The following has been supplied by the TUC:
A 'hostile' political climate is jeopardising hard won safety improvements at work, the TUC has warned. Launching the new edition of its bestselling safety publication Hazards at work last week, TUC said the government's disdain for workplace safety had resulted in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) being barred from making unannounced visits to most workplaces. On top of this, HSE is in the middle of a cuts programme that will lop 35 per cent off its budget. TUC has called for a change of direction from the government, after latest death at work statistics showed the fatality rate remained at the same elevated level in 2011/12, up over 17 per cent on the record low figure in 2009/10. It is also urging union reps to get hold of a copy of the 2013 edition of Hazards at work, so they can use the 448-page guide to find their own solutions to health and safety problems at work. TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'This guide is an essential tool for union safety reps and employers and has never been more badly needed. The government seems determined to water down health and safety laws despite recent increases in workplace fatalities. It seems incredible that ministers seem unconcerned by the cut in the number of workplace inspections at a time when more people are dying and getting injured at work.' She added: 'Protection is more important now than ever and this book is one of the best tools for understanding, assessing and dealing with health and safety issues.'
