Department for Work and Pensions
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Mckenzie launches next stage of consultation on the proposed merger of the HSE and HSE
Today, Lord McKenzie announced a Ministerial Consultation on the proposed merger of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The merger would bring the governance arrangements for HSC/E in line with best practice and provide a more robust governance framework.
HSC conducted an initial consultation entitled 'A Stronger Voice for Health and Safety' between December 2006 and March 2007. There was strong support from stakeholders for the merger. The HSC and HSE have now asked Lord McKenzie, Minister for Health and Safety, to undertake a Ministerial Consultation to bring about the merger through the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006.
Lord McKenzie said:
"The present arrangements for the governance of health and safety in Great Britain have served us well over the years. However, it is now the right time to review the structures which date back to the 1970s, as the world of work has changed significantly.
"I am confident that the changes set out in this consultation will not increase the burdens on businesses, but will strengthen the accountability and focus of the present system, provide a better and clearer service to stakeholders and enhance health and safety outcomes all round."
Welcoming the Ministerial Consultation, HSC Chair Sir Bill Callaghan said:
"Merging the Commission and Executive into a single body will give us a more robust governance framework, and improve our working practices. Results from our own earlier consultation showed wide support for the principle of this merger."
The consultation can be downloaded from DWP website/HSE website Comments on the consultation should be sent to Ruth Feather, Health and Safety Sponsorship Team, Improving Working Lives Division, Department for Work and Pensions, The Adelphi, Level 2, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT or email: ruth.feather@dwp.gsi.gov.uk to arrive no later than 31 October 2007.
Notes to editors
1. Link to the Ministerial Consultation document - http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2007/hsmerger
2. Link to "A Stronger Voice for Health and Safety" A Consultative Document on merging the Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive - http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd210.htm
Health and Safety Commission
The modernisation of health and safety law in Great Britain has its origins in the report "Safety and Health at Work"(1972). The report was used as the basis for the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act). It proposed the introduction of 'a single authoritative body to facilitate and promote health and safety within the workplace with autonomy, its own budget, executive powers and functions'.
The majority of the proposals set out in Lord Robens' report on were adopted in full and formed the basis of the HSW Act. However, contrary to Robens' recommendation, the HSW Act did not provide for a single authority, but two separate Crown Non Department Public Bodies (NDPBs); the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive (HSC/E).
The Commission consists of a chairman and 9 members. It is sponsored by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). In addition to their representative and ambassadorial roles Commissioners also adopt the role of non-executive directors of the HSC. The Commissioners collectively are responsible for those functions, responsibilities and resources they have delegated to HSE.
The overall purpose of the HSC and HSE is to ensure that risks to people's health and safety from work activities are properly controlled. The Commission provides advice and information to Ministers and others on health and safety at work, and proposes new legislation after consultation with interested parties.
The HSE and Local Authorities are the enforcing authorities that work in support of the Commission. HSE looks after health and safety in nuclear installations, mines, construction sites, factories, farms, hospitals and schools, offshore gas and oil installations, the safety of the gas grid and the movement of dangerous goods and substances, and many other aspects of the protection of workers and the public.
Website http://www.dwp.gov.uk
