12 October 2004 - Public Meeting by HSC as they Look to the Future
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) held
an open meeting today (Tuesday) where their business has been discussed in
full view of the public for the first time.
The meeting, held at the Mermaid Conference Centre, Blackfriars, London, was
to coincide with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) 30th
Anniversary, as the creation of the HSC was a result of HSWA.
The open meeting gave provision for the opportunity of the HSC and HSE to
continue with the development of their relationship, which have contributed
to the major advances in the reduction of ill-health and injuries within the
workplace.
The HSC and HSE have consulted with local governments, unions and the
industry in order to bring the benefits of good health and safety practice
throughout many industries.
Mr. Bill Callaghan chaired the HSC, received presentations at the meeting
and discussed the following points:
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The recently published HSC Strategy
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Work at height regulations
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The Hampton Review
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Science strategy
Also attending and addressing the audience was Mr. Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Jane Kennedy, Minister of State for Work.
Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission commented:
“The meeting provides an opportunity to open our work to ordinary members of the public and those dealing with health and safety on a day to day basis.
“It is a good occasion to get our vision across to a range of organisations. We want to see health and safety as a cornerstone of a civilised society and, with that, to achieve a record of workplace health and safety that leads the world.
“HSC/E is a modern and trusted regulator. If it is to maintain the trust of the public and our stakeholders, our work should be open to public scrutiny”.
The HSC also launched a new booklet that looks at the evolution of HSC over the last thirty years and also looks to the future challenges facing the HSC. The booklet can be downloaded by clicking the following link: Thirty years on and looking forward. The development and future of the health and safety system in Great Britain
A Hard Copy of the Booklet is available by contacting Susan Daly at susan.daly@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Article by Alexandra Johnston
