Work smarter, not harder
August 1st 2008

The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) has suggested small and low-risk businesses could save £300 million by cutting the amount of time they spend on health and safety regulation (see full story below). It is of little surprise that the proposals have been met with criticism from some quarters, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) labelling the report disappointing, and the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) saying it sends out a “dangerous message”.

But if the health and safety industry is to shake off the negative image that has been plaguing it for so many years, is this not precisely the sort of message we need? With increased publicity surrounding the introduction of high-profile legislation such as the Corporate Manslaughter Act, there are now less businesses who are completely unaware of their health and safety obligations, but more who are confused and overwhelmed by how they should go about fulfiling them.

Simplifying the process by providing a web-based and telephone support service

offering advice and information, as is suggested in the report, seems as a sensible and desirable solution. Even more commendable is the suggestion that better advice will be on offer to help small businesses know if and when to buy-in the help of consultants for health and safety advice.

While there are specialist areas of health and safety where paid for external support is essential, no business should have to pay through the nose for advice and resources which are readily available for free.

It remains to be seen how well the Government will be able to deliver these new measures with what, even the report calls. the increasingly "limited resources," of the HSE. But for now we will have to remain confident that they too can work smarter, not harder.

In the meantime don’t forget there is a wealth of free health and safety advice available for businesses at the Health and Safety 08 series of regional shows and events, the next of which takes place in Bolton from 8th – 9th October (for full preview see page 22).

Georgina Bisby – Editor

gbisby@western-bp.co.uk

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