Approved codes of practice - have your say

29 June 2012

IOSH is calling on members to make their views known on the Health and Safety Executive’s new proposals to update and improve its portfolio of Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs).

The update was recommended by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt last year in the report of his independent, Government-commissioned review of health and safety legislation, ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all’.

Richard Jones, IOSH head of policy and public affairs, said: “Approved Codes of Practice have a unique place in Britain’s health and safety system and play a key role in providing guidance. Any changes to them are of great importance to stakeholders and it’s vital that the voice of the health and safety profession is heard.”

IOSH would like members’ comments on proposals to revise, consolidate or withdraw by the end of 2013, some 15 ACoPs. These include a proposal to withdraw the ACoP for the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and replace it with a suite of more specific, updated guidance.

The Institution would like your opinions on proposals for revisions, or for no changes, to a further 15 ACoPs which are to be delivered by 2014.   

And we would welcome your views on the proposal to limit ACoP documents to a maximum 32 pages, other than in exceptional circumstances, and on the HSE’s information about the impact of the changes to the codes of practice.

The HSE is not seeking views on any of the regulations that the ACoPs relate to.

Details of the document, Consultation on proposals to review HSE’s Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) – CD241, can be found here and you can send your comments to consultation@iosh.co.uk by 10 August 2012.