At the beginning of May, it was announced that the Government was to make changes to health and safety legislations. Changes to legislations can occur often and a
NEBOSH General Certificate can mean you are kept up to date with all of the changes.
The Government announced they will be exempting certain self-employed workers from the nations health and safety laws. This has caused controversy across the country. Details were unveiled in the Queen's latest speech and it was confirmed that people working in 'low risk' professions would not need to be concerned with the legislation changes.
The bill has been introduced to reduce pressure on smaller businesses in the UK. The Government needs to carry out its commitment to business growth and have made the changes having decided that health and safety laws are putting unnecessary strain on smaller businesses. It was decided that laws set in the past now have no place in modern society, being in desperate need of revision. Some people believe it is relaxing that the Government is considering smaller businesses, however others are concerned about the laid back approach it is taking.
Some MP's believe the new legislation hasn't been written well enough to be carried out. The way it has been written may, in fact, cause some damage in the long term. For example, the current legislation reads that self employed who do not work in a public place have more relaxed legislation. However, if a self employed person who doesn't normally come into contact with the public is offered a contract working with the public. If they were to accept the contract, then they are in danger of legal action.
Unions have also looked at the benefits and disadvantages of the new legislation. Their primary concern is that the legislation changes may cause increased confusion to the self employed and small businesses, putting their health and safety at risk. This is where the NEBOSH General Certificate can help.
The NEBOSH certificate provides a sound introduction to the basics of occupational health and safety. It looks at the management of health and safety as well as legislations surrounding the different job roles. The course is undertaken by delegates working in different industries from a vast range of backgrounds. Anyone can enrol on a NEBOSH health and safety course and successful delegates receive a NEBOSH certificate.
For information on NEBOSH General Certificates and how they can help your organisation keep up with legislation, have a look at our website.