Reasons to be cheerful: 1, 2, 3...

Yesterday’s much anticipated report into UK health and safety was published. One the whole, the profession has been pleasantly surprised by its findings. IOSH was name checked in Professor Lofstedt’s report who obviously took on board our opinions and thoughts during the rounds of consultations earlier in the year. Yet, watching and reading events unfolding yesterday, what struck me yesterday were three things...



1. They coulda, you know...

Let’s face it. Chancellor George Osborne and Employment Minister Chris Grayling are men under pressure. Perhaps under even more pressure once the Autumn Statement on the UK economy has been delivered today. So, is it such a conspiracy theory to perhaps suggest the report could have been skewed to make us believe good old ‘elf and safety’ was the root of all evil and, therefore, partly to blame for a lacklustre economy and unemployment? I dunno. The point is they didn’t. Whether the DWP ‘spun’ the story is another matter and you can read someone else’s opinions on this.

2. These lot actually did...

The government has listened to Professor Lofstedt and they should be commended for that. However, perhaps it was the UK mainstream media who didn’t listen to the Professor. Take one example: the BBC had a ‘breaking news’ item saying that ‘Many health and safety laws to be scrapped’. Er, no they aren’t. Unfortunately, it’s this kind of inaccurate reporting that misrepresents the profession and fuels people’s antipathy towards health and safety.

At least Eddie Mair is a man with his head screwed on. IOSH was invited onto Radio 4’s PM programme last night along with Professor Lofstedt to discuss the report in more detail. It was a very successful interview, with the Professor agreeing pretty much with what IOSH is saying.

3. The works starts here...

For me, yesterday’s report is nothing more than a roadmap with a lot more work, thought and opinion still to go. Consultations will start early in the new year and IOSH is in a strong position to influence those, along with other key points that came out from Professor Lofstedt’s report. As ever, members will have a chance to have their say, and hopefully play a strong hand in how the report implements its recommendations.

So, if you happen not to be cheerful (or at least hopeful) about yesterday’s report, why not listen to the great man himself.

If you’re not a fan of Ian Dury (Then why? You should be...) listen to my comedic Northern tones here interviewing our Chief Executive outside the DWP yesterday morning. It’s worth a chuckle if nothing else...

* you may have to refresh the page to listen...



 Shaun.