NEWS RELEASE
19 May 2006 For immediate release
STUC ALARMED AT SPIRALLING DECREASE IN SAFETY VISITS
The Scottish Trades Union Congress has expressed concern at the effect huge reductions in safety inspections by the HSE's Field Operation Directorate will have on workplace safety.
Ian Tasker, STUC Health and Safety Officer said
"Workplace inspections have reduced from 74112 in 2002/03 to 55195 in 2003/04, a decrease of 25%. This is quite clearly an indication that the Health and Safety executive is applying inspection resources in other areas rather than front line enforcement".
"Any other interventions in workplaces by the HSE other than enforcement should not be at the expense of inspections, the key tool in protecting workers safety, but through provision of additional resources".
"What is even more concerning is that these figures released by the trade union supported safety magazine would not have come to light if the HSE had its way.
Ends For further information contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100
Notes to Editors The full article published in can be obtained at http://www.hazards.org/commissionimpossible/hse.htm
The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request initially refused by the HSE but subsequently appealed.