Workplace health and safety proposals criticised

Posted: January 9, 2013

Posted in: Workplace Injuries 

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called on the Government to rethink implementing its health and safety proposals, describing some proposals as conceptually flawed.

IOSH head of policy and public affairs Richard Jones said:

“We’d like to see the Government reconsider the way it is implementing the Löfstedt review, as it is going much further than was recommended, or intended. We don’t believe the case has been properly made for a number of the proposals — quite the opposite — they offer no real benefit and introduce unnecessary human and financial risks.

“At times this year, we’ve seen our world-respected health and safety system being negatively portrayed. Some Löfstedt-related changes have been incorrectly announced as major and necessary reforms to relieve burdens on business. This negative message is damaging and could result in confusion and poor decision-making in our workplaces, putting lives at risk.”

The Institution wants to see a more balanced approach in the halls of power, with a shift in focus towards the real problems that unfairly tarnish the good name of health and safety.

IOSH also recently submitted an alternative 10-point action plan to improve RIDDOR.

“Our safety record compares well in Europe, but we are still failing too many workers. Figures show that in 2011-12, 173 people were killed at work, 1.1 million people suffered from a work-related illness and there were 212,000 serious injuries — this illustrates just how crucial it is to keep good health and safety as the cornerstone of all our working lives,” Mr Jones added.

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