Here is the text from a press release from IOSH - at the moment if you follow guidelines set out in the ACoPs mentioned below you are likely to doing your best to protect people and also doing your best to comply with the law.   If these get rescinded it is going to be a lot harder for to do this.   H and S law is complex and these codes are a great help in guiding people to making appropriate decisions, without them this will be much harder and all organisations but most especially smaller organisations could  be exposed to increased risk and potential prosecution.

If you have a moment please read the statement below and if you are able please sign it and also pass it on to others whom you might think will be interested.

David

Dear Colleagues,

Could I ask for your support please?

Unfortunately, the Government plans to cut important guidelines that help employers to comply with health and safety laws. Organisations use the ‘Management of Health and Safety at Work Approved Code of Practice’ (ACoP) to manage risk and prevent accidents, injury, illness and death in the workplace. But the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wants to replace this with non-approved guidance that lacks the same authority and assurance. IOSH believes this would be a mistake that could potentially cost lives and we strongly urge the DWP to improve and retain this much-valued ACoP.

We’ve now posted our first-ever e-petition on the Government’s website and if we reach 100,000 signatures, it triggers consideration and a possible debate in Parliament. Such a debate would draw attention to the issues and supporting MPs would get the opportunity to make the case for retention. To help secure 100,000 signatories, we’re encouraging our membership and all interested parties to sign-up. For more information about e-petitions, please see here.

So I would like to seek your support (and that of any interested family and friends) for our e-petition please. Signing is quick and easy and can be done by visiting http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/46262. It just requires your name, address and email address.

If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Many thanks for your support...

Kind regards,

Richard

Richard Jones

Head of Policy and Public Affairs

t +44 (0)116 257 3149 

f +44 (0)116 257 9149

www.iosh.co.uk

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health 

The Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 1NN, UK.

Founded 1945 

Incorporated by Royal Charter 2003 

A registered charity