Barbara Hockey
Policy Advisor
HSE
Today’s presentation
• Strategy – launch and progress so far
• Supporting small business – what HSE does
• Tackling the perceptions of health and safety
A record to be proud
• One of the safest working countries in the
world
• Mature system of regulation - experienced
and committed participants
• Together, we can make the health and safety
system even better
Challenges
• It will be stretching to drive further
• Need to resist temptation to set disproportionate
standards
• Health issues to be a priority
Six key strategy themes
Acting together
• We all have an active part to play in implementing the
strategy
• Need collective ownership
• Collaborate in reaching those not engaged
Tackling ill-health
• In 2015
- 13,000 deaths work-related lung disease/ cancer
- 1.2 m - work-related illness
• Early intervention more cost effective
• Wider collaboration on health agenda
Supporting small employers
• Reaching all SMEs is challenging
• HSE has simplified legislation and guidance, produced
specific tools
• Large businesses can offer support/mentor
Managing risk well
•
•
•
•
Not excessive paperwork
Focus on significant risks
Sensible and proportionate
H&S professionals have a key role
Keeping pace with change
• Increase HSE’s world-leading research capabilities
• Horizon-scanning expertise – changes to the world of
work
• Innovation and new technologies
Sharing success
• Sharing good practice, both at home and abroad
• Promoting our goal-based approach overseas,
making it easier for British businesses to expand into
new markets
HSE’s contribution
• Continue as the prime mover in the health and safety system
• Work with industry, co-regulators and across government to
keep regulation simple and effective
• We need to act together - talk, share ideas and set the right
direction for the future
Supporting small business
Work with stakeholders
– Small Business Trade Association Forum
– Industry groups
– Small Business focus groups
– Trade Unions
– Other government departments
H&S ABC
Health and Safety Made Simple
Health and Safety Toolbox
Topic – working at height
Health and Safety Policy Template
Risk Assessment Template
Example Risk Assessments
Office Risk Assessment Tool
Raising awareness
• Good products but who knows about them?
– Case studies
– Webinars
– Conferences
– International visits
Case Studies
– Businesses who use HSE guidance
– Partnership with university
– 5 videos
– Real examples
– Win-win-win
see: www.hse.gov.uk/business/case-studies
Webinars
• Cross government working to reach small business
audience
• Joint webinar with HM Revenue & Customs
• Regulatory requirements - taxation and health and
safety
Webinars
• Signpost guidance and tools with a fictional
case study
• Live presentation – opportunity for Q&A
• Positive feedback
• Reached over 8000 businesses
• Developing more webinars
SME Safety Wizard - app
•
•
•
•
External developer
Used Toolbox material
12.5k downloads in first year
iOS and Android compatible
Perceptions of health and safety
• Negative media stories
• Common language – ‘can’t do because of health and
safety’
• Limited opportunities to put the record straight
• Result: ‘myths’ about what really is a health and
safety issue
What is fuelling these myths?
• media hype
• compensation culture
• insurance issues,
• overzealous H&S consultants
• lack of understanding of
and safety regulation
health
Mythbuster Challenge Panel
• Chair is Martin Temple + 11 independent members
with a wide range of interests
• Each case considered by HSE – advice given to panel
to make decision
• All outcomes published
• Since 2012 over 400 cases
Fish can’t be filleted at fish counter –
“the fish is too slippery”
Perceptions changed?
• Within 6 months 35% reduction in negative media
stories
• Journalists recognise the difference
• Public have more confidence to challenge
Summary
• #HGBWW – ongoing conversation
• Supporting small business – always a priority
• Mythbusters Challenge Panel – not ending yet!
Any Questions?