This article was originally emailed as our monthly eBulletin at 11:30 on 09/10/2019. You can register heret to receive them monthly.
It appears to me that environmental awareness amongst the general public is finally being followed by widespread action. The recent step change in attitudes to plastics has resulted in rapid responses from supermarkets and manufacturers and Extinction Rebellion is gaining active support from a wide cross-section of global society. It seems to me that the UK furniture industry has pockets of good practice and lots of good intentions. Supply is ready to follow demand but, until customers are prepared to go beyond some half-hearted environmental box-ticking, progress will be hampered. In the Netherlands, circular economy criteria are now part of public sector procurement and this is starting to spawn new remanufacturing businesses to meet the need. Is the UK lagging or is conscientious sustainable procurement more widespread than I am seeing? Follow the discussion – and participate – on LinkedIn.
I have been a fan of Workplace Insight since it first appeared and have known the thought-provoking articles of its editor, Mark Eltringham, since before that. A few months ago, he wrote that the DSE Regulations are no longer fit for purpose. Whilst his argument was compelling, I felt the need to respond with my own view. I strongly believe there is still value in the regulations in an age of agile working, as long as they are used intelligently as a basis for wider education. My response appeared here.
Our last ‘mobile showroom’ of 2019 will be in Edinburgh at the end of this month. As usual, we shall have all the latest products alongside our best-sellers so it is an ideal opportunity to view, compare and play! We are also looking at a brand-new product, about which we shall be seeking feedback. It’s not yet 100% certain, but we hope to be showing a heated desk for the first time! We also have three short presentations you can attend. It’s all free but please pre-register here.
Our most popular webinar has also become a very popular face-to-face session. When delivered on-site, Postural Awareness is often incorporated into a wider programme of events such as Health & Safety or Occupational Health days. Clients also schedule the session to be repeated on a walk-in basis throughout the day and our trainer supplements these seminars with a floor-walk to answer individual questions around the office. Contact Stuart Entwistle, our Training Manager, to discuss ideas.
We have exhibited at this event since it started four years ago and it is a success for us each time. It is quite a low-key affair compared to the big NEC/Excel events which are also part of our agenda but, equally, it is one where we learn as well. Once again, I think I have probably found a couple of new suppliers to support our own sustainability programme and we shall probably sell to a couple of other exhibitors as well!
Posted by Guy Osmond 
Osmond Ergonomics 