Unions warn of accident at work rise from govt plansRSS Feed

Plans to reduce the number of workplace health and safety inspections could lead to more accident claims, unions are warning.

The government has unveiled proposals to cut safety visits at factories, shops and offices by a third.

Responsible employers will be exempt from automatic inspections, with the focus to be on high risk locations and "rogue" businesses.

It will also review all aspects of health and safety law to reduce what it sees as the "unnecessary burden" on businesses.

Unite said the reforms could be "dangerous" and lead to an increase in the accident at work rate.

Len Mcluskey, general-secretary of the union, explained: "While there continues to be needless injury and deaths in UK workplaces, we must not dilute these laws in any way."

The TUC's Brendan Barber suggested there would be no incentive for businesses to improve safety without the possibility of an inspection.

"This is in no-one's interests and will mean an increase in deaths and injuries," he added.

Accident claims advice from Serious Law

Posted by M Heap 

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