The British Safety Council has announced details of its Annual Conference 2026, which will examine workplace risks that can be overlooked or underestimated despite their potential to cause serious long term harm.
Called “Hidden Hazards: From Awareness to Action”, the free virtual conference will take place across two half days on 20 and 21 October.
The event builds on the organisation’s recently launched Hidden Hazards campaign and will bring together health, safety and wellbeing professionals, industry leaders and subject specialists.
Occupational health risks in focus
The programme will examine several occupational health issues, including exposure to respirable crystalline silica and concerns around silicosis associated with engineered stone.
Sessions will also address indoor and outdoor air quality, the long term effects of asbestos exposure and workplace stressors.
Violence and aggression towards employees will form another area of discussion, reflecting the range of physical and psychological risks covered by the conference.
The programme will include panel discussions, presentations, case studies and specialist sessions intended to provide practical examples of how workplace health risks can be identified and managed.
From awareness to prevention
The first day of the conference will concentrate on identifying hidden hazards and improving awareness of their potential consequences.
Day two will turn to the policy, leadership and organisational responses required to manage these risks effectively.
Delegates will hear about the role of technology, leadership and data in supporting improvements to worker health and wellbeing, alongside examples of measures already introduced by organisations.
The event will also include contributions from people with lived experience of the consequences of exposure to workplace hazards.
Experts join conference programme
Professor Neil Greenberg, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine, will deliver the keynote address.
Other contributors include Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma and Lung UK, Kevin Bampton, Chief Executive Officer of the British Occupational Hygiene Society, Graham Petersen from the Trade Union Clean Air Network and Livi Elsmore, Senior Campaign Manager at the Healthy Air Coalition.
Charles Pickles, Founder of Airtight on Asbestos Campaign, John Pares, Chair of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management, Emily Agyeman from the National Federation of Builders and Aurélie Faugier from the Global Cooksafe Coalition are also due to contribute.
Supporting action in workplaces
Paul Fakley, Marketing and Engagement Director at British Safety Council, said: “British Safety Council believes that no one should be injured or made ill through their work. Many of the most serious workplace health risks are not immediately visible, yet they have the potential to cause life-changing harm.
“Through our Annual Conference this year we aim to bring these hidden hazards into sharper focus and equip organisations with the knowledge, tools and practical solutions needed to protect their people.
“By bringing together leading experts, employers and practitioners at our Annual Conference, we hope to inspire action that creates safer, healthier and more sustainable workplaces for everyone.”
