Löfstedt welcomes new IOSH campaign

23 June 2011

The man responsible for reviewing health and safety regulations in Britain welcomed IOSH’s new Li£e Savings campaign today (Thursday 23 June).

Speaking at the IOSH-sponsored Reforming Health and Safety event at Charing Cross Guoman Hotel, London, Professor Ragnar Löfstedt said: “I like what you have done. You have flipped the argument around completely, ‘We can make money out of health and safety’.”

IOSH Executive Director of Policy Dr Luise Vassie was one of the speakers at the event, which is part of the Government-commissioned consultation on health and safety regulation.

Luise told the 100-strong audience of health and safety professionals from across the public, private and third sectors: “It is not the legislation in Britain that is at fault, but often its interpretation and application.

“Good health and safety isn’t red tape. It is not a burden on business. Rather, it’s an enabler. Good health and safety makes great business sense.”

Earlier, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) chair Judith Hackitt told delegates that it is planned that the HSE’s regime of cost recovery from businesses which flout health and safety regulations will be introduced in April 2012. The consultation on these plans is expected to begin next month.

Ms Hackitt said: “Those who take shortcuts with health and safety are getting away with an unfair competitive advantage. For those who are doing the right thing, they will see no difference at all.”

Professor Loftstedt described the event today as an “evidence gathering exercise” for him, as he looked to report back to Government on health and safety reforms.

He said: “It’s been an interesting day. I have certainly listened closely to these discussions and these issues will be fed into my review.”