Have your say on health and safety regulation

Government and HSE seeking views from industry as part of the Red Tape Challenge

THE Government and the Health and Safety Executive are calling for businesses and industry bodies to give their views and ideas on health and safety as part of the Red Tape Challenge launched by the Prime Minister on 7 April 2011.

Comments received on the Red Tape Challenge website will provide the Government with a clear picture of how regulations are perceived and will help them decide which regulations should stay, which should change and which should go entirely.

HSE chief executive Geoffrey Podger said: ‘The HSE is committed to protecting people from genuine risk and ensuring businesses don’t face unnecessary bureaucracy. The Red Tape Challenge is an ideal opportunity for people to give their views on health and safety regulation and we hope people will get involved in the debate.

‘This is a genuine consultation which will capture the views of people who are affected by health and safety regulations. We want to hear from all those with an interest with the aim of
simplifying health and safety and making it more effective and proportionate for the benefit of business and the workforce of Britain.’

All health and safety regulations will be available for comment on the Red Tape Challenge website, under the following four areas: general health and safety; major hazard industries; higher-risk workplaces; and dealing with hazardous chemicals and materials.

Any comments, views and opinions should be registered via the website (http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/home/index) before 21 July 2011.