29 January 2008

A "serious weakening" of the HSE's medical expertise combined with cuts in resources have left the executive less able to provide clear, authoritative guidance and effective enforcement, according to the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM).

In its submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee's inquiry into the work of the Health and Safety Commission and Executive, the IOM says it believes the HSC/E take a "balanced and mature approach" to risk management.

But the Institute says it is concerned about the level of attention given to occupational diseases, such as occupational cancers and chronic lung disease resulting from exposure to dust and chemicals in the workplace.

"In particular we question whether HSE should have a headline target for reducing sickness absence, most of which is not work-related, when there is still much to do within HSE's core mission of protecting workers from exposure to hazards in the workplace," said a statement.

The IOM, which carries out research and consultancy in occupational and environmental health, questioned what is sees as a shift in approach towards encouraging companies to conduct qualitative risk assessments rather than collect hard data for expert interpretation.

It also raised the "ambiguity" of the Health and Safety Laboratory's role - "which on the one hand is the in-house laboratory of a government body, and on the other hand is a publicly-funded provider of commercial services."

The IOM's recommendations include a renewed focus on reducing work-related disease and injury, with less emphasis on managing sickness absence. It also calls for more inspectors and resources for effective enforcement.

The IOM's full submission can be downloaded by clicking here. 

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