Concern that HSE plan to reduce health and safety protection
03/12/05
The Health and Safety Executive's response to the government's 'better regulation' drive should concentrate on making the safety system more effective rather than just attempting to reduce regulatory burdens on business
Echoing the comments of Trade Unions throughout the country Thompsons Scotland have expressed concern that better regulation does not mean less regulation the HSE should see this exercise as a way of increasing its effectiveness.
HSE's initial draft simplification plan 'sets out HSC/E's determination to develop legislation that is easy to understand and comply with to help secure stronger commitment from business,' said HSE. 'It also supports our risk based, targeted approach to enforcement.'
The better regulation taskforce aims to bring HSE practice into line with the Hampton Report, which earlier this year called for inspections by government regulatory authorities to be reduced by a third
HSE says it welcomes comments on the initial draft and 'will then develop it further over the next 3 months taking account of stakeholder input and the outcome of a cross-government exercise to measure administrative burdens on business.'
It says the draft will go to the Cabinet Office in January
HSC/E draft simplification plan
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