Silica and asbestos risks on British Safety Council conference agenda

What the programme will cover

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica will be examined alongside the increase in silicosis associated with engineered stone, according to Roofing Today. The programme will also address the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure. These are among the workplace risks selected for the British Safety Council’s 2026 annual conference.

The first day will concentrate on identifying hazards and improving awareness. The second will examine how policy, leadership and organisational action can address them. The event’s title is ‘Hidden Hazards – From Awareness to Action’.

Sessions will use several formats, including panel discussions, presentations, case studies and expert contributions. The programme will also include accounts from people living with the consequences of exposure, giving delegates a perspective on the effects beyond the workplace.

Who will contribute

Professor Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine, will give the keynote address. Other contributors include Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma and Lung UK, and Kevin Bampton, chief executive of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Air quality and asbestos campaign groups will also take part. The speaker list includes Graham Petersen of the Trade Union Clean Air Network, Livi Elsmore, senior campaign manager at the Healthy Air Coalition, and Charles Pickles, founder of the Airtight on Asbestos Campaign.

Construction and risk management organisations are represented by Emily Agyeman of the National Federation of Builders and John Pares, chair of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management. Aurélie Faugier of the Global Cooksafe Coalition is also listed among the contributors.

The organisers’ aims

Paul Fakley, the British Safety Council’s marketing and engagement director, will chair the conference. He said the council’s position was that work should not cause injury or illness. He warned that health hazards which are not immediately apparent could nevertheless have life-changing consequences.

Fakley said the council wanted to give organisations knowledge, tools and practical ways to protect workers. Alongside the discussion of health effects, the programme will present examples of initiatives intended to prevent exposure and address these hazards. Roofing Today’s report directs readers to the full agenda and registration.