by Jbs042009 f3 — April 24, 2009—The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently announced four changes to the regulations it is responsible for:
- Introducing a new, easier-to-read version of the law poster that employers must display;
- Reducing the number of forms that employers must complete;
- Simplifying arrangements for the manufacture and storage of explosives; and
- Aligning chemical hazard information and packaging with new EU regulations.
The changes are part of an ongoing drive by HSE to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and make health and safety regulation simpler and more effective.
The biggest of the changes is the introduction of a new version of HSE’s health and safety law poster and leaflet, which will provide clearer information for workers about their right to work in places where there health and safety is properly protected. Employers have a legal duty to display the poster in a prominent position or to provide each worker with a copy of the leaflet outlining health and safety laws. HSE is giving businesses five years to switch to the new leaflets and posters.
The abolition of premises registration means that HSE has further reduced the number of health and safety forms that employers in Great Britain have to fill out.
The changes mean that factory employers no longer have to complete form F9 to notify HSE; and office and shop employers no longer have to complete the OSR1 form and notify their local authority.
