Back to the future - trusty watchdog must trust industry and trades unions

摘要

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT faces new challenges if it is to remain relevant in the twenty-first century, according to speakers at a recent TUG conference. Held in London on 8 November, the conference marked the 30th anniversary of the Act and the establishment of the Health and Safety Commission. The speakers - from Government, industry and trade unions -agreed that the Act was ground breaking but that today's workplaces are very different to those of 30 years ago. industries such as manufacturing have decreased while the numbers of SMEs, female workers, the self-employed, part-time employees and migrant workers have all grown. "In general the Act is still as robust and relevant as it was 30 years ago... but we need to make sure that it is properly supported," commented Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC. The UK has one of the lowest rates of fatal workplace accidents in Europe -- but many workers will also die early from passive smoking, asbestos or stress-related causes, he reminded delegates.