The South Wales Safety Groups Alliance has been set up to encourage businesses in the area to ensure they have systems in place to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses.
It will hold meetings and events to explore ways that workers can be kept out of harm's way. Its first event will be the first annual conference on Wednesday 13 April.
Five organisations have come together to form the alliance. They are:
• The South Wales branch of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
• The Wales branch of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management
• The South Wales Construction Safety Group
• The Cardiff and South East Wales Occupational Health and Safety Group
• The Swansea and West Wales Occupational Safety Group.
Ann Jones MBE, chair of the IOSH branch, said that by working together the groups can share information which can enhance the way employees are looked after.
She said: "As well as our annual conference we propose that the alliance will arrange other events which can contribute towards improving safety and health in businesses.
"All of our groups have the same objective. We want workers in all industries to be safeguarded. Key to this is ensuring that businesses have strong and robust plans to manage risks in workplaces.
"The risks differ depending on the industry. Some industries see workers perform many hazardous tasks, some less so. But that does not mean companies can neglect safety and health. Responsible organisations view the safety and health of their staff as a priority; as an investment rather than a cost.
More than 200 people have registered for the inaugural conference, including safety and health professionals and other representatives from South Wales businesses.
The event is being held between 9am and 4.30pm at Cardiff City Stadium and will provide delegates with the latest practical information and guidance on safety, health and wellbeing which they can take back to their own organisations.
Speakers at the event include IOSH Immediate Past President Tim Briggs and representatives from the other groups in the alliance.
Ann added: "The conference will allow delegates to improve their own knowledge and give them the opportunity to share this with their colleagues."
Phill Jones, chair of the Swansea and West Wales Occupational Safety Group, said: "We want to reduce the financial burden to organisations and our health services and promote sensible risk assessments."
Wayne Jones, chair of the Cardiff and South East Wales Occupational Health and Safety Group, said: "The safety groups that form the alliance have a long history of organising successful events for their respective members. Therefore it made perfect sense to combine this experience to put on an event fitting of our collective commitment to promoting health, safety and wellbeing."
