| UK government launches new workplace health and safety strategy
Drawing on the last 30 years experience and extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, the strategy sets out a new direction for the health and safety system and the roles of HSC, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities (LAs). The government states that the strategy is “ambitious, but realistic”, focusing on managing risks and not eliminating them. HSE and LAs will target resources on the areas of greatest need and be less active where risks are well managed. In those areas, there will be greater emphasis on advice and support. Des Browne said: "This new strategy is radical and brave in its approach to reduce workplace risks for everyone, no matter what job they do. But this cannot be achieved by HSC, HSE and LAs alone. It is vital that the whole health and safety system is involved and close partnerships are forged with other stakeholders to bring about change and improvement. "This government sees occupational health and safety as a cornerstone of a civilised society and wants to achieve a record that leads the world. Great strides have already been made on safety improvements and I want to see similar progress on occupational health. This is particularly important to me as it touches my department's work in helping people back to work after illness and preventing them getting ill in the first place. "The record in reducing accidents is impressive. Now we need to achieve a similarly impressive reduction in ill health arising from work. As well as untold suffering, poor management of risks costs the economy dearly. This new strategy is the way ahead." Key features of the HSC strategy include: * Promoting greater involvement of workers - the strategy recognises the people best placed to make workplaces safe are staff and managers; * Making information readily accessible and providing clearer and simpler advice; * Involving all stakeholders and forging close working relationships where everyone has a voice and can contribute. It calls for new ways of working: * Prioritising work - having the confidence to identify areas that are well controlled, and withdrawing from them; and * Sharing the vision - making a step change in the way HSC/E communicates effectively. Bill Callaghan said: "The development of this strategy was driven by the recognition that the world of work is changing, and with it, the hazards. It is intended to reinforce our message about adopting a sensible approach to health and safety, about balancing risks and benefits. We are not looking for a risk free society but one where risks are better understood. Similarly we are signalling that more legislation will not be our first response to new issues. We will work with others to find the best solutions.” 'The Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety
in Great Britain to
•Date:
24th February 2004 •Region: UK •Type:
Article •Topic:
BC general |
