Norwich Union Risk Services have conducted research which reveals that nearly 40% of businesses are not getting competent advice on their health and safety risks. This is against the background of more than 136,000 injuries reported to employees in 2007-8 according to Health and Safety Executive figures.

"The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires companies to have at least one competent person qualified to advise on health and safety matters. This is even more important during these difficult economic times as the impact of a serious accident could be unbearable for many businesses" says a Norwich Union spokesman Simon Cook. He also commented that "Failing in the basic responsibilities of completing risk assessments means that firms are not aware of the hazards present on their premises and are not therefore managing them effectively".

Time and resources in the current economic climate can be scarce but not to pay attention to health and safety issues must be a false economy. Apparently, some of those surveyed said that they did not know where to start. This is a remarkable statement bearing in mind the publicity given to health and safety not least by the Executive (who are about to provide their guidance materials free to download) and the number of consultancies offering advice. Mr Cook says "The use of external health and safety consultants is one cost effective way to bring in the necessary expertise to health and safety management". Quite frankly there can be no excuse and the Executive will not allow any when considering a prosecution.

Reference to the comments and guidance in this Newsletter shows what a diverse subject health and safety now is. It is a subject to be taken seriously as the economic consequences of accidental injury become ever more apparent. It's criminal in more ways than one not to do so.

The Government consultation on the new "fit note" opened on 28th May 2009 and will last for 12 weeks. This forms part of the Government's response to Dame Carol Black's report into the health of Britain's working age population which was published in March 2008. More...

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - photo competition for health and safety at work

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has launched their photo competition called "What's your image of safety and health at work?" More...

The first ever study into the costs of smoking has revealed that smoking costs business £2.1 billion every year. More...

The TUC has called for a maximum workplace temperature to be set to protect workers in the summer heat. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 make employers responsible for providing an office environment that has a "reasonable working temperature". More...

As the recession begins to bite it is even more important for employers to be sensitive to the additional stresses staff may experience in the workplace. More...

It was Men's Health Week between 15th and 21st June 2009, however this was just another working week where men were more than twice as likely to be hurt in the workplace as women. More...

On 22 May 2009 the Court of Appeal held that Quantum Clothing Group was in breach of duty from January 1978 for exposing the Claimant to noise levels of 85dB(A) or above. More...

Contacts

We hope you find this update both informative and interesting. If you wish to discuss any of the items raised in this month's briefing, or require specific assistance please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team.

The information contained within this Newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of Health and Safety law and practice. Vizards Wyeth cannot be held responsible for any action or inaction taken in reliance upon the contents. Specific advice should be taken on any individual matter.

If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please click here and you will be removed from our mailing list.


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		"40% of businesses are not getting competent health and safety advice" - Discuss


	Norwich Union Risk Services have conducted research which reveals that nearly 40% of businesses are not getting competent advice on their health and safety risks. This is against the background of more than 136,000 injuries reported to employees in 2007-8 according to Health and Safety Executive figures. "The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires companies to have at least one competent person qualified to advise on health and safety matters. This is even more important during these difficult economic times as the impact of a serious accident could be unbearable for many businesses" says a Norwich Union spokesman Simon Cook. He also commented that "Failing in the basic responsibilities of completing risk assessments means that firms are not aware of the hazards present on their premises and are not therefore managing them effectively". Time and resources in the current economic climate can be scarce but not to pay attention to health and safety issues must be a false economy. Apparently, some of those surveyed said that they did not know where to start. This is a remarkable statement bearing in mind the publicity given to health and safety not least by the Executive (who are about to provide their guidance materials free to download) and the number of consultancies offering advice. Mr Cook says "The use of external health and safety consultants is one cost effective way to bring in the necessary expertise to health and safety management". Quite frankly there can be no excuse and the Executive will not allow any when considering a prosecution. Reference to the comments and guidance in this Newsletter shows what a diverse subject health and safety now is. It is a subject to be taken seriously as the economic consequences of accidental injury become ever more apparent. It's criminal in more ways than one not to do so. In this issue: HSE launch new strategy The Health and Safety Executive launched their new 5 year strategy on 3rd June 2009. It sets out how employees and employers need to continue to work together to minimise risks to workers while maintaining business competitiveness. More... Managing sickness absence - Government consultation on "fit note" The Government consultation on the new "fit note" opened on 28th May 2009 and will last for 12 weeks. This forms part of the Government's response to Dame Carol Black's report into the health of Britain's working age population which was published in March 2008. More... European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - photo competition for health and safety at work The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has launched their photo competition called "What's your image of safety and health at work?" More... £2.1 billion lost each year due to cost of smoking The first ever study into the costs of smoking has revealed that smoking costs business £2.1 billion every year. More... TUC calls for maximum workplace temperature The TUC has called for a maximum workplace temperature to be set to protect workers in the summer heat. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 make employers responsible for providing an office environment that has a "reasonable working temperature". More... The increasing challenge of tackling stress in the recession As the recession begins to bite it is even more important for employers to be sensitive to the additional stresses staff may experience in the workplace. More... Men's Health Week - A stark reminder It was Men's Health Week between 15th and 21st June 2009, however this was just another working week where men were more than twice as likely to be hurt in the workplace as women. More... Noise levels - Baker v Quantum Clothing Group and others On 22 May 2009 the Court of Appeal held that Quantum Clothing Group was in breach of duty from January 1978 for exposing the Claimant to noise levels of 85dB(A) or above. More... Contacts We hope you find this update both informative and interesting. If you wish to discuss any of the items raised in this month's briefing, or require specific assistance please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team. Health and Safety Team Partners Crispin Kenyon 020 7903 5780 ck@vizardswyeth.com Fiona East 020 7903 5670 fme@vizardswyeth.com David Johnson 020 7903 5793 dj@vizardswyeth.com Want to send this newsletter to a friend? Click here The information contained within this Newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of Health and Safety law and practice. Vizards Wyeth cannot be held responsible for any action or inaction taken in reliance upon the contents. Specific advice should be taken on any individual matter. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please click here and you will be removed from our mailing list. © Copyright Vizards Wyeth 2009 Picture © Jaimie Duplass - Fotolia.com

In this issue: HSE launch new strategy Managing sickness absence European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - photo competition £2.1 billion lost each year due to cost of smoking TUC calls for maximum workplace temperature The increasing challenge of tackling stress in the recession Men's Health Week - A stark reminder Noise levels - Baker v Quantum Clothing Group and others


			July 2009