The Pix Pixy

A new research report has startled the industry. With the report indicating that the workplace safety is no longer assured due to de-regulations, concerned organisations are at a loss to set it right.

The report, ‘Regulatory Surrender: death, injury and the non-enforcement of law’, reveals that policy changes have affected the ability of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to enforce health and safety law.

A study by Liverpool John Moores University in association with the Liverpool University has revealed that a number of policy changes in the recent years has contributed to increase in risk at workplace with safety taking the backseat. There are many instances of blatant disregard of regulations and breach in safety.

Inspections by the Health and Safety Executive are becoming fewer by the day and investigations after mishaps have dwindled. This has resulted in new fears of safety and health at work place as regulations are no longer mandatory. The vigilant HSE has now been rendered powerless that has resulted in an increased risk of injury or accident.

While the Government’s initiative in the new policy claims to secure protection for workers as the HSE has reached saturation under the Labour government, it appears that HSE has simply been stripped off its powers.

Reader in Sociology at the University of Liverpool, Dr David Whyte has expressed concern over the diminishing inspections and prosecutions by the HSE. He is worried that businesses that pay little attention to health and safety of workers may just go scot-free while the accidents and injuries at work increase by the day. In fact, his study reveals that even health and safety risk incidents are not properly investigated by the HSE.

This could be detrimental to the worker and the labour force that may be forced to work in miserable conditions with nobody to watch over.

Companies should make themselves fully aware of the most up-to-date health and safety requirements by visiting Workplace Law and looking at their highly regarded IOSH Training courses. Accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the courses provide a valuable resource to assist companies in training staff to be aware of the proper health and safety procedures for all kinds of workplace situations.