Young review is turning point for health and safety19 October 2010

The government review of health and safety published last Friday could mark a "turning point" in the UK, according to IOSH. .

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health – the profession's largest international body – says it welcomes Lord Young's recommendations, which include a clampdown on absurd applications of health and safety legislation.

In the report, Lord Young makes it clear that he believes the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act remains an "effective framework", and that it has brought about the lowest number of non-fatal accidents and the second lowest number of fatal accidents at work in Europe.

But he also says that health and safety has been given a bad name, by misinterpretations of rules. He also wants controls on no win, no fee lawyers, the simplification of risk assessments and the accreditation of health and safety consultants.

Says IOSH chief executive Rob Strange: "We are sick and tired of hearing of misinterpretations of health and safety laws, which end in the cancellation of perfectly safe activities.

"Lord Young is absolutely right: The standing of health and safety has been lowered by ridiculous applications of the rules. This has to end… We think this review could see a turning point for health and safety in the UK by turning the focus away from daft decisions about conker competitions and hanging baskets, and back onto saving people's lives in genuinely hazardous areas of work and public life."

Brian Tinham

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