Simplification
of Regualtory Strcutures
Although the HSC is "open in principle to considering
structural reform", it "remains to be
conviced" of the advantages of of a "wider
labour inspectorate. It goes onto say that:
"There
would certainly be disadvantages about spreading
the net beyond those bodies concerned with protection
of workers to include those whose responsibilities
include taking action against individual workers,
such as over illegal working. Beyond that, we
consider that mergers with major bodies, such
as [Environment Agency] or [Food Safety Agency],
would create organisations that were too large
without sufficient synergy."
It
also goes onto say:
"We
would be keen to maintain separation from economic
regulation and bodies responsible for business
sponsorship."
Shifting
Blance from inspection to awareness and advice
In relation to this, the HSC says:
"Consideration
of this balance is certainly a crucial regulatory
issue. We have given it much thought and believe
we have the balance about right. Our aim now is
not to shift that balance but to improve both
operational productivity and the effectiveness
of our advice provision and awareness raising.
We would also point out that many ‘inspection
visits’ involve a considerable amount of
provision of advice."
Role
of Local Authorities
The HSC says that it would "support any measures
you can advocate to raise the profile and rational
resouring of LA regulatory structures, to encourage
closer working on the lines were a pioneering, and
to promote greater consistencey." It also stated
that:
"Inconsistent
enforcement corrodes the reputation of the regime
but we do not believe the problems are as serious
as they are sometime portrayed. The auditing that
we and local authorities themselves already perform
has had considerable impact. "
Penalties
The HSC says that
"We
understand your team believe that the system should
be tougher, quicker and more transparent, and
we would support any moves in these directions.
Alternative penalties can play a part when there
is evidence that they will improve compliance,
deal with serious risks and deliver justice. We
can see some merit in applying administrative
penalties in health and safety, and indeed are
considering these as part of the evaluation of
our Enforcement Policy Statement. However, we
cannot see similar merit in on-the-spot fines
and would need some convincing as to their effectiveness."
