HSE and food industry devise new recipe for reducing injuries

The
Health and Safety Executive and the main food industry trade unions have agreed
on injury reduction targets for the food and drink manufacturing sector.

The
targets form part of a common strategy document which focuses on improving
health and safety, reducing injuries and occupational ill health in the
industry.

The
strategy is an update of the Revising Health and Safety Strategy Statement
which was launched in 2000 and is backed by the Food and Drink Federation as
well as the GMB, TGWU, Usdaw and BFAWU unions.

Richard
Morgan, of the HSE food section, explained that achievement would be monitored
until 2010.  "The food industry has
reduced its injury rate very significantly over the past decade, but further
reduction in injuries is still necessary. The agreements made with the FDF and
trade unions will ensure that all parties continue to work together to continue
with this goal," he said.

www.hse.gov.uk

By Ross Wigham