Funding for your creative idea

06 February 2012

Do you have a creative plan or idea that could find practical solutions around health and safety? If so, why not apply for funding through IOSH’s Research and Development fund.

Last year, as part of the Research and Development Fund, IOSH commissioned a sun safety DVD for the construction sector as well as research into musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers, and research into the effectiveness of different safety rules and procedures.

Jane White, research and information services manager at IOSH, said: “IOSH’s research and development fund is about shaping thinking and finding practical solutions.

“The fund provides IOSH members the opportunity to look at some of the issues closest to them, and to do something about it.

“If you have a new and innovative idea that could help shape the future of health and safety, or you’re an experienced researcher interested in the occupational health and safety field, then you should apply for funding.”

The fund provides members the opportunity to explore new projects  to help improve health and safety. There are no restrictions on the nature or type of projects that are commissioned. However, ideas submitted for the fund must bring health and safety to life and support the IOSH vision.

At the end of 2010, the Aviation and Aerospace Group’s Airside Health and Safety Induction DVD was launched. Funded by the IOSH development fund, 750 copies of the DVD have been distributed with 2,582 hits on the YouTube version.

Keith Merrie, chair of the IOSH Aviation and Aerospace Group, said: “Securing funding for IOSH’s first-ever industry training DVD was a fairly straight forward process. But, you do need to make sure you have thought through each step of what you are planning to do.

“The DVD explains the general safety requirements placed on all who undertake work airside and to raise awareness of specific safety issues. It has made a positive impact across aviation all over the world, and demand for it remains high.”

More information is available on the Research and Development Fund via the IOSH website.