IOSH urges MPs to help business get quality advice
August 7th 2007 Too many businesses could be failing to get the quality of health and safety advice they need and deserve, potentially endangering lives and costing money, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has said.
IOSH has called on the government to signal its support for the introduction of clear guidance for employers on the level of health and safety advice they need and to also consider consulting on making health and safety an officially regulated profession.
“Employers are required by law to have access to competent health and safety assistance, but we’re concerned that many don’t know what good quality advice actually looks like," says Lisa Fowlie, the President of IOSH. "Bad advice could potentially cost business money, while failing to protect workers from harm.
“Unfortunately, at present, anyone can work as a health and safety adviser, as there’s no law to stop unqualified people from doing so. This means ‘cowboys’ can exist in our industry and give our profession a bad name. The guidance statement we’re calling for should help employers know what to look for and expect from health and safety advisers, helping businesses get value for money, avoid losses and, ultimately, safeguard people’s lives.
IOSH launched its ‘Get the best’ campaign earlier this year, and will be taking it to the three main Party Conferences in the Autumn. Parliamentary Questions are also going to be raised when the House of Commons returns from its summer recess.
Get the best aims to ensure business gets the best quality health and safety advice and that the government and others demonstrate ongoing commitment to improving the health and safety of the UK’s working-age population.
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