Health and Safety Calendar - January 2007

The health and safety calendar highlights key dates for proposed and existing legislation and policy and closing dates for consultation papers relating to major health and safety issues in the UK and EU.
 
It will provide a useful tool for health and safety managers tracking new legislation to control risks and improve performance through a health and safety management system such as OHSAS 18001.

Developments include:

• The corporate manslaughter bill continues its progression through the various stages of the legislative process. On 11th January 2007 there was a committee reading in the House of Lords followed by a debate on the 15th January 2007. The revised third marshalled list of amendments was moved to the Grand Committee on 16 January 2007 and a report is expected prior to the February recess. The House of Lords 3rd reading is likely to be 2nd half of February with the Bill to return to the House of Commons in March.
  
  An agreed text is expected at some point in March although due to contentious issues such as that of the term “death in custody” this may be delayed. The subsequent implementation of the legislation could be any time after this, most likely 1 October 2007 or 6 April 2008 however the requirements of training and other arrangements may mean that implementation of the act is delayed further.
  
  Amendments tabled so far include;
  
  
  • That the offence will apply to partnerships, unincorporated associations, business associations, public authorities, main contractors and holding companies
    
    
  • An offence by senior managers of aiding and abetting
    
    Further amendments are likely to be tabled in the coming days

• The DTI is currently consulting on developing draft regulations to replace The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 SI 1994/1768. These Regulations have been in force for almost twelve years and the aim of the consultation is to gain ideas on simplifying the current legislation.
  
  The Regulations govern safety requirements for the provision of specific types of mains power plug for certain specified electrical appliances for domestic use and specifies requirements for certain domestic mains power plugs and sockets. Due to advances in technology concerns exist that the current legislation may no longer comprehensively reflect current consumer practice or standards of good engineering practice.
  
  The consultation asks whether there is a strong enough emphasis on safety in the current regulations, also what areas provide most difficulties and the benefits of any changes.  The closing date for responses is 22nd January 2007.

To view the latest monthly update of the calendar, please click here 

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