Small firms 'scared' to ask for safety advice

Many small firms are afraid to ask the Health and Safety Executive for advice because they are afraid such a request could lead to them being investigated, according to new research.

The study also showed that small businesses (those with fewer than 50 employees) appear to know very little about the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and information it could provide them with.

The general lack of awareness of what the HSE does was revealed following research into the views of "hard to reach" groups, carried out on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC). The HSC commissioned the study to help it put together a new strategy, which was published this week.

As a result of the research the HSC has committed to put together proposals for "accessible channels" of health and safety guidance "free from the perceived fear of enforcement" by September 2004.

The study, carried out by People Science & Policy Ltd, revealed a "strong fear" of asking HSE or local authorities for advice in case the result was an inspection that ended in prosecution or closure. One small business told the researchers that they thought many small companies would be "scared" to ask for advice because it might "open a can of worms."

Interestingly, the area most small businesses said they required more guidance on was stress. The research report said that many employers were concerned that they did not have access to the appropriate tools and skills to implement good management practices to tackle work-related stress.

Some businesses suggested that the HSE should develop counselling services for small firms similar to those now being offered by much larger organisations.

Latest strategy
As well as focusing on advice and information for small businesses, the HSC said that workers would be encouraged to play a greater role in improving health and safety standards under its "radical" new strategy announced this week.

Bill Callaghan, chairman of the HSC, said: "The development of this strategy was driven by the recognition that the world of work is changing, and with it, the hazards. It is intended to reinforce our message about adopting a sensible approach to health and safety, about balancing risks and benefits. We are not looking for a risk free society but one where risks are better understood.

"Similarly we are signalling that more legislation will not be our first response to new issues. We will work with others to find the best solutions."

Work Minister Des Browne also highlighted how other organisations would be asked to contribute towards achieving the aims of the new strategy.

He said: "This new strategy is radical and brave in its approach to reduce workplace risks for everyone, no matter what job they do. But this cannot be achieved by HSC, HSE and local authorities alone.

"It is vital that the whole health and safety system is involved and close partnerships are forged with other stakeholders to bring about change and improvement."

The Government added that money and resources would be targeted on areas of greatest need rather than those where risks are well managed. A greater emphasis will also be placed on occupational health and rehabilitation as well as safety at work.

The strategy and copies of the People Science & Policy research report can be downloaded from the HSE website - see links above right.

Johnny Thomson