London 07 July 2015: Safety & Health Expo 2015 closed its doors on ExCeL London after a successful show that saw a huge 43% increase in visitors to the show from the previous year. Taking place from 16 – 18 June, each day was a celebration of the health and safety industry, with over 90 hours of workshops and seminars, 350+ exhibitors and three inspirational keynote speakers; Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Chris Hoy and Baroness Karren Brady.
Now in its second year in London, Safety & Health Expo continues to cement its place as the National show for the health and safety industry, visitors came from the breadth and length of the country with 25% more visitors from the East Midlands and 30% more from Yorkshire and Humberside.
A key highlight of 2015 was Sir Ranulph Fiennes discussing safety in extreme conditions as part of Protection & Management’s Inspirational Keynote Speakers, hosted by organiser, UBM. Fiennes captivated the audience with his anecdotes of his adventures across the globe, alongside a discussion on how essential it is to be prepared for every aspect of safety. A packed out theatre were hooked on every word as Fiennes presented a candid story of the effects extreme temperatures can have on the body and lessons learned that can be used in every day scenarios. Fiennes also pledged his support to Health & Safety Week when at the event, which takes place over the week of Safety & Health Expo and highlights the importance of excellence within the industry, with a 2015 focus on occupational health.
Additional popular seminar sessions included talks from Steve Perkins at BOHS, Nicole Vazquez of Worthwhile Training, Jason Anker, who was paralysed in a workplace accident, and talks on lone worker safety. The free education across the show provided elements of all areas of health and safety, visitors were able to ensure they were able to keep up to speed on industry issues, in particular the latest legislation changes with CDM and COMAH updates which proved extremely popular with total people attending the sessions up 54% in 2015.
Back by popular demand, the Safety & Health Expo Innovation Trail took place, signposting to visitors where they could find the latest innovations across the show floor. There were more than 30 successful participants that made it onto the Innovation Trail, giving product demonstrations of the newest products to be launched to the health & safety industry, these included: Havsco, TAGEVAC, Arco and Skyguardall.
After a successful launch in 2014, Safety & Health Live! showcased the latest PPE equipment down the catwalk. Injecting even more fun to the show floor, models and dancers took to the stage to demonstrate key features of the latest PPE and workwear products from industry leaders Centurion, Scott Safety, Evac + Chair, Hi-Tec Sport, plus many more. This once again demonstrated the vital role that PPE and protective work wear plays in saving lives every day.
Visitors to Safety & Health confirmed their enjoyment at the 2015 event, Kevin Mann, Health & Safety Advisor at Omniserv said: “Great event, very interested in ways to improve the culture within our company from those at all levels. This was my first visit to the expo and found it extremely good for myself and my college who I brought along, will be recommending for further years to come.”
Running alongside Safety & Health Expo, Health & Safety Week 2015 was supported across the event. Heather Beach, director of the OSH portfolio at UBM EMEA, took part by climbing the JSP wall and raised more than £700 for Richard House Children’s Hospice. Commenting on the event, Beach said: “We’ve been thrilled about the impact that Safety & Health Expo has had this year, it’s a true celebration of health and safety all in one place by everyone who is passionate about it. We are proud to be a founding organiser of Health & Safety Week and be able to raise the profile of the industry in such a positive way.”
Supporting women in the industry, two Women in Safety & Health Forums also took place at the event, looking at the theme of effective communication and led to discussions of women’s experiences in different industries. Health and Safety Week was supported throughout the Expo, with visitors showcasing their ‘helfies’, including a few rather famous supporters.
For more information, go to www.safety-health-expo.co.uk
