Workplace Safety Checks At Risk From Cuts

A leaked letter from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been obtained by the BBC's File on 4 programme and is a blueprint of proposed wide-ranging changes to HSE practices in the light of a 35% cut to its Government grant.

What's most worrying is the alleged proposal to reduce unannounced workplace inspections by a third, however the HSE is stating that they have not yet made a final decision. However if the proposal goes through then many sectors of the industry where significant risk remains will not have unannounced "knock on the door" inspections. Where these inspections do take place they are likely to be more vigorous and focus on not just the immediate hazards but the organisations management of health and safety.

Safety & Survival

Within many industries such as the construction industry there are many tests and inspections that must take place before a project can be deemed complete, such as air tightness and sound impact testing on dwellings and commercial properties. However in addition to these statutory inspections and tests there are unannounced inspections by enforcing bodies such as the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) that have been credited with helping to prevent accidents and reduce the number of workplace deaths.

At the moment these types of accidents are at an all-time low, but many health and safety advisors are concerned about the plans laid out in the letter. Professor Rory O'Neill from Safety Magazine Hazards has said that "The implication for health and safety is that workplaces will become deregulated."

In a bid to reduce costs the HSE outlined in the leaked letter plans to pull back on the number of face-to-face visits in favour of web-based communication. Some industries will be taken off the list of proactive inspections all-together as the visits are not considered to be "necessary or useful".

These alleged plans come at a time when a Gloucestershire Firm has been fined £385,000 over the death of one of their workers after they were convicted of failing to ensure his safety. A geologist was taking soil samples for a housing development in a 3.8m pit which was not supported by timbers when it caved in. The judge at the trial said that the fine marked the gravity of the crime and the deterrent effect it would have on companies to adhere to health and safety guidance and undertake proper risk assessments.

Now that these plans have been leaked it will be interesting to see what the outcome will be in regards to what the HSE proposes. The estimated number of working days lost due to workplace injuries is currently at an all time low in Britain, so let's hope this can continue uninterrupted.

Workplace Safety Checks At Risk From Cuts

About us: MSAFE Technologies Limited was established on the South coast of England in February 2008 and are BINDT registered & UKAS accredited. MSafe are specialist health and safety advisors and provide such services as assisting with the development of bespoke risk assessments, air tightness testing and sound impact testing.