Laws made simple
The Health and Safety Executive has made health and safety laws easier to understand and comply with. In April, it introduced an easier-to-read version of the law poster employers must display, reduced the number of forms employers must complete, simplified arrangements for the manufacture and storage of explosives, and aligned chemical hazard information and packaging with new EU regulations. More information on the simplification plan is available online.
Business study flags up health and safety risks
More than four out of 10 businesses are not getting competent advice on their health and safety risks, potentially putting employees’ lives at risk and contravening health and safety legislation, a study by Norwich Union Risk Services has concluded.
Fatality report delayed
The Health and Safety Executive has delayed publication of a report into fatalities in the construction industry by two months. An inquiry was due to have submitted its report to work and pensions secretary James Purnell by the end of April. However, according to the construction union Ucatt, this will not now report until the end of June.
Catering unit guidelines
New guidance to keep employees in mobile catering units safe and help operators work to agreed national standards has been published by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. A workshop on the issue will also be held this autumn.
