The REACH Steering Group

The REACH Steering Group reports directly to Council and is charged with developing and managing our REACH strategy, and co-ordinating all BOHS activities which ensue from this strategy.  The Steering Group members are Andy Gillies (Chair), Steve Bailey, Mike Ellwood, Alison Margary, Martin Stear and Rob Turner and we can be contacted at any time, via admin@bohs.org (putting REACH in the subject line).

The Group initially identified priority areas for BOHS to address, and one of the first outcomes was the development of a short statement of key occupational hygiene issues, which was promoted in the UK . 

We have subsequently developed a fully-blown REACH Strategy which has incorporated these priority areas.  Our vision for REACH is that BOHS is regarded as the hub of expertise for Exposure Scenarios and Risk Management Measures for occupational exposure situations.

The Stategy focuses on five aims:
1. to enhance and promote the science of exposure assessment;
2. to improve understanding and practical applications of Risk Management Measures;
3. to influence the on-going development of the REACH Regulations and Guidance;
4. to extend the competencies of BOHS membership to embrace all aspects of REACH;
5. to increase BOHS's visibility within the context of REACH.

From the Strategy, we have developed an Action Plan for 2007/2008 to ensure we achieve our strategic aims.

The REACH Regulation offers an opportunity to improve the way hazardous chemicals are handled and to reduce exposures, thereby preventing ill-health due to work.  This fits very well with BOHS's overall vision of 'Healthy workers in a healthy working environment' and BOHS and our members have a key role to play in REACH. If you are a member and are not already engaged, then please consider how you might contribute; there are lots of ways you can do so - you could start by coming along to a regional meeting or seminar, or putting your name forward to join our volunteer network. If you want to discuss how to get involved, then contact any member of the Steering Group (see details at the top of this page), or make comments via the REACH forum here on the website.Through helping BOHS you'll be gaining knowledge and insights into REACH at the same time as promoting the value of occupational hygiene.