Health and Safety regulations update & online resources

Changes to regulations administered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) from 6 April 2009 include: a new, easier to read version of the law poster that employers must display (the existing poster and leaflet can be used until 5 April 2014 as long as they are readable and have up-to-date addresses of the enforcing authority and the Employment Medical Advisory Service); and reducing the number of forms that employers must complete. Go to www.hse.gov.uk  for more information.

From 6 April 2009 Employers will no longer have to register the factories, offices and shops in which their employees work with the relevant health and safety authority. This is because new rules have removed the requirements to register under the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963. Full details are available from the www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd219-notification.htm

The HSE has re-vamped its work-related stress website. As well as advice and guidance on managing stress at work, the site provides access to a new self assessment tool for line managers to test their stress management skills. Go to www.hse.gov.uk/stress  A further section 'Effective ways to tackle workplace stress' is now online, to help "employees, HR staff and Board Directors discover effective, lasting answers to workplace stress", go to www.hse.gov.uk/stress/tacklestress 

The HSE has also re-launched its First Aid at Work web site, with easier navigation, covering employer duties, a range of resources and the 'ask an expert' facility go to www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid

As you will see from the sections above the HSE has been busy revamping sections of its website recently. They are going to be carrying on this trend until March 2010, every week launching at least one new micro-site for a specific industry or health and safety topic. A new home page is due on 3rd June, along with a facility to request further features.