Date of article: 28/05/2007
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The HSC has announced that it is moving ahead with plans to merge the HSC and HSE into one single body.
The aim of such a merger is to strengthen the work that the two, currently seperate, bodies do. By Joining with the HSE says the HSC, it will bring "governance arrangements in line with best practice and strengthen the links between strategy and delivery to allow the level of accountability expected of a public body in the 21st century".
In the last few years the HSE has come under criticism for a number of different issues. Some of the accusations laid at its door include that the number of HSE inspections is falling, fewer companies are being prosecuted after accidents, inspectors are too lenient, job cuts have affected workplace safety, and that it focuses too much on giving advice rather than prosecuting etc.
Bill Callaghan, HSC Chair, comments:
"Merging the Commission and Executive into a single body will give us a more robust governance framework, improve our working practices and create a stronger voice for health and safety in Great Britain. Results from our recent extensive consultation show 80% support for our proposals and clearly point us in this direction."
"Over the last few years, we have made great progress in reducing work-related ill-health, and in tackling injuries and incidents at work. But there is clearly more to do. The Commission is convinced that the new governance structure we are proposing will help us to deliver the 'revitalising' targets we set, as well as better place Great Britain to meet the challenges of a 21st Century workplace. In doing this we committed to building on our independence, good relationships with stakeholders and strong sense of partnership. This is particularly true of our relationships with local authorities which is critical to better health and safety, and we are keen to build on the undoubted improvements there have been over recent years."
The new corporate HSE (the merged body will keep the name HSE) will build on the values of the HSC and HSE, BEING:
. independent in its advice, and the way it takes decisions;
. open and inclusive in its approach and working methods; and
. professional, proportionate, consistent and accountable in all it does
Bill Callaghan will now invite Lord McKenzie of Luton, Minister for Health and Safety to undertake consultation on detailed proposals as required by the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006. The Ministerial consultation, in particular with organisations representative of those likely to be affecetd by the proposals, will take place before a draft Legislative Reform Order is presented to the relevant Commons and Lords committees for scutiny.
An initial consultation document on the issue of merging the HSC adn HSE was launched in December 2006. Support for the mergging of the two bodies was high, with 80% of respondents being in favour.
Whether a unified HSC and HSE will prove to be more effective, and be able to silence the critics, remains to be seen.
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