Poor H+S advice could cost lives and money
July 27, 2007
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has said that many businesses could be failing to get the quality of health and safety advice they need, potentially endangering lives and costing money.
IOSH has called on the Government to support the introduction of clear guidance for employers on the level of health and safety advice they need and to also consider consulting on making health and safety an officially regulated profession.
Lisa Fowlie, the President of IOSH, said, "Employers are required by law to have access to competent health and safety assistance, but we’re concerned that many don’t know what good quality advice actually looks like. Bad advice could potentially cost businesses money, while failing to protect workers from harm."
At present, anyone can work as a health and safety adviser, and there is no law to stop unqualified people from doing so. The guidance statement that IOSH is calling for is intended to help employers know what to look for and expect from health and safety advisers, helping them to get value for money, avoid losses and, ultimately, safeguard people’s safety and wellbeing.
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