Be part of the solution

I attended the launch of the HSE's new strategy, 'The Health and Safety of Great Britain: Be part of the solution' yesterday.

Judith Hackitt (Chair of the HSE), James Purnell (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions), Brendan Barber (TUC General Secretary) and representatives from the LGA and EEF were all in attendance, but apart from the rather attractively-designed literature, there wasn't much to report on.

A previous article by HSW on the strategy told us all we needed to know, and it seems the three-month consultation didn't change very much. However, we'd still like to know what you think of the new strategy; add your comments in the discussion forums.

The strategy is available to download here.

HSE to publish names of those killed at work - a wise idea?

Following a ruling by the Information Commissioner last year, the HSE has announced that it will publish the names of people killed in workplace accidents on its website (read our news story here).

Do you think it is a wise idea? HSP user Judy Joinston is in two minds about this. "Whilst, yes, reading the names, ages and circumstances of their deaths makes you think, but what about Data Protection? I'd feel dreadful if my loved one died at work (obviously), even more so if I found their name on a public web site without my permission. I pray I'm never in the situation, but if I am, I'll be challenging anyone who puts their name on this web-site, unless I've specifically agreed to it..."

Do you agree with Judy? Add your comments here.

Road safety and the HSE

I have just had a call from a IIRSM member regarding a story I ran in the latest issue of the Newsletter on a new report by the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, which recommends the HSE could play a "much greater part" in managing occupational road risk.

He believes this is not the HSE's role ... what do you think? Add your comments here.