In light of the closure of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) information line and proposed changes to implement a new policy to cover the costs of enforcement action as a result of H&S breaches, Lutterworth-based safety specialists, Longland Safety Management (LSM) has launched a free email support service for businesses seeking professional H&S advice and guidance.
The HSE is proposing an hourly rate of £133 for work relating to any enforcement action, for example a letter of advice or complying with a Prohibition Notice. For businesses, this means a routine H&S inspection could result in costly consequences if the company is deemed non-compliant.
LSM’s free email support service offers businesses the opportunity to seek professional advice on any workplace safety issue they feel may put them at risk, from advice on compliance with specific legal requirements e.g. the number of first aiders required or workplace noise assessments to the extension of employers’ duties outside the immediate workplace.
“The common reaction to the proposed HSE changes appears to be one of trepidation,” explains Paul Longland, managing director at LSM. “People are fearful the new policy will lead to a culture of heightened suspicion and that there will be a lack of stringent guidelines as to how it will be monitored.
“At LSM, we pride ourselves on offering practical and strategic advice in relation to Health & Safety policy and feel the timing is right to launch the new email support service to continue to provide added value for our clients. All emails on any subject relating to Health & Safety will be answered within a 48 hour period so that businesses can ensure peace of mind when it comes to workplace compliance.” Paul concluded.
The proposed HSE policy is likely come into effect from April 2012. If you are concerned about how your business may be affected, the LSM email service is available on [email protected] Please enter ‘helpdesk’ in the subject line so your query is given priority.
