BOHS is internationally known for its professional examinations and qualifications.
British Safety Council
BSC is a registered charity that strongly believes no one should get hurt or fall sick because of their job. They work to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of workers, understanding that a safe and healthy workplace benefits businesses too. BSC provides various services and products, collaborating with organizations, charities, and individuals who share their vision. They aim to ensure that every worker stays healthy and returns home in the same good condition as when they started their workday.
British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF)
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) was established in 1994 to represent and support businesses that keep people safe and healthy at work. It originated from the “Personal Safety Manufacturers Association” and has now grown to include over 350 manufacturers, importers, and distributors of personal protective equipment and safety products. It also involves providers of specialist services like Approved Bodies and accredited test houses.
The Federation’s main goals are to influence and shape safety-related legislation in the UK and to have an impact on national, European, and global standards that apply to the market. To achieve this, BSIF collaborates closely with relevant authorities such as the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, the Health and Safety Executive, and Trading Standards organizations.
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
CIEH is the leading organisation for environmental health professionals, representing over 7000 members in various sectors like government, businesses, and non-profit organisations. CIEH firmly believes that by acting in environmental health, people’s well-being can be enhanced.
Environmental health plays a crucial role in improving health and reducing disparities. CIEH advocates for government policies that address the needs of communities and businesses, ensuring that our environment and health continue to improve and thrive.
Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM)
The Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IRSM) is a professional organisation based in the UK but with a worldwide presence. Their main goal is to ensure that individuals and organisations everywhere feel secure, supported, and empowered to identify and handle risks, safeguarding their surroundings and lives.
Through partnerships with different organisations, they have gained extensive knowledge about the challenges and opportunities they encounter.
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
IOSH, the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, is a worldwide organisation that supports health and safety professionals. Since 1945, their mission has been to help members create safe, healthy, and sustainable workplaces. As a charitable organization with international NGO status, they provide qualifications, develop training, and advocate for positive change.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. (RoSPA)
RoSPA is a prominent advocate for health and safety, working to prevent avoidable accidents. Their goal is to create a life where people are free from accidental injuries. They influence the government on important safety issues, and they are pioneers in organising the world’s largest health and safety awards. Additionally, they offer a range of RoSPA qualifications that help individuals and employers learn how to keep their colleagues safe and protect them from accidents and health issues.
To find out more visit our Quality and Compliance page on the website.