Safety profession meets in strength at Safety In Action

With a greater breadth and depth than ever before, the Safety In Action Conference will showcase the growing strength of occupational health and safety.

Presented by the Safety Institute of Australia for the eighth consecutive year, the conference will draw around 1000 safety professionals to the Melbourne Convention Centre to hear more than 100 Australian and international speakers across 12 specialist streams over its three days.

The conference begins with a breakfast featuring the opening address by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ms Christine Nixon who, with the theme of 'The Times They Are A Changing', will discuss Victoria Police's new approach to workplace safety in light of the Force's five-year plan.

A later keynote speaker from the first day, President and CEO of the US-based Flight Safety Foundation International, Stuart Matthews, will outline the lessons learnt in safety culture and the future challenges for government, regulators, the safety profession and the public.

Among the twelve streams at the Safety in Action 2005 Conference is the Aviation Safety stream, which was developed in partnership with Aviation Safety Foundation Australia (ASFA). The stream will focus on lessons learnt in aviation safety that will be of benefit to members of any industry interested in good safety management.

Full registration to the Safety in Action Conference entitles delegates to a free pass to the Australian International Airshow, which will be held the week before the conference, courtesy of AirShows Downunder.

Another feature of Safety in Action 2005 is the Safety in Defence stream developed in collaboration with the Department of Defence. A highlight of the stream is the presentation by Head Defence Personnel Executive Rear Admiral Brian Adams, who will explore the move from compliance-based OHS to a strategic approach in recognition of its importance to the Department of Defence's long-term capability.

Safety in Action 2005 has a new stream focusing on Current Safety Issues in Emergency Services. Other key streams include Workplace Safety for Managers & Supervisors; Risk Management; Workplace Culture and Wellness in the Workplace; Road Safety; Dealing with the Changing Legal landscape; OHS in the Transition from School to Work; OHS Representatives - New directions; Safety in Design.

Conference delegates will come together at the opening breakfast, featuring Chief Commissioner Nixon's address, and the 22 March SIA Gala dinner to share the diverse experiences of the many industries represented.

Geoff Dell, Victorian President of the Safety Institute of Australia, said the Safety In Action Conference was "an excellent opportunity for cross fertilisation and for delegates to stay abreast of the rapidly changing legislation, standards and culture of their profession."