Health and Safety Executive consults on review of Approved Codes of Practice

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation seeking views on its proposals to review a number of its Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs). 

The review was recommended in a report by Professor Löfstedt following an independent review of health and safety legislation initiated by the coalition Government. The Government accepted Professor Löfstedt's recommendation and asked the HSE to review all 52 of its ACoPs in accordance with the timetable laid down by him. The current consultation requests views on proposals:

  • to revise, consolidate or withdraw 15 ACoPs (to be delivered by the end of 2013), including a proposal to:
    • revise and clarify the code on "Workplace, heath, safety and welfare", which deals with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3004); and
    • withdraw the code on the "Management of health and safety at work", which deals with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/3242), and replace it with "more specific, updated guidance";
  • in relation to a further 15 ACoPs where minor or no amendments are suggested (to be delivered by the end of 2014), including a proposal to update and revise the code on the "Safe use of work equipment", which deals with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306); and
  • to limit all ACoP documents to 32 pages, other than in exceptional circumstances. 

The consultation closes on 14 September 2012. 

Also

The XpertHR employment law manual sets out the law on health and safety terminology and sources of law, general duties, consultation, first aid, insurance, reporting and safety signs and specific hazards.