HSE Priority

 Health and safety 'should be a priority' in 2010

 Businesses must make health and safety a priority for 2010, it was suggested today (January 14th).

Writing for simplybusiness.co.uk, Josh Hall noted that companies have a "series of important obligations"
to protect the wellbeing of their employees and the general public.

As a result, he advised UK firms to ensure they have drawn up a health and safety policy and risk assessment, while also securing business insurance and following industry-specific regulations.

"There is concern that health and safety has been sidelined during the recession," he wrote.

"All business owners must ensure that they are aware of, and in compliance with, their legal obligations."

Mr Hall added that the construction industry is causing particular concern for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as firms are believed to be cutting costs in the current economic climate.

Last month, HSE regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber David Snowball urged companies
in these regions to improve their health and safety records this year.