Health & Safety Executive - New Strategy Launched

The new HSE strategy Be Part of the Solution has been finalised following a three-month consultation programme, with events held across the country. It is hoped that it will reduce the number of workplace accidents, dispel myths about health and safety and promote a common sense approach to ensuring that risk management is an enabler for business, not a burden. In addition to preventing accidents, 65% of employees say that good health and safety practices make them feel valued.

The recession could make some workplaces more dangerous, as more than a quarter of business leaders say that that their organisation will face pressure to cut spending on health and safety this year. This is not only potentially dangerous but could also be bad for business; nearly eight in ten business leaders acknowledge that good health and safety standards are beneficial. In part this is because the cost of preventing accidents is almost always less than the costs associated with an accident once it happens.

Almost half of Britain’s workers know someone who has been injured at work, yet the actual rate of deaths and serious injuries is greatly underestimated. On average, employees think that 3,000 people were killed or seriously injured at work last year, but the true number is 136,000 – more than 45 times higher.

Judith Hackitt, CBE, HSE Chair, said "We believe this strategy represents a clear statement of core principles and a sensible approach to health and safety in Great Britain. Whilst the economic climate is difficult and the temptation for some may be to cut corners, HSE, its partners and businesses must resolve to continue to strive to improve health and safety performance."

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