-Reclaiming health and safety for all

9th December 2011

Independent review Published 28 November 2011 by Professor Ragnar E Löfstedt The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed the publication of the Löfstedt review.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling commissioned the independent review in March 2011 and appointed Professor Ragnar Löfstedt - Director of the King's Centre for Risk Management at King's College, London - to chair it. Professor Löfstedt has made recommendations aimed at reducing the burden of unnecessary regulation on businesses while maintaining Britain's health and safety performance, which is among the best internationally. The Government has accepted his recommendations. The report recommends that consideration be given as to whether the current regulations are still suitable for the modern workplace and continue to deliver improvements in health and safety outcomes as envisaged. In particular a focus on the work of the self employed where particularly hazardous activities are undertaken, or where there are risks of injury to others is required. A review of the 50 or so HSE published current Legal Series -Approved Codes of Practice that provide guidance on how employers can comply with their legal requirements as set out in the regulations, this review to be completed by the end of June 2012 and may lead to publication and re-issue of many of the current ACoPs. A review of current EU Directives to ensure that British legislation is effectively reflecting the requirements by the end of 2013. HSE to consolidate existing regulations by April 2015, it is likely that there will be a 35% cut in the over all range of separate specific regulations Examples of legislation to be revoked would include: -Celluloid Film Act 1922 and -Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 Examples of legislation to be amended would include: -First Aid at Work Regulations 1981 training requirements, and -RIDDOR Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 There is a recommendation that any H&S prosecution to be instigated within three years of an event taking place where a prosecution would be an appropriate response. During the review no evidence was brought to light that would suggest that there exists a need for radical alteration or stripping back of current Health and Safety regulations. Many SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in construction for example are more prone to accidents therefore reducing regulatory requirements is not supported. Improved support and guidance is appropriate. The report recommends: - Consideration for a specific ACoP for Emergency Services to be produced - Clarification under the Electricity at Work Regulations for PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) appropriate to use. - Review of the Work at Height Regulations as appropriate and proportionate - Review of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requirements for Risk assessments to be proportionate to the significant findings. There is a recommendation that the House of Lords set up a Select Committee on risk or a sub committee of the Science and Technology Committee to engage society in discussions on risk. Judith Hackitt Chair of HSE said, "Simplifying and streamlining the stock of regulations, focusing enforcement on higher risk businesses, clarifying requirements, and rebalancing the civil litigation system - these are all practical, positive steps "We welcome these reforms because they are good for workers and employers but also for the significant contribution they will make to restoring the rightful reputation of real health and safety."