The Government has announced plans to begin a major cut back of health and safety red tape. It will begin an immediate consultation on the abolition of large numbers of health and safety regulations and intends to have removed the first rules from the statute book within a few months.
It seems David Cameron has finally realised how crippling the raft of health and safety legislation can be for the average business. He’s recognised that health and safety legislation has become an "albatross around the neck of British businesses", costing billions of pounds a year and leaving entrepreneurs in fear of speculative claims.
Speaking to a small business audience recently Mr. Cameron also disclosed that he had asked the Health and Safety Executive to bring forward to the end of 2012 its timetable for abolishing or consolidating up to half of all existing regulations. About time too!
It will still be important for employers to act responsibly and to manage risk when it comes to the safety of their workforce and customers, but it does sound like a sensible move by the Government which should make it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to focus on running their business and making money rather than worrying about the latest H&S rules they need to comply with.
Gary Cousins
Business solicitor, Birmingham
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