NESHEP – Meeting Review (1 st February 2011) February’s meeting was held at Wilton International at 10.00 O’clock; The Chairman welcomed Teesside Safety Group members/committee and was pleased that there was so much support. Maurice Adamson Lifetime Achievement Award - Safety Groups UK introduced a new award for 2010 in remembrance of Maurice who sadly passed away last February; to recognise the 'Outstanding contribution from an individual to the Safety Groups Movement'. A fitting tribute to a dear friend who worked tirelessly and selflessly for the health & safety movement in the region. http://www.safetygroupsuk.org.uk/awards/index.htm#ma_award2010 HSE’s support for EMSS Scheme - "HSE’s strategy for health and safety in the 21 st Century calls on organisations to show leadership including in the sharing of knowledge and good practice. EMSS is an example of knowledge sharing to meet the needs of the current world of work, helping companies and individuals to access training records and to verify levels of competence in a mobile workforce." Judith Hackitt CBE, Chair of HSE Our main speaker Dr Patrick Morton, Managing Director of ‘Lucion Environmental’ gave a presentation on Asbestos and the problems it can bring. He also gave us an update on the regulations and covered Surveyor Competency and the costs associated with getting it wrong. The presentation will be available on the LinkedIn Group page ‘North East Safety Health & Environmental Partnership’ http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=2191817 If you are not a member of LinkedIn or the group just click on ‘join today’. Dave Swalwell, Senior Operations manager of Deborah Services LTD gave a presentation on the history of NESHEP and the function of the Subgroups which provided our TSG colleagues with an overview of the Partnership and potential benefits if both groups were to merge. Examples included: • Stronger more focused committee • Larger Attendances • More Networking Opportunities • Active Subgroups developing innovative solutions • Instant Savings on Venue and other obvious administration costs Members of both groups were given the opportunity to voice their opinions/concerns during this presentation to help us determine a way forward for the benefit of our member companies and industry as a whole. There were no negative comments from the floor; one comment was made regarding level of subscriptions which can be addressed during the next TSG’s AGM.