Posted by Oliver Churchill
Health and safety legislation isn't "user-friendly", according to one industry expert.Michael Slade, managing director at Bibby Consulting and Support, was commenting on a report sanctioned by the company that found many companies have no idea what health and safety legislation they are meant to comply with.
"People invest time, effort and expertise getting their heads around the safety issues," he said, explaining that many small companies that have a low accident risk have no motivation to take this time.
"There isn't really an incentive to do it until you're faced with the consequences of an accident. And the consequences can be pretty severe."
However, even many larger companies are unaware of the consequences of non-compliance.
In the UK the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is instrumental in ensuring companies operate in line with regulations, bringing to court those found to be in breach.
Yesterday it was announced that the HSE have prosecuted construction firm R & G Construction Ltd of Harrow after a worker fell seven metres through a roof.
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