The Government has this year, scrapped key workplace health and safety laws which were first introduced in the Victorian era.
Some MP's have condemned these changes, believing that more people will suffer from workplace injury as a result. The legislation means that employees, rather than employers, must prove the cause of an accident – even in the case where safety rules have been breached. It is believed that more than 70,000 cases a year would be affected by the changes, however many MP's believe this is bad for employees.
Some think that the amendment could result in the return of safety standards last seen in Victorian England, as employers will be able to argue that an accident wasn't their fault. Employers may, as a result start to sidestep regulations which have been created to protect the health and safety of workers.
However, the Government has stated the changes are necessary to tackle the 'compensation culture' which is evident amongst many businesses. The changes have been put in place to protect employers, meaning that if they have taken all reasonable steps and not been negligent, they will not be penalised. It has been recorded that the Government doesn't wish to hold employers liable for incidents which are outside of their control.
The legislation which will be changing dates back to 1898, stating that an employer has 'an absolute duty to protect a worker'. The change will mean that all employers must follow health and safety regulations, but is not responsible should an accident occur outside of this. Any accidents which do occur will mean the worker has to prove what the employer should have known or has done wrong. This could be not fixing a faulty machine, providing adequate health and safety training, or anything similar.
In light of this legislation change, it is important for all employers and employees to have the correct health and safety knowledge. This is where the NEBOSH General Certificate can help. The NEBOSH certificate provides a sound introduction to the basics of occupational health and safety.
The course looks at current legislations, the management of health and safety along with a wide variety of workplace hazards. Anyone can enrol on the NEBOSH Certificate course, as no previous health and safety knowledge is required. Delegates from all industries are welcome to take the course.
As workplace health and safety legislations change, it's important to ensure you are up to date with health and safety.