HSE and the wider regulatory community should acknowledge the vital role LAs play as co-regulatory partners, and in that of elevating the profile of health and safety work withing their organisations.
LAs cover two thirds of all business premises, which is half of the total GB workforce. This includes:
According to figures collected by HSE, there are more than 100, 000 new cases of ill health, 5,000 major injuries and 10 deaths of workers each year. This is a result of management failures found in occupational health and safety, of LA enforced business sectors.
It is legally binding that workers are provided with reasonable workplace protection, so that they are not vulnerable to harm. In average, 15 members of public, which includes children, are killed each year in avoidable incidents, due to workplace activity.
A Statement of Commitment (SoC) was developed by HSE, for LAs across Britain, as challenging environments could impact the way they deliver a wide range of regulatory services and statutory duties.
The SoC recognises that:
The SoC has been endorsed by HSE’s Board, the Local Government Association (LGA), the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and the Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland (SOCOEHS).
Councillors, Chief Executives and Heads of Regulatory Services in LAs are also being encouraged to publicly commit to the SoC and, embed the principles within their service plans.
HSE launched the SoC on its website in April 2019. It will also be working with LAs to develop further supporting materials
HSE will be working with LAs to develop further supporting materials which will be made available in due course.
