Health and safety 'should be a government priority'
2010-07-08
Health and safety at work should not be allowed to suffer during public spending cuts, according to one organisation.Richard Jones, policy and technical director for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), insists protecting resources set aside for safeguarding bodies, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), should remain a priority for the coalition government, despite the need for far-reaching austerity measures.
HSE data published recently shows the number of workplace fatalities in 2009 was at a record low.
However, agricultural deaths rose significantly over the same period, prompting IOSH focus on the importance of strong health and safety regulation and support.
Noting that "every single death is a tragedy", the director said: "We'd like [a] review to tackle the root causes of public confusion in this area and to address any civil litigation fears that may be driving it."
He recommended the government make a study of investigation and enforcement of health and safety in all professional environments, as well as protecting spending in the sector.
