Industry takes SIMPL steps to improve health and safety

'Safety Matters!' is the lingering phrase at the forefront of a significant number of industry representatives minds, following their attendance at the highly commended Safety in Manufacturing Plastics (SIMPL) seminar held yesterday (7th June) at BPF House.

The principal focus, 'Practicalities of Action Plans and Communicating the Health & Safety message', was bolstered by long ranging health & safety advisement and recommendations in this workshop style event. Attending company representatives were brought up to speed on the latest requirements during taster sessions focusing on workplace inspections, accident investigations, manual handling, slips & trips and COSHH

Speaking at the event, Speaker, Lynn Edwards of Complete Risk Solutions said, “Today has been a strong indicator of industry’s commitment to adopt the SIMPL pledge. We’ve had strong support from the Health and Safety Executive and we are working together with the plastics industry to meet the objectives set out in the SIMPL Action plan.”

“The SIMPL initiative offers industry wide support to those companies that have either realised the benefits of good health and safety management and have started to implement change, or guide those that aren't sure of where to start through the first all important steps – this is an opportunity for positive change and as a tool to deliver practical safety management across our industry.

The strong support and enthusiasm was also noted by speaker, Kirsty Welsh, HM Inspector of Health and Safety at Health & Safety Executive;

“It’s positive that so many people from industry attended the event in support of the SIMPL initiative. Hopefully the information today will equip them with the tools to go back to their work places and develop action plans. There is a good partnership between all the different trade bodies, Health and Safety Executive and the Unions who have a lot of experience and motivation to help industry to make a practical and positive change,” she said.

Philip Law, Director of Public & Industrial Affairs said, “Adopting the advice outlined on the SIMPL action plan is practical and effective in the reduction of accidents, which can have a detrimental effect on business. We’ve seen a growing rate of serious work-related incidents and the turnout of the seminar is a clear indication that the industry is willing to take the necessary steps to do something. ”

 “The seminar was very good for me as I knew little about SIMPL. I think SIMPL is very necessary and the concept is excellent,” said John Watson of Martor UK.

BPF encourages all of its Members to become part of the solution by signing the SIMPL Pledge.

For more information on SIMPL please visit www.bpf.co.uk/simpl or email the BPF Health & Safety Team 
BPF tel. 0207 457 5000.