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SHW Live Manchester highlights

Look back at the February 2026 event

IOSH qualification graduates celebrate their achievements

Two days of insight and celebration

Four theatres, packed sessions and no shortage of things to think about.

We explored venue safety legislation, fire safety challenges, the changing face of health and safety careers and what climate risk means for the sector. 

It was also a chance to recognise our volunteers, new Chartered Members and IOSH qualification graduates.

Keynote presentation

Martyn’s Law and venue safety

Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017, gave a keynote speech on shaping safer venues. It was a session that reminded us why this law exists – and what’s at stake. Figen covered everything venues need to know and why they can’t afford to wait.

  1. Train staff and run regular practice scenarios

    Lockdown and evacuation drills mean everyone knows what to do in a real emergency.

  2. Duty of care cannot be delegated

    Venues must safeguard staff, visitors and the public at every level.

  3. Know your obligations under Martyn’s Law

    Tiered legislation has a two-year implementation period. Act now.

What we learned

  • Climate risk

    IOSH members Shaun Lundy, Andrew Miller and Samantha Banfield discussed building resilience into safety strategies.

    • Climate hazards are real operational risks
    • Clear procedures enable an effective response
    • Practical language helps build engagement

  • Future of work

    IOSH Vice-President Gary Latta focused on the evolving health and safety profession in a changing world.

    • Anticipate digital risks before they arrive
    • Tech works best with empathy and critical thinking
    • Treat workplace stress like any other hazard

  • Health and safety careers

    IOSH Vice-President Macauley Quinn led a session going ‘beyond the hard hat, inside health and safety careers’.

    • Growth starts beyond your comfort zone – join an IOSH community.
    • Leaders don’t need all the answers – learn, adapt and keep moving.
    • Write down your successes – reflecting on progress keeps you motivated.
Conference stage at Fire Safety Live event in Manchester, February 2026

What we learned about...

Fire safety in agriculture

  • Prioritise safe evacuation of people and animals
  • Establish community warning and communication systems
  • Maintain good fire prevention and fire safety around your home, farm or business property

The Fire Safety Live conference ran alongside SHW Live at the same venue. Our Fire Risk Management Community were a leading voice and presented on several topics, including fire risk management and climate change in agriculture.

In pictures

  • Front view of Manchester Central Convention Complex with people walking outside on an overcast day.

    Manchester Central Convention Complex welcomes visitors to the event

  • A presenter speaks in front of a screen while a seated audience watches in the IOSH mini‑theatre at a busy conference.

    A packed IOSH mini‑theatre session

  • IOSH President Richard Bate presenting from conference stage to audience seated in rows

    IOSH President Richard Bate reflects on his career in occupational safety and health

  • A presenter stands in front of a large screen showing images of global waste sites and the title “Global Waste System”.

    This session explored global waste challenges and solutions

  • A speaker presents a slide about battery‑related risks in workplaces, with an image of a smoking ship on the screen.

    There was a well-attended session looking at how battery risks appear in everyday workplaces

  • A presenter stands beside a slide listing ways metals are lost in waste streams, including battery disposal.

    Highlights how critical minerals are lost through poor waste handling

  • A speaker addresses the audience while a slide displays a statistic about global mental health conditions with an image of a distressed person.

    IOSH Vice-President, Dr Gary Latta, raised awareness of global mental health challenges

  • Fire Safety Live conference stage and audience

    Fire Safety Live was also well attended over the two days

  • Three panellists sit on stage discussing IOSH mentoring and community topics in front of a large event screen.

    IOSH community panellists share career insights and experiences

  • A group of people on stage hold certificates and pose for a photo in front of a screen reading “Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live.”

    IOSH qualification graduates celebrate their achievements on stage

Your career partner for life

Connect with a mentor, put your hand up as a volunteer or find out what IOSH membership can do for your career.

Coming up

Don’t miss these events

  • Lessons from a leader
  • The Health and Safety Event
  • SHW Live London

Discover more

  • From perks to prevention
  • Become an IOSH member
  • Get qualified