Youíve got to speculate to accumulate

Having problems getting your board to agree to spend on health and safety? You ought to get along to this yearís National Safety Symposium.

Greer Bailey, employee relations manager health, safety and well being at Devon County Council will explain how she managed to persuade her bosses to change the councilís occupational health services through emphasising return on investment.

Her presentation, entitled ëBuilding a quality business case for health and well-being managementí, will show that spending is sometimes the key to saving.

Greer said: ìLocal authorities have a number of key national strategies to implement that influence senior manager decision-making. It isnít easy to sell occupational health initiatives because they can cost thousands of pounds, but investing in occupational health can help you increase productivity.

ìBut I told my management board that by spending 140,000, they could save 1 million in absence costs. This could also form part of their annual efficiency saving which all local authorities are required to achieve.î

The National Safety Symposium takes place at the Holiday Inn, in Leicester city centre, on 4-5 September. It has the theme ëCommunication in todayís workplaceí. Other keynote speakers include:

Bob King, director of health, safety and environmental training and consultancy, EEF West Midlands (Woodland Grange)

Peter McCabe, director of manpower education safety, Construction Industry Federation

Wendy Thompson, managing director, Accident and Risk Management Solutions Ltd

Simon Ancliffe, managing director, Evacuation Strategies

Make your booking today by calling the events team on 0116 257 3231 or emailing charlotte.siviter@iosh.co.uk Tickets for the full conference, including overnight accommodation and meals, cost 375 VAT, with a one-day option priced 175 VAT. Bookings must be received by 25 August 2006.

Please visit www.iosh.co.uk/events for more details about the event.