News and Press
The changing face of Health and Safety laws

The Government's response makes it clear that it supports the recommendations made by Professor Löfstedt and is committed to implementing them. Some of the key commitments are as follows:

• That the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) should review all of its 53 Approved Codes of Practices (ACoPs).
• To consolidate sector specific health and safety laws; there are now 17 Acts of Parliament and over 200 sets of Regulations governing health and safety.
• To ensure that inspection and enforcement activity is consistent and targeted towards the most risky businesses.
• To do more to reduce the burden of EU Regulations.
• To exempt from health and safety laws those self employed whose work activities pose no potential risk of harm to others.

David Hercock, a Barrister and senior Associate in TLT's Commercial Regulatory and Corporate Defence team comments:

"These commitments would appear to represent welcome news for industry and business. In the short term, industries and businesses will need to engage with these proposals and adjust to the new regulatory landscape. For example, industries and businesses will need to;

• Fully respond to the consultation processes so as to achieve positive outcomes.
• Understand the new regulatory landscape and the changes to the laws and ACoPs.
• Review their policies, procedures and working practices in line with the changes."