Mckenzie launches next
stage of consultation on the proposed merger of the HSE and HSE
DEPARTMENT FOR WORK
AND PENSIONS News Release (Reference HSC-033) issued by The
Government News Network on 8 August 2007
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