Lord Young addresses IIRSM members

Keynot speech given during annual event…

The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management held its annual members luncheon at the House of Lords yesterday. Hosted by Lord Brougham and Vaux CBE, it was attended by over 100 members.

Welcomed by IIRSM Chairman Keith Scott, Lord Young gave a keynote speech mentioning his much deliberated review of health and safety. He talked about the involuntary consequence of well meant legislation and that it was essential to ensure health and safety returned to being a serious issue and the only way to achieve this was to stop it being joked about. He also mentioned that it was a disgrace that a health and safety consultants could be unqualified opening the door for incorrect advice which was accepted by trusting professionals. In conclusion, he said that health and safety would not be compromised in dangerous industries – where it was needed most.

Brian Nimick, CEO, went on to outline achievements of IIRSM over the past year which have included the launch of a new website, interactive communications tools including Facebook and Twitter as well as the successful introduction of an transparent accreditation scheme covering training centres, courses and trainers. Looking ahead Brian detailed a focus on thought leadership which will see IIRSM developing, as well as contributing to, the debate both nationally and internationally – helped by the new appointment of Barry Holt as Director of Policy and Research.

IIRSM

The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) is a professional body for health and safety practitioners and specialists in related fields who have a health and safety remit.  It was set up to advance standards in accident prevention and occupational health throughout the world.

Established in 1975 this not-for-profit organisation offers membership to practitioners in over 70 countries. IIRSM welcomes third sector engagement at every level and actively seeks partnerships with equivalent bodies throughout the world.  It has strong links with leading universities and international bodies and works to establish and promote standards of professional competence.

In support of its mission statement:  to provide recognition, information, support and enhancement to our growing membership IIRSM places the interests of its membership at the centre of everything it does.

www.iirsm.org