Valuable, informative, professional and thought-provoking – these are just some of the adjectives I’d use to describe IOSH magazine.

We’re always seeking to provide insight and practical advice to members while prompting debate about the subjects we highlight. And it seems we’re doing something right as the nearly 9500 respondents to the 2021 IOSH Membership Survey rated the magazine one of the most recognised benefits for members. Read more on page 16.

We know you won’t always agree with the thinking around a subject. Perhaps someone’s opinion is irksome? Or quite frankly, to you, it’s just plain wrong. Here at IOSH magazine, we welcome alternative points of view. We want to celebrate this about the profession. But it needs to be as part of a professional discussion.

As you know, all of the magazine’s articles are published on this website. So, if there’s anything you disagree with, or wish to comment on, or perhaps start a debate about, leave a comment at the end of the article in question. It’s important for us to be able to assess the feedback in one place so we can respond or clarify, if necessary, and so your comments can help shape the future direction of the publication. With your consent, these discussions may appear on our ‘Feedback’ page, which is due to launch in the January/February 2022 issue. We value your input and want to share this with the rest of the membership in the best possible way.

This is exactly where the idea for this issue’s cover feature originated from – member feedback. Data-gathering systems and statistical interpretation can be subject to bias, error and distortion. We ask how secure OSH statistics are and the decisions resting on them. 

At the forefront of IOSH’s WORK 2022 strategy is its professional journey programme to help members during every step of their career. This will support the lifelong development of new skills and enhanced knowledge. While there is change afoot, there is much to look forward to.  

If you have a topic you would like to see covered, email me outlining the direction you would like to see the article take. And you might just see your idea take shape within the pages of a future issue.

Emma Godfrey | Editor, IOSH magazine