Statement on UK Government's “reform the state” plans

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health supports the ambition to drive growth. We too champion change to achieve effectiveness, efficiency and progress.  

Whatever reforms are made must be well-thought-through and implemented responsibly. And the Government should not be caught up in ‘red tape’ rhetoric.  

Productivity and efficiency are crucial to fuelling growth. Good occupational safety and health can be the backbone of this. It requires strong regulation, enforced effectively, which can help reduce the cost and burden of work-related illness and injury. 

Last year, 138 people were killed in a work-related accident, while 604,000 people suffered a non-fatal injury. The number of people suffering work-related ill health reached 1.7 million, figures published by the Health and Safety Executive show. 

Overall, an estimated 33.7 million working days were lost due to self-reported work-related ill health or injury. So, it’s clear to see the impact this has on not only the people and their families but also the economy. 

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act. It's piece of risk-based legislation which has led the way in reducing the number of fatalities, injuries and illnesses caused by work.  

Now is not the time to weaken standards. It’s time to improve them so they’re fit for the future and to look at how they can be further strengthened so workers are not harmed by the jobs they do.