The Locksmith Journal Sep/Oct 2019 - Issue 64 | Page 4

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 locksmithjournal.co.uk Issue Takeover Magazine Sponsor