Employers welcome health and safety pledge
BUSINESS leaders have welcomed a Government pledge to reduce the burden of health and safety rules on employers.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling has announced plans to cut health and safety inspections by a third and as the focus is switched to ‘high risk’ businesses.
A review led by Professor Ragnar Lofstedt will also identify health and safety regulations that are not considered necessary.
Mr Grayling said: “Of course it is right to protect employees in the workplace, but Britain’s health and safety culture is also stifling business and holding back economic growth. The purpose of health and safety regulation is to protect people at work and rightly so. But we need common sense at the heart of the system, and these measures will help root out the needless burden of bureaucracy.
“This will help us make Britain a more growth focused, entrepreneurial nation. By reducing unnecessary red tape we can encourage businesses to come and invest in the UK, creating jobs and opportunities when we need them most.”
The review was welcomed by business organisations but there were concerns by trade unions that it could put staff safety at risk.
Alexander Ehmann, head of regulation at the Institute of Directors, said: “The Government has grasped the nettle today on health and safety.
“The commitment to a full review of existing health and safety law under Professor Ragnar Lofstedt has the potential to be a ‘game-changer’ and the IoD will be making early suggestions on ways to ease the burden on business.”
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “A thorough review of health and safety rules can only be good news, provided it is followed by real action to reduce burdens on businesses.
“Simplifying and codifying health and safety laws will help employers spend less time on tick box exercises, and more time focusing on growing their businesses. It is sensible for health and safety inspections to target high-risk sectors, rather than all businesses, and we particularly welcome the Government’s intention to review the gold-plating of EU health and safety regulations which has occurred in this country over recent years.”
