IXOM-Hilditch Safety Forum Returns for 2026

IXOM and Hilditch Oilchem have confirmed the return of their annual Safety Forum, to be held on 17th September 2026 at the Rydges Hotel in Melbourne. Now entering its third year, the forum has established itself as a respected industry platform for organisations committed to strengthening safety culture, improving operational resilience and sharing practical knowledge across the chemical and industrial sectors.

The continued growth of the forum reflects strong industry demand. As Shane Mason, Commercial Manager - Oilchem, notes:

"The Safety Forum has been received well and people are asking for it. It's gained attention from the right people in industry who want to listen and learn. It's about leading by example and helping one another elevate standards across our industry."

Click here to register your attendance.

A Forum That Reflects IXOM's Safety Values

With a strong alignment of values and safety-first culture, the Safety Forum reinforces IXOM's long-standing commitment to safety leadership. As a leading supplier of chemicals and services across Australia and New Zealand, IXOM plays a critical role in setting, maintaining and elevating safety standards across supply chains and industries.

The Safety Forum is one of the key ways IXOM and Hilditch bring the industry together to share knowledge, elevate best practice and strengthen collective capability, demonstrating leadership beyond regulatory compliance and commercial transactions.

"Safety is about having the capacity to succeed under varying conditions. At IXOM, we are proud of our safety record, and our goal is always to ensure that our people are set up for success, today and for the future."
— David Schelbach, Chief Sustainability Officer at IXOM

Over time, the forum has evolved into a space where safety is openly prioritised, challenged and advanced, bringing together operators, safety professionals, regulators and technical experts to address real risks and share practical solutions.

What's New in 2026

Building on two years of exploration into the science behind static electricity, the 2026 program shifts from theory to practical, applied learning - addressing a critical and often underestimated risk in chemical handling.

Attendees can expect:

• A renewed approach to safety overview
• A live demonstration by Dale Peterson on static electricity safety elements
• Insights from Cem Novella, Chair of the Electrical Standards Committee
• In depth panel discussion and Q&A

What Attendees Will Gain

The forum is designed to equip participants with practical, technical knowledge attendees can take back to their own operations immediately, including:

• Recognising and assessing static electricity risks
• Applying practical controls relevant to their own sites
• Strengthening safety culture across operational, management and leadership levels

Learning From Each Other

Past forums have highlighted how easily unseen risks can be overlooked across different operating environments, and by encouraging management, safety and operational teams to attend together, the learnings can be viewed through multiple lenses and embedded effectively across organisations.

"We can never talk about safety enough. Preventative, proactive learning is the goal. Having industry and regulatory bodies together in one room is a rare opportunity."
— Shane Mason

Places are limited for this free event, click here to register your attendance.