HSE International ISSUE 99 | Page 21

“Our campaigning spirit has been evident since our earliest days. In 1917, a campaign for pedestrians to walk facing oncoming traffic led to a 70 per cent fall in road deaths.” has been evident since our earliest days. In 1917, a campaign for pedestrians to walk facing oncoming traffic led to a 70 per cent fall in road deaths. We were instrumental in the introduction of the first seat belt law in 1983, with the compulsory wearing of seatbelts thought to have saved 60,000 lives. More recently, we called for the use of mobile phones while driving to be banned, with the use of hand-held phones at the wheel subsequently made illegal in 2003.” The organisation believes in the importance of using evidence so accident prevention issues can be identified, campaigns prioritised and the impact of campaigns and interventions measured. RoSPA also believes that prevention should be in proportion to the risk. Campaigns RoSPA has or is currently involved in include: Blind Cord Safety, Electric Gates, Lighter Evenings, Young Drivers and Injury Data. RoSPA is also a leading provider of safety training courses. It offers courses covering a diverse range of health and safety requirements including professional level NEBOSH and IOSH accredited courses. HSE INTERNATIONAL 21