A new IOSH guide to help local councillors better understand the health and safety responsibilities they have within their authority has received a warm welcome at its launch.
‘Think about health and safety — What elected members of local authorities need to know’ was launched at City Hall in London. Produced by the IOSH Public Services Group, it aims to help elected members make decisions that keep council employees, and the public, safe and healthy.
Speaking at the launch, Judith Hackitt, the chair of the HSE, said that the guide was “helpful” because local authorities need to “set an example”. She added: “I think local authorities have a big role to play because they are big employers and often they’re the single biggest employer in their area. They can set an example of good common-sense application and leadership of health and safety.
“There are so many of the functions within the remit of local authorities that are contracted out to other parties, whether that be building works or waste recycling, and they can make such a difference to the way those businesses are run and to the standards expected.”
Cllr Roger Evans, the leader of the Conservative Party in the London Assembly, was also in attendance at the launch, and gave the new guide his backing: “I’m very pleased to give my support to this guide because it makes members think about practical examples to keep councils’ workforce and members of the public safe.
“I think members can be scared of health and safety when they see coverage in the media and when they see examples of over-zealous enforcement. The guide tells members what health and safety isn’t about, as well as what it is about. Health and safety needs demystifying generally; it’s about dealing with serious problems and you’ll find a good organisation will have less sick absence, legal and PR costs.”
The 17-page guide explains to elected members their role, their authority’s role, and the consequences of getting health and safety wrong. The guide also explores how to get health and safety policy, management, training and advice right, and how to make common-sense decisions.
IOSH president, Nattasha Freeman, said: “Elected members volunteer for a role that brings great responsibility. Cabinet members who can influence budgets, strategies and policies could be regarded as being the directing mind behind good practice and safety failings.
“You need to have a working knowledge of health and safety, or access to it. You need to appreciate to what extent health and safety impacts on every area of your local authority’s work. Investing in the knowledge of health and safety and taking advantage of opportunities to share best practice will keep you ahead of the game and let you sleep at night.”
To get your free copy of the new guide, and supporting Powerpoint presentation, visit www.iosh.co.uk/campaigns
