Why it pays to stay up to date with Health & Safety news

It might not be at the top of your reading list, but how much time do you dedicate to staying up to date with Health & Safety news?

We’re passionate about the fact that robust, compliant Health & Safety procedures are what keep you, your business and your people safe. And that will always be the case.

But, keeping up to date with campaigns run by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and trends in enforcement can give you really valuable insight.

So how can you stay up to date with what the HSE is focusing on? Read on to find out.

Enforcement policy

Have you spent any time reading the HSE’s enforcement policy statement? Don’t worry, it’s okay if you haven’t, that’s what we’re here for.

The statement aims to fully and clearly set out the HSE’s principles and approach to enforcement. It’s useful because it gives you an overview of what the Executive considers proportionate action taken against those found to be in breach of Health & Safety legislation.

On enforcement, the statement says:

It’s clear from the off then, that it’s not just at the level of the organisation, but also of individuals with Health & Safety responsibilities, that enforcement action applies to.

HSE campaigns

Every year the HSE runs a campaign, aimed at raising awareness of Health & Safety in different industries or different topics. Topics can range from asbestos and legionella to stress in the workplace and slips, trips and falls.

The European campaign for 2018/19 is named ‘Healthy workplaces manage dangerous substances’. It’s designed to raise awareness of the use of dangerous substances in the workplace, the risks they pose and strategies to reduce exposure and manage risk.

Keeping up to date with campaigns that target specific industries or specific risk issues is a great way to give you a lens through which you can assess your business.

If the HSE is particularly focused on an issue or sector, then it’s likely that if you were to get a visit from an inspector or enforcement officer, they’ll be paying particular attention to that very issue in your business.

Enforcement news

Every week the HSE publishes press releases, news articles and safety bulletins. They’re designed to keep people up to date with recent prosecutions, failures in equipment or processes and highlight areas of interest.

These topical updates offer a wealth of insight into the kind of things that inspectors and enforcing authorities are focusing on, finding breaches on or are just generally looking to encourage or discourage.

Keeping up to date with Citation

When it comes down to it, keeping up to date with the latest news and topical updates from the HSE or local authorities is a full-time job by itself. Luckily, when you partner with Citation, it’s a job we can take entirely off your hands.

Our team of Health & Safety experts will work alongside you to keep you fully up to date with any and all legislation changes, enforcement news and campaigns being run by the HSE.

As well as helping you to complete robust risk assessments, create a legally compliant Health & Safety policy and regularly inspecting your site(s), we’re always at the end of the phone, 24/7, to answer any questions you may have.

Sound like something your business could benefit from? Just give us a call on 0345 844 1111 or fill out your details in the form opposite and one of the team will be in touch to chat you through your business needs.

Already a client? Don’t forget, you can call us day or night at 0345 844 4848.