The Northamptonshire Occupational Safety Group was formed in 1955 at the instigation of Sir John Pascoe, Managing Director British Timken, in co-operation with Phipps Brewery. This initiative was in response to a recommendation from the then Chief Inspector of Factories that local groups be set up throughout the country. This was naturally supported by the local Factory Inspector, Rex Wain-Heapy, who subsequently attended the group meetings on a regular basis to give advice and answer questions. Membership consisted of companies, trade unions and associations from Northamptonshire and beyond.
With the advent of the Health & Safety at Work Act, local Occupational Health Nurses considered establishing a separate group. They were persuaded that in the interest of the community would be better served under one banner, hence the change of name to the Northamptonshire Occupational Safety and Health Association (NOSHA).
In 2006, acknowledging that environmental best practice is key to Northamptonshire’s sustainability NOSHA voted unanimously to incorporate Environment within their constitution, becoming NOSHEA that we know today.
NOSHEA is affiliated to RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and will continue to promote workplace Safety, Health and Environmental best practice.
Sir John Pascoe