NEWSFLASH
THE CHARTERED SOCIETY FOR WORKER HEALTH
PROTECTION/BOHS BOHS has pledged to continue to lead on worker health protection, warning against any slackening of pace in efforts to reduce the unacceptable burden of work-related ill health in the UK and internationally, following Britain’s historic referendum vote to leave the European Union.
Steve Perkins, CEO of BOHS, said: “Research proves that occupational health hazards can be controlled, and work-related ill health prevented. In recent years, we as a Society and a nation have made significant strides in raising awareness about the value
of worker health protection, through initiatives – such as our Breathe Freely campaign, which aims to prevent occupational lung disease in the construction industry. Despite any political uncertainty, BOHS will continue to show leadership in the sphere of occupational hygiene to guard against any loss of these hard- won gains.”
The Society also pointed out that Britain’s health and safety system is a leading model for worker health protection around the world. Tracey Boyle, President of BOHS, said: “The Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 is a robust piece of legislation which has stood the test of time, and has been emulated around the world. Originating within Britain, but enhanced as it subsequently has been by EU-based legislation, it continues
to be the most frequently cited law in cases pertaining to occupational health and safety in the UK. Employers and workers should be aware that the duty of every employer to reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, the risks to which employees and others are exposed, remains and will not change.”
“As a society with international links, we will continue to work closely with our European colleagues and their national occupational hygiene associations to improve control of workplace health hazards, irrespective of any prevailing political climate. Our goal is to reduce the unacceptable and unnecessary burden of occupational ill health, both in the UK and globally, and we will continue to maintain the momentum around this important public health issue.”
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RISK IOSH
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Head of Policy and Public Affairs Richard Jones said: “Post- Brexit, the UK now has less influence over EU law. Now we’re exiting, it’s vital the UK continues to apply our successful risk-based health and safety system, which includes laws from EU directives, because it’s been found to be fit for purpose by several independent reviews and is respected and imitated across the world.
“IOSH will continue to promote agreed international standards and to defend against any erosion of health and safety protections.
“As UK organisations will want to continue to trade with Europe, it will be in everyone’s interest to maintain the status quo.
“The UK has already helped to influence sound foundations for European health and safety and beyond and our expertise will continue to be sought and valued.”
www.tomorrowshs.com
& SAFETY MANAGEMENT The IIRSM have said that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union will not mean current EU regulations will be revoked immediately. A statement from that states:
“Many EU Health and Safety & Environmental directives have been transposed into UK Law so currently nothing changes until the UK government puts in place mechanisms for further deregulation. However post-Brexit it is highly likely that the UK will have less influence in the development of further EU Law up to the time we leave the EU, which could be as long as two years.
“Throughout the UK membership of the EU the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HASWA) has been in place and effective. Without doubt we should continue to apply our successful risk-based management systems. Many UK organisations will want to continue to work and trade within the EU and it will be in their interest to continue maintaining compliance. The UK has been a leader in influencing other EU nations and regulators in developing strong foundations for future health, safety and environmental laws.
“IIRSM will continue to promote and actively support effective management of risk and the health, safety and environmental standards that provide protection and welfare standards of those they apply to.”
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