Press Releases - 2003

16 Oct 2003

Police Conference Highlights Toxic Threat in Workplace

A major conference took place at La Mon House Hotel in Belfast on 16th October to highlight the risk of dangerous substances encountered by police officers in Northern Ireland.

Entitled 'Are we prepared?' and organised by the Northern Ireland Police Federation, the conference was attended by over 200 delegates from police federations from all over the UK and is part of European Week for Safety and Health at Work, the largest annual workplace safety and health event in Europe.

John King, Health & Safety Co-ordinator, Northern Ireland Police Federation said, "This conference provides an important opportunity for the Federation and its members to focus attention on health and safety at work. Against a background of an awareness of hazardous substances we need to assess and control this problem which is a potential health risk to officers and the general public.

"We have consistently taken the lead in health and safety matters and are working jointly with the force to improve procedures for dealing with accidents and emergencies as well as providing information and training for officers."

Speakers at the conference included representatives from PSNI, the Fire Service, Translink and Superintendent Brian Stephenson, Head of the UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary which is responsible for the transportation of nuclear material to and from the UK.

The European Week for Safety and Health at Work is backed by all EU Member States, enlargement countries, the European Commission and Parliament and trades unions and employer's federations.