Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, welcomed Lord Young’s ‘Common Sense – Common Safety’ report published last week which outlines ways in which red tape and costs can be removed from businesses, offices, schools and other low-risk environments.
Mr Turner said
“I very much welcome this sensible report. There is too much of a tick-box mentality towards health and safety. People are frightened of being sued and rather than taking sensible precautions, they rely on making sure their paperwork is in order or simply don’t do things that have any risk at all. Hazards faced in schools, offices and most businesses are not the same as those where heavy machinery and dangerous substances are in use, but you wouldn’t believe it from the number of risk assessments needed and health and safety rules you need to consider.
“I am particularly pleased that the pervasive ‘no win-no fee’ advertising is to be tackled. I hope this is the beginning of the end of the compensation culture that has changed our society so much. ”
Mr Turner accepted that many of the problems were due to people misunderstanding the rules rather than the law itself. However he believes simplifying the rules and clarifying Health and Safety requirements was long overdue.
“When schoolchildren are prevented from going on school trips simply because schools fear the consequences of accidents, you know something is seriously wrong. If children don’t experience risks they are unable to assess them properly. Nobody can eliminate all risk – so people need to be able to judge it properly.”
END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
