New five-year health and safety strategy plans discussed across country

Employers and employees are being invited to have their say on the strategy, which will apply from this year to 2020.

The strategy will cover six themes: promoting broader ownership of workplace safety and health; highlighting and tackling the burden of work-related ill health; supporting small firms; enabling productivity through proportionate risk management; anticipating and tackling the challenges of new technology and ways of working; and sharing the benefits of Great Britain’s approach.

The opening roadshow was held in Glasgow on Monday 18 January and was attended by leaders from Scottish businesses.

After presenting at the event, Karen said: “Safety and health is a crucial part of any organisation. It is not just the responsibility of just a handful of people; everyone can play their part.

“These roadshows are a chance for people, employers and employees to have their say on the new strategy, something which is going to affect them.

“The Glasgow event was well attended and I would encourage people to take the chance to attend a roadshow event near them to have their say on this crucially-important topic.

“It is encouraging to see that the themes include reducing the burden of ill health caused by work. As part of an overall culture of care, organisations must view the health of their staff as seriously as they do their safety.”

A second roadshow event was held on Thursday 21 January in Cardiff while third was being held today (Friday 22 January) in Bristol. There will also be events in Birmingham on 25 January, Liverpool on 26 January, York on 29 January and London on 2 February.

HSE is also holding digital discussion groups and has a campaign hashtag - #HelpGBWorkWell.

Richard Jones, IOSH’s head of policy and public affairs, said: “These strategy events and discussion forums are a great way for everyone to get involved. Business leaders, employees, OSH advisers, HR professionals and regulators all have key roles to play in improving the UK’s health and safety performance over the next five years.

“It’s fantastic to see IOSH members delivering inspirational talks, supporting roadshow events and sharing practical ideas for a sustainable future.”

For more information on the roadshows visit www.hse.gov.uk/strategy