HSE could take new enforcement approach

A legal expert has welcomed the HSE’s move this week to speak out about health and safety regulations often being used as a ‘convenient excuse’ for organisations to justify unnecessary or unpopular decisions. 

He also suggested it could signal a new approach to enforcement by the HSE.

Kevin Elliott, Health and Safety Partner at law firm, Eversheds, said:

"Too many organisations, particularly in the public sector, have indeed been too quick to hide behind the suggestion that health and safety is the reason behind banning an activity or event. A more reasonable, considered and proportionate approach to risk needs to be followed by organisations to ensure we don't end up with ridiculous decisions.

“Whilst it is correct for the HSE to highlight organisations hiding behind health and safety regulations, it is also right to say that the HSE also has a part to play in ensuring a common sense approach. Organisations need fair, consistent and prompt enforcement by the HSE, which in the past has prosecuted cases that should never have reached the courts. If this signals the start of fair, consistent and timely enforcement by the HSE, then it is to be welcomed."