New safety regs go for approval

Health and safety bodies have approved a revised package of regulations and submitted them to the government for implementation next April.

The new regulations have been four years in preparation.  They bring together and revise provisions in the existing Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) in a single package.

Richard Boland, head of construction policy at the Health & Safety Commission (HSC), said afterwards that they were intended to "simplify and add clarity to construction health and safety law so that risks on site can be properly managed".

The HSC also reassured small to medium sized businesses that the new regulations do not impose new duties on clients.  Instead they make explicit what clients should already be doing under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974).

In addition, clear and simple guidance for SMEs and clients is being developed by industry to help overcome misconceptions and alleviate concerns.  The Health and Safety Executive will report their progress to the Health & Safety Commission next January.

For more information see the Commission paper at www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/hsc/meetings/index.htm