HSE welcomes Lofstedt review

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed the publication of the Lofstedt review.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling commissioned the independent review in March 2011 and appointed Professor Ragnar Lofstedt - Director of the King's Centre for Risk Management at King's College, London - to chair it.

Professor Lofstedt has made 19 recommendations aimed at reducing the burden of unnecessary regulation on businesses while maintaining Britain's health and safety performance, which is among the best internationally. The Government has accepted his recommendations.

Judith Hackitt, the Chair of HSE, said:

"Professor Lofstedt's insightful report will go a long way to refocusing health and safety in Great Britain on those things that matter - supporting those who want to do the right thing and reducing rates of work-related death, injury and ill health.

"We must have a system of health and safety which enables employers to make sensible and proportionate decisions about managing genuine workplace risks.

"Simplifying and streamlining the stock of regulations, focusing enforcement on higher risk businesses, clarifying requirements, and rebalancing the civil litigation system - these are all practical, positive steps.

"Poor regulation - that which adds unnecessary bureaucracy with no real benefits - drives out confidence in good regulation.

"We welcome these reforms because they are good for workers and employers but also for the significant contribution they will make to restoring the rightful reputation of real health and safety."

HSE said it would meet the timetable set by the Government for implementing those recommendations for which it was responsible.

Another Government regulatory reform initiative, the Red Tape Challenge, will report in the New Year on further possible changes to the stock of health and safety regulations.