Although analysis of health and safety regulation in Britain is inaccurate, ("Time to take a risk and cut back on red tape", The Herald, September 28), your columnist Pinstripe will be pleased to hear all of his "ideas" were implemented some time ago.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is on target to deliver reforms to remove or improve around 84 per cent of existing health and safety regulations. This includes reducing the overall stock of legislation by 50 per cent in line with the Government’s existing "one in, one out" policy.
HSE, working with the Government and industry, is tackling the perceived "compensation culture" head on, amending the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 so civil claims for breaches of health and safety duties can only be made under the common law where negligence can be proved.
Straightforward guidance for small firms is easily available to ensure only documents essential for helping to manage risk in their businesses are produced.
However, I make no apology for my inspectors taking a firm enforcement line when workers' lives are put at risk irrespective of the age of the business. In Scotland, last year 20 workers died and in 2013/14 1,936 were reported seriously injured in incidents at work, many in small firms that typically trade for less than three years.
There is no need to make a choice between safety and economic success. The most successful businesses also have excellent health and safety records. Effective management of health and safety is good for business.
Mike Cross,
Director of Scotland and Northern England
Health and Safety Executive, Redgrave Court,
Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside.
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