Health & Safety Now a Leading Business Risk in the UK
Earlier this month, David Moss, Technical Manager at AIC, attended the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Food and Drink Industries Health and Safety Conference, where it was confirmed that Health & Safety (H&S) is now considered a leading risk to UK businesses - ranking ahead of cyber-attacks, data loss, regulatory breaches, systems and controls, bribery and corruption, and breaches of sanctions.
A cautionary case study was also shared, highlighting the risks of using AI-generated content. In a legal case, Haringey Borough Council generated a defence using ChatGPT, and in that defence, it referenced previous cases that ChatGPT had fabricated while generating the response.
The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration across the supply chain and highlighted the evolving role of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals in supporting safe and resilient workplaces.
A standout example of risk elimination was presented by British Sugar, who brought one of their new delivery trucks to the conference. They demonstrated how they have eliminated a significant risk in their fleet by relocating the refrigeration unit from the top of the cab to a position between the wheels.
This design change removes the need for working at height, aligning with Health and Safety Executive guidance that the best way to mitigate risk is to remove it altogether.
David also attended the IOSH Food and Drink Industries Health and Safety Awards, which celebrated excellence in workplace safety across the food and drink manufacturing sector. Award categories included:
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Innovation in Risk Reduction
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Driving Change in Occupational Safety and Health Culture
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Advocating for Safety
AIC Members are encouraged to enter the 2026 IOSH Awards, with full details to be circulated in Spring 2026.
Author
David Moss
Project management and technical projects. Areas include animal feed, feed adviser register, stakeholder management and health & safety. Secretariat for a number of feed sector committees including the UKFFPA (United Kingdom Former Foodstuffs Processors Association).
