About BHSEA

BHSEA Milestones

Explore the history of Birmingham Health, Safety & Environment Association over the past 90 years.

  • 1900

    No ‘safety’ beyond the factory inspectorate.

  • 1930

    Factory Inspectorate (Midlands) and local industry meet to discuss engineering accidents. Birmingham & District Industrial Safety Group is thus formed.

  • 1943

    Sub-committee make recommendations leading to the present IOSH.

  • 1948

    Junior section established for apprentices and young persons.

  • 1951

    First safety training course for power press operators.

  • 1956

    Acocks Green premises purchases by the group. Extensive training of safety courses run by Group members & Factory Inspectors.

  • 1960

    Full-time training director appointed.

  • 1966

    Training/ Acocks Green taken over by RoSPA.

  • 1967

    Part-time secretary appointed - safety talks and events organised. Chair of Safety & Hygiene established at Aston with input from the group.

  • 1968

    The Group became a limited company, whilst still a charity.

  • 1982

    Group talks included legislation and safety during a recession.

  • 1990

    Membership exceeds 300 for the first time since the 1960’s. Continuing programme of meetings, events and annual seminars.

  • 2001

    Quinton premises purchased and information/advisory centre opened.

  • 2005

    The association celebrates 75 years of existence.

  • 2012

    Andy Chappell retires after 16 years as Secretary, Liz Prophett appointed.

  • 2013

    Acocks Green premises vacated by tenant; premises sold and proceeds invested.

  • 2015

    Construction Section 60 Years Anniversary event at the Barclaycard Arena. Revised articles of Association; improvements to Association systems and services.

  • 2016

    Overall gold award winner of Safety Groups UK Alan Butler Award.

  • 2017

    Quinton premises sold and proceeds invested.

  • 2018

    Membership number stable at around 270, attendance at events increasing.

  • 2019

    Continuing development of Association systems and services. Monthly events move to Walsall FC.

  • 2020

    Covid-19 pandemic restrictions commencing in March resulted in all BHSEA events etc moving online (Zoom etc)

  • 2021

1900 1951 1982 2001 2020