The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will launch a new strategy tomorrow aimed at reinvigorating the UK workforce to prevent injuries at work.
Since 2003 the HSE has been concerned that attention to health and safety has stalled and it hopes the launch of the ‘Be part of the solution’ strategy will encourage companies to take another look at their health and safety provisions.
The HSE will call on employers to ensure the recession does not become an excuse for cutting corners on health and safety, which could result in death, injury or ill health in the workplace.
The strategy will aim to gain widespread commitment and recognition of what health and safety is really about, motivate those working in health and safety on how they can contribute to their company’s performance and ensure that employers who fail in their duties are held to account.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
Judith Hackitt, chair of the HSE, said: “This strategy is an invitation to you from the HSE board to help us in our mission – to prevent death, injury and ill health in Great Britain’s workplaces – by becoming part of the solution.
“After many years of improvement in health and safety performance, our rate of progress has slowed and we need to regain momentum. Health and safety is being used increasingly as a synonym for unnecessary bureaucracy and an excuse for not doing things. It is time for us to regain the value of the brand for genuine health and safety – and not trivia.”
