Changing work, new risks: are we prepared?

News release: British Safety Council

2 May 2018

Changing work, new risks: are we prepared?

British Safety Council’s conference in Bristol explores how the risks associated with work are changing and what can be done to prepare for the future:

–       What are the health implications of working with robots that don’t need rest or social interaction?  

–       How is the gig economy changing the relationship between employers and their workforce?
 

–       How can employers ensure good quality work and help their staff gain resilience for dealing with new working practices?

–       How will the UK’s regulatory framework be affected by Brexit and the changing economy?

Bringing together thought leaders and expert speakers on the changing nature of work, the British Safety Council, is hosting a one-day conference in Bristol, at the Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel, on 24 May 2018. It will examine how work is changing and what can be done to keep workers healthy and the economy productive.

The event is inspired by the  Future risk: Impact of work on health, safety and wellbeing report commissioned by the British Safety Council from Robertson Cooper, which focuses on the risks for employee safety and wellbeing of  developments such as automation, the ‘any time any place’ work, impact of modern communication technologies and ‘flexible’ employment contracts. 

Matthew Holder, Head of Campaigns at the British Safety Council, said: “The world of work it is rapidly changing, bringing about both opportunities and considerable risks not only to businesses, the economy and the environment but also to wellbeing, health and safety of employees. It’s imperative that employers gain an understanding of what’s in store and take a strategic view on how to deal with these challenges.

“The conference speakers, leading experts in their fields, will examine these issues from their unique perspectives and open the forum for discussion, sharing of experiences and best practice. This should help the event participants to develop their own strategies and solutions for the future, enabling their companies to retain healthy and high-performing employees.”

THE PROGRAMME OF THE CONFERENCE

9:00    Registration 

9:25    Welcome – Matthew Holder, Head of Campaigns, British Safety Council

9:30    Future risk: Impact of work on health, safety and wellbeing – Paula Brockwell, Head of Client Delivery, Robertson Cooper Ltd
How the changing world of work will impact on health, safety and wellbeing

10:30 Emerging risk – Prof Andrew Curran, Chief Scientific Adviser and Director of Research, HSE
The latest thinking on new and emerging risks and how the regulator and others can prepare for change.

11:15  Technology transformation – Chris Wales, Chief Technology and Marketing Officer, British Safety Council
How technology is changing the workplace and the way we work – the latest developments

11:45  Future of regulation – Prof Paul Almond, Research Division Leader, Law; University of Reading
The potential impact of Brexit on the health and safety regulatory framework and on business

12:15  Lunch

13:15 Shifting the political landscape – Julie Girling, MEP, Representing South West England and Gibraltar
How are the forthcoming political changes likely to affect work in the future; how to plan for these changes

13:45  Turning a theory into practice – Beth Gaudin, Senior Consultant, Forster Communications
Creating a wellbeing programme – practical advice and case studies

14:30  Thriving – Mark Davies, Founder, 7Futures Ltd
Learning from the best: how the most trusted brands improve their culture, employee engagement and resilience

15:15  Closing remarks – Matthew Holder, Head of Campaigns, British Safety Council

15:30  Close