HSE cutting back on health and safety inspections

Categories: General Health and Safety |


HSE cutting back on health and safety inspections A number of businesses may have escaped punishment for their lack of health and safety focus as a result of reduction in inspections, it has been suggested.

The Sheffield Telegraph reports that figures uncovered through the Freedom of Information act show that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) only carried out 23,004 inspections over the course of 2008/09.

This is in stark contrast to the 75,252 that were conducted in 1999/2000.

David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Sheffield law firm Irwin Mitchell, told the publication: Sadly, on a daily basis, I see the misery caused by injuries sustained in accidents at work.

"In many cases these could and should have been avoided by following proper health and safety procedures."

He added that the HSE should be making a greater effort to ensure that employers do not feel they can take a lax attitude towards the health and safety of their staff.

Depending on the type of work being completed, there are a number of ways that health and safety could be breached, including failing to be dressed in the right workwear, such as hearing protection or safety helmets.

Meanwhile, a recent study by the European health and safety body IOSH, health and safety is not even the top priority for many employees, with pay and suitable hours being the biggest work-related issues.ADNFCR-1200-ID-19824721-ADNFCR

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