Working life ensuring people are kept safe (From Ledbury Reporter)

Working life ensuring people are kept safe

3:30pm Wednesday 3rd November 2010 in Ledbury & Malvern Business News By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

A MAN who has spent 38 years keeping people safe has received a lifetime achievement award for his outstanding contribution to the occupational health and safety sector.

Roger Bibbings, from Colwall near Malvern, was commended by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) at an awards night in London.

Mr Bibbings began his career in health and safety in 1972, working as a research assistant for the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers.

Since April 1994, he has worked in Birmingham at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as occupational safety adviser, advising the organisation on all matters associated with work-related risk. Within his health and safety career, which began in the trade union movement, Mr Bibbings has striven passionately for improvements to the working lives of thousands.

Mr Bibbings, a Chartered Fellow of IOSH, said: “I am highly flattered to be named this year’s winner.

“During my career I have received much help and encouragement and have been given many opportunities. Safety is all about people working together –so when individuals are singled out for recognition and thanks, it is crucial to understand their contribution as part of a much bigger team.

“As we move into a new political era, progress achieved over the last three decades in health and safety cannot be taken for granted, and we remain vulnerable to both external sceptics and zealots alike.

“However, IOSH, among other organisations, are the key bulwarks in the defence of the carefully crafted and balanced system we have built for protecting workers and others at risk. I would like to say I am proud to still be a brick in that fortification.” President of IOSH John Holden said: “There is no doubt that Roger Bibbings has made a significant difference to the safety of the working lives of people across the UK. His hands-on approach over the last 25 years has earned him the utmost respect from his peers.

“His passion and enthusiasm for his industry have made a huge impact on UK health and safety.”

Also attending was Lawrence Waterman, director of Symon, the organisation that sponsored the award.