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The Health and Safety Commission says it is seeking “the right balance of enforcement and advice”, in line with the enforcement-lite approach sought by the government and the Hampton report (Risks 208).

Launching its latest annual report, HSC chair Bill Callaghan said: “The endorsement of the Commission’s strategy by the Hampton review was particularly welcome, as was the support for higher penalties. We must continue to seek and maintain the right balance of enforcement and advice.”

Speaking on the publication of the Hampton report in May, chancellor Gordon Brown said there would now be a risk based approach “where there is no inspection without justification, no form filling without justification, and no information requirements without justification. Not just a light touch but a limited touch”.

The comments prompted anger and concern from unions (Risks 208), with TUC declaring the chancellor’s attack on red tape a “red herring.” HSC says in order to implement its strategy and help deliver occupational health and safety targets, “HSE realigned its work into two key strategic delivery programmes as the main agent for delivery, supported by four enabling programmes: business involvement; worker involvement; local authorities and HSE working together; and enforcement.”

Bill Callaghan said: “We will continue make the case for sensible risk control measures that are sensibly applied, a process key to securing compliance with health and safety regulations.”

• HSE news release • Health and Safety Commission Annual Report and the Health and Safety Commission/Executive Accounts 2004/05
• Hazards commentary on the HSC’s new 2010 strategy

HAZARDS MAGAZINE   •  WORKERS' HEALTH INTERNATIONAL NEWS