DEPARTMENT FOR
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2007/113)
issued by The Government News Network on 27 November 2007
The Chancellor
Alistair Darling launched a major review of business health and
safety laws today.
The review, announced in a speech at the CBI, will ask employers,
workers and experts for their views on how the health and safety
system can be revamped, focussing on small and low risk businesses.
Many small employers have limited resources, find it difficult to
work out what broad health and safety duties mean for their
workplace and are unsure of when to take advice and from whom.
Welcoming the announcement, Better Regulation Minister Pat
McFadden said, "I am fully aware of some of the considerable
challenges that small firms face in protecting their workers from
injuries and ill-health.
"Government must work smarter to make it easier for
employers to follow the rules, as this will benefit everyone and
contribute to making our society safer."
The review by the Department for Business and Enterprise will
look at how government can make it easier for these businesses to
follow health and safety laws and prevent their workers getting
ill or injured. It will also examine how to improve public
confidence in the health and safety system.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is also publishing its 2007
simplification plan today and has already reduced the number of
forms by 50 per cent.
Notes to editors
1. The Government announced that the Better Regulation Executive
would undertake a review on health and safety in July 2007, as
part of the Next Steps on Regulatory Reform announcement (http://bre.berr.gov.uk/regulation/reform/next_steps/).
2. More information on the Health & Safety Review can be
found at: http://bre.berr.gov.uk/regulation
3. Anyone who wishes their views to be heard has until 31 January
2008 to send a response. A series of events will be held around
the country to allow people the opportunity to give their views in person.
4. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is also publishing its
2007 simplification plan today and has worked in close partnership
with its stakeholders to ensure that small businesses receive the
help and support they need to protect people, but doing so in a
better, less burdensome way.
The number of forms has already been reduced by 50 per cent and
the HSE is also publishing new sector specific examples developed
in partnership with small business.