Jan31
David Cameron’s calls to cut back on the UK’s red tape and ‘health and safety culture’ have been met by support in many areas but the proposed changes could seriously increase workplace accidents. Cameron’s New Year’s resolution “to kill off health and safety culture” ignores the thousands of severe workplace accidents and dozens of deaths that occur in UK workplaces every year.
The government has put its leader’s resolutions into practice by making a 35% cut to The Health and Safety Executive’s budget, showing a serious lack of care for the safety of it’s working population. Recent statistics show that, since this cut was made, workplace deaths in London have almost doubled, rising from nine to 17, meanwhile workplace accidents have also increased.
It is understandable that cuts are being made in an area which many perceive to be a branch of the nanny state. The paperwork, rules and regulations surrounding health and safety are complex, time-consuming and an irritation for many, but there is a reason they are there – to minimise the risk of workplace accidents and keep everyone safe.
In fact, the British health and safety system, especially in the workplace, is the envy of many other countries. Our workers enjoy real protection and care, ensuring that work is a safe place for everyone. Since health and safety legislation was first introduced in 1974, fatal workplace accidents have fallen by an incredible 82%. With this in mind, can we really afford to start cutting back on the laws which have saved the lives of so many?
Reducing health and safety legislation jeopardises the safety of the UK’s workforce which, in a time of economic stress, we simply cannot afford to do. It also begins to deny workers the right to challenge their lax employer in the courts if they are the victim workplace accidents. Workplace accidents do happen and, if you are unfortunate enough to have suffered from workplace accidents which were not your fault, you have the right to compensation.
To get the compensation you deserve following workplace accidents, contact our experienced team of solicitors at Howells. We specialise in helping clients handle claims following workplace accidents. You can contact our workplace accidents experts on 029 2069 5939.
