A £1.2m action plan aimed at improving the health and safety of
Scottish workers and the public was announced today by Justice Minister
Cathy Jamieson.
The plan includes commitments to expand advisory services on health
and safety for employers and employees, develop and promote worker
involvement in workplace health and safety, extend the provision of
specific information and guidance on the protection of public service
workers, and disseminate sector-specific guidance on fire safety.
Commenting on the publication of the plan Jamieson said: "While
health and safety legislation is largely a reserved matter, the
Executive has an important role in bringing unions, employers and
regulators together to further our common objective of reducing the
fatalities and injuries arising from work activity in Scotland.
"That is why we have produced this plan and made significant additional funding of £1.2 million available to deliver it.”
The plan, which also sets out timescales for delivery, will be
delivered by the Scottish Executive and key partners, such as local
authorities, trade unions, employers and regulators.
Stressing the importance of adopting a partnership approach to
delivery Jamieson continued: "The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
has played an important role in putting health and safety on the
agenda, but it is only through a partnership approach which fully
engages employers, both large and small, and regulators that we can
truly be successful.
"I've been delighted with the positive way in which all members of
the Partnership on Health & Safety in Scotland (PHASS) have helped
to develop the plan and I know they are equally committed to delivering
it."
Margaret Burns, chair, PHASS, added: "The Partnership on Health and
Safety in Scotland welcomes the production and publication of this
Action Plan by the Scottish Executive.
"We support the Executive's commitment to working with all
stakeholders to improve health and safety in Scotland. We will all
benefit from healthier and safer workplaces."
Grahame Smith, general secretary, STUC, also welcomed the plan. He
said: "The trade union movement has long been actively involved in
promoting good health and safety and we welcome this Executive
initiative.
"We are particularly pleased that the plan will build on the work
which we have already done to promote worker involvement in health and
safety decision-making in the workplace.
"This plan demonstrates that the Scottish Executive values the health, safety and welfare of Scottish workers."
Professor Russel Griggs, of Imes Group Limited, who represents the
Confederation of British Industry (Scotland) on PHASS, added: "Good
health and safety is part and parcel of being a good employer and a
successful business.
"The CBI welcomes the additional advice and support which the
Executive is making available to employers on these important issues."
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