IOSH has named Army veteran turned OSH practitioner James Quinn as its new president.
James, who succeeds Dr Andrew Sharman to become the Institution's 54th president, is senior health and safety manager for international construction contractor Multiplex. A Chartered Fellow of IOSH, he is also vice-chair of the IOSH Construction Group.
Speaking at yesterday's AGM, James described his first steps into the health and safety profession nine years ago after two and a half decades in the forces as 'nervy and tentative', but said the support of IOSH and its members helped him navigate the difficult transition into a new career.
He said he's keen for people starting out in the profession, whether it’s their first career or they’ve just made a career change, to receive the same level of support as he did.
Turning his attention to the pandemic, James also pledged to be right behind members and the businesses they work for as they continue to adapt to new ways of working during his year-long tenure.
'Organisations around the world are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,' he said. 'Some are having to deal with resurgences and localised lockdowns. It has been a very difficult time for businesses across all sectors.
'One key focus for them is the need to ensure they keep their people safe – managing the risks of COVID transmission and all other safety and health risks.'
Acknowledging that safety and health professionals are front and centre of this, he added: 'Business leaders are turning to safety and health professionals to ensure they can navigate their way through this turbulent time. They want to ensure that they can protect their people, which, in turn, protects their business.
'The COVID-19 pandemic is unpredictable and provides us with uncertainty over what is going to happen in the next year.
'But the one thing we can be certain of is that IOSH will be side by side with its members and the businesses they work for.'
Also at yesterday's AGM, Louise Hosking was confirmed as president-elect. Louise is due to become president in Autumn 2021.
