HSE Consult On Amendments To Employee Information Regulations

The Health & Safety Information for Employees Reguilations require employers to provide information to their employees relating to health safety and welfare at work, by displaying in the workplace a copy of the approved poster or alternatively by giving employees a copy of the approved leaflet.

As the law stands, employers must write on the poster the name and address of the health and safety enforcing authority, and the address of the local office of the Employment Medical Advisory Service (EMAS). If an employer gives a leaflet to the employee then a written notice of these details also needs to be provided.

On the basis of the cost to businesses, and as previously reported on this website, the proposed amendments would allow HSE to approve and publish new posters and leaflets which do not require the addition or updating of information by businesses displaying them.

It would also permit employers to continue to display their existing posters or give out existing leaflets, providing they are readable and provide up-to-date information on contacting the enforcing authority and EMAS.

The HSE says that a review of the current approved poster showed that it was unappealing and very rarely read by employees.Therefore, publication of a new approved poster and leaflet provides an opportunity to present clear basic information about employees’ health and safety rights and responsibilities, and how to get further help and advice.

The consultation exercice is due for completion by 11th August 2008.

Access the HSE consultation pages here

Source: HSE

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