James Quinn, senior health and safety manager for Multiplex, has been confirmed as the new president for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
James Quinn will succeed Dr Andrew Sharman, who becomes immediate past president.
The new president of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) said it will be “right behind its members and the businesses they work for” as they continue to adapt to new ways of working.
James Quinn, said that with the Covid-19 pandemic causing uncertainty, businesses are turning to safety and health professionals as they seek to protect their people and their futures.
Protecting people and business
Quinn said: “Organisations around the world are recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Some are having to deal with resurgences and localised lockdowns. It has been a very difficult time for businesses across all sectors.
“One key focus for them is the need to ensure they keep their people safe – managing the risks of Covid transmission and all other safety and health risks. Safety and health professionals are front and centre of this, guiding their businesses through these difficult times.
“Business leaders are turning to safety and health professionals to ensure they can navigate their way through this turbulent time. They want to ensure that they can protect their people, which, in turn, protects their business.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is unpredictable and provides us with uncertainty over what is going to happen in the next year.
“But the one thing we can be certain of is that IOSH will be right behind its members and the businesses they work for.”
Quinn said to ensure the profession supports businesses into the future, it is crucial that it continues to recruit a high calibre of people, something he is keen to focus on in his presidential year.
This, he said, can be done in two ways: through people seeking a career change moving into safety and health and through those starting their working life.
James Quinn was confirmed as president for 2020-21 at the IOSH AGM.
Louise Hosking was confirmed as president-elect for Autumn 2021.
Three new vice-presidents were also confirmed – Ciarán Delaney, Lawrence Webb and Neil Catton.
