Arco said it had highlighted the issue in its submission of evidence to the DWP’s review of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which is charged with enforcing health and safety laws.
Arco claimed the introduction of the Health & Safety at Work Act in 1974 had led to significant improvements in workplace safety. “We believe the HSE’s role in enforcing legislation, performing inspections and prosecuting offenders has directly led to these improvements,” it added.
27M days lost to injury
“However, too many days are still lost to injury in the workplace – 27M in 2012 and the total cost of this to the UK economy is estimated at £13.4bn a year.
“Arco shares concerns with other industry players that ongoing cuts to the HSE budget will continue to impact on its long-term effectiveness and have a negative impact on enforcement and inspections.”
However, it said its overall vision was of an HSE with a smaller, more strategic role in commissioning health and safety research, consultancy and inspections, working in partnership with private and voluntary sectors.
Advice
In addition to providing health and safety equipment, Arco also offers advice, training, consultancy and safety solutions.
The DWP’s review of the HSE, which was launched in April, aims to challenge the continuing need for it as a non-departmental public body. It also intends to judge whether it meets the requirements of good corporate governance.
The DWP issued a call for submissions on the HSE’s effectiveness in June, the deadline for which was July 26. The department plans to issue a final report on its findings this autumn.