|
One
seventh of all Freedom of Information requests refused
by Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Commission/Executive (HSC/E)
has refused 14% of all applications for information
under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) in
the first two months of 2005, the CCA has learnt.
In another 15% of applications the HSE has only provided
partial disclosure. It has however provided full disclosure
in 34% of cases.
Figures obtained by the CCA show that the HSE had
until 8 March 2005 - two days ago - dealt with and
completed 842 applications for information under the
Freedom of Information Act which came into existence
on 1 January 2005.
These figures do not include applications dealt with
and completed under the Data Protection Act (DPA)
which totaled 398.
As
of 8 March, there were 326 outstanding requests for
information (under
either the FOIA and the DPA)
with which the HSE are currently
dealing.
The people who are making the most applications are
solicitors – 916 out of the total 1566 FOIA and
DPA requests made. The general public have made 181
requests and special interest groups have made 30.
Journalists have only made 23 requests, and MPs only
2. It is not known how many requests trade unions
have made
To
see details of all these figures, click here
The CCA is publishing these figures at the same time
as it publishes a guide on its website for anyone
who wants to seek information from the HSE or other
body involved in safety issues.
To
see new guide , click here
In addition, the CCA is launching a page in its website
with details of requests that it has made, and is
encouraging other people and organisations to inform
the CCA of any significant information that they obtain
or whether the HSE or other safety body has refused
to provide information.
To
access the new request page click here
Most of CCA's application for information have been
successful – though a number of significant ones
remain outstanding. The CCA has however been refused
a copy of the legal advice that the HSE has obtained
relating to public safety issues.
David
Bergman, Director of the Centre for Corporate Accountability
said:
“The
CCA is finding the new FOIA an important tool in
making enforcement bodies like the HSE more transparent.
It certainly has its limits but we want to encourage
people to make requests when they want information.
It is extremely easy, all you have to do is phone
or send an e-mail.”
The
Centre for Corporate Accountability is a human rights
charity advising those bereaved from work-related
deaths, and working on issues of safety, law enforcement
and corporate accountability.
|
