18 November 2008
Challenging economic times mean that health and safety is critical in ensuring firms stay afloat – that is the message from the new president of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Nattasha Freeman.
The economic downturn has meant less major construction work and more refurbishment, Freeman explained last week at the Iosh annual dinner.
"This means smaller contractors say yes to a lot more and health and safety may take second place when a full order book is the first priority.”
Freeman added that workers often become complacent about risk. “Last year, 229 people tragically lost their lives at work – and these are all accidents that may have been avoided and lives that could have been saved."
"Sensible safety and practical solutions are what is needed. To support this we need to make sure that competent health and safety professionals are there to give advice in a climate where the penalties for failing on health and safety are greater than ever."
Freeman, a former chair of Iosh’s Midland Branch, is the director for health and safety at Birmingham-based Phoenix Beard Property Consultants.
She is a chartered fellow of Iosh and has worked in health and safety for 14 years, and has previously worked on projects including the Channel Tunnel and the construction of the Five Ways Centres I and II and Regency Wharf in Birmingham.
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