The proposed review of health and safety within the workplace has been given a cautious welcome by the Forum of Private Business (FPB).
Presenting the review, chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling said the government would seek the opinions of employers, workers and experts in order to structure a basis for the reformed health and safety regulations.
Nevertheless, the review has been given a cautious welcome from businesses and industry bodies.
“This is a welcome step, but only a first step,” said Nick Palin, director of finance and administration at the FPB.
“However, if legislation is introduced, not to address a specific concern, but in blanket fashion, then smaller businesses will continue to be compromised,” he added. “Any review must focus on preventing this.”
Palin also warned of the danger of government placing ‘unnecessary burdens’ on small businesses, by failing to reduce the current mass of legislation.
According to research from an FPB survey last March, small businesses spend 14 hours a month dealing with health and safety red tape. The issue also remained top of the agenda in the FPB’s Small Firms Summit in October.
Suggested measures to help improve the situation for small businesses include improved guidance from the government.
Better Regulation minister Pat McFadden said: “I am fully aware of the challenges small firms face in protecting their workers from injuries and ill-health.
“Government must work smarter to make it easier for employees to follow the rules, as this will benefit everyone and contribute to making our society safer.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
