E073:08 22 December 2008

HSE announces new field operations director

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has appointed David Ashton as the new Director of the Field Operations Directorate. 

The regulator’s Chief Executive, Geoffrey Podger, said:
"I am delighted that David is taking up this post. His experience across a wide range of sectors, particularly given his initial grounding as an inspector, means that he is well placed to make a successful and significant contribution to HSE’s work."

Commenting on his appointment, David Ashton said:
"I am very pleased to move into this role at a time when there are some exciting opportunities, and when the current economic climate creates real challenges too. I look forward to working with my HSE colleagues to ensure that good health and safety practices continue." 

Prior to his appointment as Director of Field Operations, David managed the North West and HQ Division of FOD and sat on the independent Investigation Board into the Buncefield explosion. David Ashton joined HSE in 1977 in the Glasgow office as a trainee Inspector of Health and Safety. David brings more than 30 years experience to his new role. Past roles have seen him inspecting a wide range of workplaces; working in HSE’s headquarters; leading inspection teams; running a research unit and directing HSE’s personnel unit.

Notes to editors

1.  FOD, the largest operational inspectorate in HSE, covers many employment sectors including construction, agriculture, general manufacturing, engineering, food and drink, quarries, entertainment, education, health services, local and central government and domestic gas safety.

1. FOD is based in Bootle, Merseyside where the Director of Field Operations is based. FOD is managed as seven geographical Divisions and a national construction division . A Director (or Head of Division) leads each division. Staff in geographical divisions and the national construction division are involved primarily in front-line activities, giving advice and guidance, contacting and inspecting workplaces, investigating incidents/accidents/complaints and taking enforcement action.
2. Photographs of David Ashton are available upon request.
3. To arrange an interview with David, please contact Karl Brookes 0151 951 4684.

Press enquiries

Karl Brookes: 0151 951 4684
Out of hours: 020 7928 8382

Public enquiries

HSE's InfoLine: Telephone: 0845 345 0055
Textphone: 0845 408 9577, e-mail: hse.infoline@connaught.plc.uk
Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG

HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk