The British Safety Council has announced a programme of free seminars on the latest developments in health, safety and environmental law, policy and practice at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre (NEC) on 11-13 March 2014.

Taking place as part of the free-to-attend Health & Safety Event organised by Western Business Exhibitions, the seminars will be presented by experts in health, safety, environmental management and law. The nine seminars over the three days will provide an expert insight into important developments in the management and regulation of workplace health and safety and the environment.

On day one of the conference (Tuesday 11 March) Jane Willis, director of cross-cutting interventions at Great Britain's safety regulator the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), will explain some of the main developments in health and safety regulation and enforcement in light of the government's attempts to cut business red tape.

There have been a number of changes to health and safety regulations, guidance and enforcement practices affecting UK businesses, and Jane will explain what these are likely to mean for the future regulation of health and safety in Britain.

Day one will also see the first of three presentations by specialist lawyers on important developments in the investigation, enforcement and prosecution of those businesses and individuals who breach health and safety rules.

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Mark Tyler, a solicitor at Salutaris Legal, will explain how organisations found in breach of health and safety law during site visits by HSE inspectors are now liable for the regulator's investigation costs at a rate of £124 per hour, creating a significant financial incentive to ensure adequate management of heath and safety.

On day two, Kevin Bridges, a partner at Pinsent Masons law firm, will explain the significance of recent landmark health and safety prosecutions and key developments concerning the offence of corporate manslaughter.

On day three, Chris Green, partner and head of regulatory (Midlands), at Weightmans LLP, will be conducting a mock trial. The mock trial features a prosecution following a fatal accident of a person while driving at work.

Case studies

The seminars will also explore practical approaches that have been adopted by organisations to prevent the risk of workplace injuries and ill-health occurrences.

On day two (Wednesday 12 March) John Holt, health, safety and environmental director at the globally-renowned power systems giant Rolls Royce, will explain how his company ensures excellent health and safety standards at its complex manufacturing and testing sites.

On day three (Thursday 13 March), Steve Hailes, health and safety director for Crossrail, Europe's largest railway and infrastructure construction project, will outline successful approaches to managing health and safety adopted on the giant project, and plans to create a lasting health and safety legacy for the global civil engineering sector.

The remaining presentations are:

• Good health: The benefits of investing in employee wellness – what the evidence shows – Susan Elston, VP operations excellence, Global Offshore & Marine, Sodexo Remote Sites (Tuesday 11 March)

• Effective environmental and sustainability practices by business – Howard Dawes and Dr Keith Whitehead, senior environment consultants, British Safety Council (Thursday 13 March)

• Preventing exposure to vibration from powered hand tools in construction – Stewart McNaughton, health & safety consultant (HAVS), Reactec (Wednesday 12 March).

Neal Stone, policy and communications director at the British Safety Council, said: "The Health & Safety Exhibition and Conference is the must attend event for all of those involved in the management of health, safety and environmental risks in the Midlands and beyond.

"The British Safety Council has carefully put together a programme of nine education seminars over the course of the three-day event on topics of considerable interest and importance to all of those involved in managing workplace risks. All of the speakers are renowned experts in their fields."

(MH/JP)