 The government spends £2bn annually on consultants, but the HSE has to make cuts Financial pressure 'crippling' HSE
September 4th 2006 Union Prospect has condemned government spending restrictions which will force the HSE to axe up to 350 posts.
Prospect HSE branch chair Steven Kay said the cuts will adversely impact upon the drive to improve safety in UK workplaces. "Evidence shows it is inspection backed by enforcement that is the most effective way of ensuring employers comply with thier health and safety responsibilities," he said.
"[Job cuts] will result in a drop in the number of prosecutions and inspections undertaken and could see a further restriction of the accident selection criteria used to prompt an investigation as HSE tries to maintain the 60:40 balance it seeks to strike between preventative and reactive work.
"Less investigations will mean workers that suffer horrendous injuries will not get justice."
The union is lobbying the government to reduce the financial pressuure crippling the HSE. More articles from HSM News Desk: | 
