Sector: Food and Drink

New guidance sets out how to return to work safely during the pandemic

AB Agri Ltd scooped first place in the International Food and Drink Health and Safety Awards 2017.The organisation introduced its ‘Engagement Project’, a scheme which saw the introduction of safety learning opportunities (SLOs) as a way of ensuring that issues were reported and acted on appropriately.

The National Food and Drink Manufacturing Health and Safety Conference will focus on topics like the ageing workforce and sentencing guidelines, with case studies being used to bring the event to life.Meanwhile former England rugby international and RAF pilot Rory Underwood, who is now a development director at risk management services company Alcumus, will talk about his experiences, focusing on behavioural-based safety.

Delegates at this year’s National Food and Drink Manufacturing Health and Safety Conference will hear how some of the industry’s leading names have reduced sickness absence, improved productivity and created more resilient workforces through promoting staff health and wellbeing.Experts will deliver latest-thinking around combatting fatigue in shift workers, catering for the safety and health requirements of an aging workforce, preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and developing safety leadership throughout a business whatever its size.

Companies based in the UK and overseas can share their successful solutions to occupational safety and health issues in the sector through the International Food and Drink Health and Safety Awards 2016.The awards are organised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) Food and Drink Group, with the support of the Food and Drink Manufacture Health and Safety Forum in the UK.

Experts will share the latest thinking, technology and best practices for identifying, managing and eradicating causes of MSDs in the sector, during an event to be staged by the IOSH Food and Drink Group next month.Industry statistics continue to identify MSDs as a major cause of prosecutions and major injuries to workers in the UK food industry. MSDs are also a significant cause of emotional stress and can reduce the quality of life for those affected.