We’re keeping it simple, HSE says

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) http://www.hse.gov.uk and the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) have published their “simplification plan” as part of a drive toward better regulation and compliance.

The plan outlines proposals to reduce companies’ paperwork costs of complying with health and safety regulations, while at the same time maintaining or improving health and safety standards.

The HSE and HSC had previously begun work on “sensible risk” which recognises that businesses should be focusing on real risks to health and safety rather than “generating unnecessary paper mountains”.

Key initiatives in the first year of the plan include simplifying HSE guidance; encouraging a proportionate approach to risk assessment and management; reviewing the current regulatory regime for gas safety; and reducing the number and burden of HSE forms.

Minister for health and safety, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, said: “This is an excellent way forward for health and safety. I believe that HSC/HSE has prepared a robust, challenging plan, balancing both administrative burden reduction and wider better regulation initiatives.”

Lord Hunt added: “The plan outlines its commitment to delivering real and significant reductions in the costs to business of compliance with legislation. It aims to maintain or improve health and safety outcomes, while reducing costs of unnecessary paperwork to duty holders.”

The plan is to be developed and updated over the next four years, and the HSE will report on its progress and ensure that the plan continues to target the areas of most concern to businesses.

The plan is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/simplification/index.htm