A newly updated easyto-use reference guide from the Glass and Glazing Federation( GGF) gives an overview to prepare for working safely in the industry.

It provides advice on what to do when workers come across a common hazard associated with their work and gives basic direction as to what actions to take. It also takes account

of recent changes in Health and Safety legislation and emphasizes the need for all those involved in the industry to identify, assess and manage risks, working as a team.

Phil Pinnington, GGF director of health and safety commented:“ The re-focus with an emphasis on the practical application of safety practices has been keenly sought, especially by small and medium sized

enterprises. These companies have a willingness to be proactive with health and safety and now have a working framework to help.”

For the first time the guide encompasses not only the flat glass manufacturing sector but the customer facing installers. It’ s been compiled with the most up to date information and guidance available and aims to help employees understand

both the legal aspects of safety and the practical applications.

Supporting the handbook, a simple online assessment has been developed where employers can satisfy themselves their workers have a good understanding of the basic safety concepts.

The new publication is available as a free download to GGF members via the members area of the GGF website www. ggf. org. uk or is available to purchase from the GGF Shop( http:// shop. ggfmembers. com / employeesafety-in-the-glass-and-glazing-industry-ref-30-8 /)

The campaign body is creating a group to meet with government ministers and the Information Commissioners Office( ICO) to put forward new telemarketing regulations as an alternative to the opt-in only rule that is widely expected following the recent passing of the Digital Economy Act. An opt-in only based regulatory regime would effectively deprive companies of the ability to call members of the public. Even if an existing relationship were to exist there would have to be specific prior permission to call for any contact by telephone to be within the law.

The new Act was passed as part of the government‘ wash up’ before parliament closed for the General Election, and under it the ICO will be instructed to draft new direct marketing and data practice guidelines. Its recommendations will go before ministers for consideration and implementation. Politicians clearly stated in debates on the Act that they are not in

the mood to tolerate any weak or watered down measures, and‘ nuisance calling’ is the most common subject of letters to MPs.

There is broad belief the ICO will put forward recommendation for an opt-in based telephone rule similar to that which governs text and email marketing. It would effectively mean a ban on telemarketing. A government spokesperson has already said new regulation will be placed on a statutory footing, which means rule breakers appearing in court.

Ministers do not have to abide by what the ICO puts forward, and part of the Digital Economy Act includes government instruction to the ICO to consult all relevant representative bodies as part of a review prior to formulating recommendations. CFAOTTPS will put forward alternative regulation that protects the public and allows ethical companies the freedom to make outbound calls. It has already won success in persuading

Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, to review the existing flawed Telephone Preference Service.

CFAOTTPS is creating a new executive from business sectors that are major users of telemarketing, such as the energy and telecoms industries, to meet with the regulator and ministers to put forward alternative regulatory reform. With the glass sector being one of the major users of outbound calling, representatives from it are being sought to work alongside counterparts from other business areas.

One of the main arguments for less restrictive regulation is that a ban on outbound calls is likely to make matters worse for members of the public. Rogue calling companies that currently openly ignore current rules are unlikely to cease operating after they are given the field to themselves. If they are caught under new regulations those companies based in the UK will fold and remerge as they do when prosecuted under current rules, and the overseas offenders

are untouchable by UK authorities. Rogue calling is likely to increase to fill the void left by compliant companies.

“ If business sectors do not work together to point out flaws in an opt-in system, and do not put forward proposals that will protect both public and commercial interests then it is very likely that sales calls to consumers will become a thing of the past,” says CFAOTTPS founder and editor of Decision Marketing, Charlie McKelvey.“ There is six months to create alternative telemarketing regulation and then put it to the ICO and government. Once the opportunity is past there will not be a second chance. To save outbound calling, it’ s now or never.”

CFAOTTPS( https:// cfaottps. cmnty. com / home) is a free to join collective of telemarketing interests that has been formed to draft robust and workable regulation, and to put its recommendations to the ICO and government.