NEWSFLASH
INDUSTRY SPEAKS OUT AFTER BREXIT VOTE
On the 23rd June Britain made the momentous decision to leave the EU, with a majority of 51.9%. Although existing legislation will remain as it is for the next two years, as the terms of our exit for the EU are negotiated, there is still an air of uncertainty present about what the impact will be on health and safety statute after our departure.
In light of this uncertainty key industry figures have spoken out with their reaction to June’s dramatic vote.
BRITISH SAFETY INDUSTRY
FEDERATION (BSIF) There is no point ‘second guessing’ the impact of the EU vote the BSIF has said following the UK’s decision to exit the European Union, in spite of the ‘clamour’ for facts about the UK’s future.
They wish to reassure members that they will continue to lobby government to ensure safety and health is recognised ‘as an important sphere’ in policy.
Alan Murray, CEO of the BSIF, has said: “In the coming weeks we will
doubtless have many rumours and misinformation to deal with and the BSIF will be seeking early guidance from UKTI / BIS on their position. The Personal Protective Equipment market in the UK has been based on EU directives for a generation and after years of discussion the new Regulation (EU) 2016/425 came ‘into force’ in April this year and we can only at this stage assume that the market will continue to recognise it.
“The Federation will work diligently with legislators to be on the inside of any discussions, and we will ensure that members of the BSIF are kept up to date with all pertinent developments.”
BRITISH SAFETY
COUNCIL The British Safety Council has called on the government to ensure health and safety and environmental legislation is ‘considered carefully’ following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
The BSC have raised concerns about legislation with ‘origins in European Directives’ being forgotten after Thursday’s dramatic Brexit vote.
Louise Ward, Director of Policy
and Standards at the British Safety Council, said: “Over the last 40 years there has been a significant improvement in the health, safety and wellbeing of workers in the UK.
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This has been driven and structured by our collective approach to risk management developed from our legislative and regulatory framework. Some of the legislation that comprises this framework has, since the mid- nineties, had its origins in European Directives, but all are now discrete items of UK law.
“Now that the UK has voted to leave the EU, and depending on the terms of any future agreements, there may be a need to review the framework. Caution is required here if we are to continue to maintain our current standards and protect the health and safety of workers in the UK. The objective must be to judge each element of the framework on its own
merits and effectiveness not just on its origin.
“The British Safety Council urges government to ensure that any proposed alteration to items of health and safety and environmental legislation is considered carefully. These important decisions must be properly evidence-based and ensure continuity of proportionate and effective protection for workers in the UK.
“UK health, safety and environmental performance is respected internationally. The British Safety Council is committed to maintaining our support to employers, our members and clients across the world to deliver our vision that no-one should be injured or made ill at work.”
www.tomorrowshs.com
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