Latest News in Health, Safety & the Environment

Employment minister Mark Hoban announced on 25 April a review of the Health and Safety Executive, as part of the Government’s commitment to reform the public sector.In April 2011, the Cabinet Office announced that all non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) would undergo a substantive review at least every three years to ensure that their functions remain necessary, and should be delivered...

 Following an initial consultation in June 2012, it was agreed by the HSE Board that a number of ACOPs would be revised – in line with the recommendation by Professor Löfstedt in his report ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all’. A revised version of the above ACOP is now available for consultation. Changes include:• Simplifying the language to clarify what dutyholders...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has decided to give tax breaks on health initiatives at work which should be good for employers and their employees. In his March budget the Chancellor announced that the Government would introducea targeted tax relief, so amounts up to £500 paid by employers on recommended schemes are not treated as a taxable benefit in kind. In a statement the Institution of...

New online guidance has been launched to make it easier for employers to understand what they need to do to check and protect their workers' health. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidelines on health surveillance, which may be needed if there is a risk that workers could be exposed to chemicals or other hazardous substances likely to harm their health. Developed with industry,...

HSE Have produced three updated guidance documents relating to the use of Fork Lift Trucks. Rider-operated lift trucks -  Approved Code of Practice and guidance The revised edition of L117 is aimed at employers and those responsible for the safe operation of lift trucks, as well as those in control of worksites, the self-employed, managers and supervisors. It includes an outline of the main...

The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations and Amendments) Regulations 2013 were laid before Parliament on 4 March and came into force on 6 April (subject to Parliamentary approval). These Regulations repeal one Act and revoke twelve instruments (plus a related   provision in the Factories Act 1961). These measures are being removed because they have either been overtaken by...