From the Editor
The
September
Issues
In the media industry, the
September issue of a magazine
is widely-recognised as the most significant
of the year. Anna Wintour I may not
be, but with some of the locksmithing
calendar’s most important and influential
events coming up in the next few weeks, it
seems that within the security sector, the
September issue of The Locksmith Journal
is just as meaningful as any other magazine.
» » WITH FIRE DOOR SAFETY WEEK TAKING PLACE 23-29
September, expect to see a host of events taking place
highlighting recent designs and developments in the sector,
new laws and legislation, and important advice on how to
keep people and property safe. Of course, it is true that fire
door safety is incredibly important at all times, but to have a
specific week that raises awareness on the subject reminds
us to take extra care and consideration on the matter.
Fire doors, in particular, are often the first line of defence
in an emergency. By keeping abreast of recent changes
to regulation, everyone in the industry whether they are
designing, manufacturing, installing, or maintaining any part
of a door or its fixtures, fittings, or furniture can do their
part to make sure we never see a tragedy the likes of the
Grenfell disaster again. And, if the arrival of this magazine
comes after the 29th, stay tuned for the post-event material
that will cover the best the week had to offer.
For those among us who work more in security than fire
safety, National Home Security Month may be more up your
street (in fact I think that’s the tagline of the event itself).
Again, we should never neglect the security of our homes,
family, and property but the month of October seems the
perfect time of year to hold such an event with the clocks
going back, the nights drawing in, and those days getting
oh-so shorter. It may be that NHSM is mostly targeted
towards the homeowner but for locksmiths and security
specialists ‘on the front line’, as well as those behind the
products on the market, and soon-to-come to the market,
the event is just as important, not-to-mention a potentially
profitable opportunity to boost sales, make yourself known
in the area, and get the homes and businesses in your post
code up to date with the latest security, whether that be
lock and key, CCTV, safes, smart technology, or whatever is
required.
And where would be the best place to familiarise yourself
with all this new inspiration and innovation, most likely at the
MLA Expo; taking place 4-6 October. I’ll be there, will you?
Gemma, Editor
4
Stop. Make
a Change.
World Suicide Prevention Day raises
awareness of important topic;
especially for men in their late 40s and/
or in construction and trade sector.
» » SEPTEMBER 10 MARKED
World Suicide Prevention
Day (WSPD), and with over
6,507 suicides registered
in the UK last year alone,
it is vital we open up this
conversation.
In response to the latest
report released by the Office
of National Statistics for 2018
which reports that suicide
rates have risen for the first
time since 2013, James
Rudoni, Managing Director of
Mates in Mind said:
“Every suicide is a
preventable death and the
effect on those impacted
is lasting. We know that we
have a big challenge, and this
does not deter us – to the
contrary, it emphasises that
more needs to be done. This
should remain a priority issue
overall, but that there is also
a need to focus on men in
their late 40s who remain the
highest-risk group by age.
“What we also know from
data previously reported
by the ONS (2017) is that
this risk is elevated in some
sectors of the economy, such
as construction, and within
the sector the suicide risk
is three times the national
average for site workers. We
cannot underestimate this
important first step – helping
to provide clear language,
create general awareness
and help people to recognise
that everyone has mental
health the same way that
they have physical health.
“Over the last two years,
our experience in supporting
more than 300 organisations
has shown us that Mates in
Mind can make a meaningful
difference. We’ve seen
the industry respond, and
with the Stop. Make a
Change campaign it again
provides the opportunity for
workplaces and sites around
the country to do just that.”
There are four key
elements which, importantly,
together offer a holistic and
joined-up approach:
1. To educate and
inform the workforce
– helping everyone
understand their roles
and responsibilities
when it comes to mental
wellbeing
2. To support the
organisation – offering
guidance on specific
worker issues through
to connecting the
workforce to appropriate
support.
3. To visibly support the
framework – from hard
hat stickers, van stickers,
posters, flyers, wallet
cards etc.
4. To help build an evidence
base – Mates in Mind
are also developing a
research programme
which will help the
industry understand the
nature and impact of
mental health.
www.matesinmind.org
SEP/OCT 2019
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