Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, minister for health and safety has recently addressed the 17th annual Hazards conference in Manchester. Lord Hunt is calling for greater partnership working to protect British workers and give Great Britain a health and safety system that leads the world.
In his speech Lord Hunt highlighted the importance of how good communication between the workforce and the employer is vital in raising standards and keeping workplaces safe for all. The speech also highlighted the necessity for formal enforcement to have a clear commitment to 'targeted, consistent and proportionate enforcement' that does not place unnecessary burdens on businesses but brings to account those who allow their workers to be put at risk.
Lord Hunt commented:
"I want to take this opportunity to thank all safety representatives, for being there, for you continued commitment to health and safety. You do a vital job, day in, day out, and have a vital role in helping to make workplaces safer.
"There is absolutely no room for complacency, we still have far too many people coming to harm as a result of work. We all want to see significant risks well managed and we need HSE and Local Authorities to work with business to help improve risk management standards. But I also expect them to be tough on those businesses that wilfully break the law."
