Asbestos Liaison Group (ALG) - workplan

Background

With effect from 1 April 2008 the merger of HSC and HSE was effected, the two bodies being replaced by a single board of non-executive directors comprising those who were previously Commissioners. The HSE Board has taken an early decision to review what was previously HSC’s strategy, and has agreed to publish a new strategy by the end of 2008, taking a longer-term view for the next five years.

Prompted by this considerable constitutional change, the new HSE Board took the opportunity at its April 2008 meeting to consider a paper by Giles Denham, HSE Policy Director, on a proposed framework for bodies (including advisory bodies) appointed by the new HSE Board. Although the ALG is not, at present in this category of groups, it is important to consider this framework for the future work of the ALG. This paper can be found at: The way forward for bodies established under governance of the HSE board

The paper describes the background to the existing framework for bodies established by HSC. It suggests that the HSC/E merger provides an opportunity to step back from what it describes as a serial reconstitution process, and to allow consideration of a range of future options for bodies to advise the HSE board. The framework proposes a distinction between those bodies established to manage risks and those established to identify and assess risks. It goes on to discuss potential governance structures for each type of body.

The document 'A Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety in Great Britain to 2010 and beyond' identifies five big strategic issues which must be addressed:

• health;
• HSE’s role in public protection and security;
• the role of LAs;
• a changing economy in a changing world; and
• business and reputation management.

The ALG occupies a key position in delivering outcomes with these issues, much of which are connected with on going work of the ALG. This can be demonstrated by:

• improvements in occupational health provision to supplement the Regulation 22 statutory medical;
• ensuring licensed contractors work ensures public safety by:
  • removing risks associated with asbestos (e.g. removal or encapsulation);
  • on completion of asbestos work site clearance is carried out ensuring asbestos risk is eliminated;
• working towards improved co-operation between HSE and LAs;
• involvement of clients who not only have a Regulation 4 duty to manage, but also a role of putting out to tender asbestos work and appointing asbestos contractors; and
• improvements in leadership.

It is also worth noting that the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 came into force on 1st August 1984. Although subsequently amended, and now revoked and incorporated into, and by, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, the 25th anniversary of licensing will occur in 2009. It would be good to recognise this in some way.

Proposal

To develop a strategy for the ALG to work to and embed this into the work of the ALG by adopting a work plan with key performance measures to address the strategic issues. It is important to recognise that other advisory committees, boards and councils, in which the ALG is included, have workplans, work programmes etc.

With over 5000 deaths a year from asbestos it is important to realise that the work of the ALG could be under greater scrutiny. The benefit of having a workplan is that it will be a method of highlighting our work to others, and promote our achievements.

The draft strategy and workplan contain details and actions under specific topics of ALG work.

ALG Strategy 2008 to 2010

1. The ALG’s strategy will focus on delivering the issues contained in A Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety in Great Britain to 2010 and beyond within the asbestos industry, in particular;
   • by developing closer partnerships;
   • by promoting more effective heath and safety management and a sensible health and safety culture; and
   • communicating this to all relevant organisations and persons
2. The ALG will:
   • focus attention on where the industry performs poorly so as to get best results;
   • promote greater involvement of workers – recognising that the people best placed to make asbestos work safer are the workers, supervisors and their managers;
   • contribute to making information and advice clearer and simpler; and
   • champion involving all stakeholders and forging closer working relationships where everyone has a voice and can contribute

The ALG Workplan 2008 – 2010

1. Leadership

All licensed contractors have been invited, and the vast majority have attended ‘the leadership events’ that were held throughout the UK. Now it is time to ensure that they have adopted and implemented the measures they were informed about.

Target dates: All contractors to have action plans by March 2009, and implementation by December 2009.

2. Worker involvement

Target dates: Full implementation by April 2010

3. Competence & training

Target dates: scheme fully implemented during 2010, CSCS cards in 2011

4. Occupational Health Provision

Target dates: Contractors fully signed up with occupational health provision by December 2010

5. Client Actions

Target date: Initial guidance issued in spring 2009, followed by further guidance with input from ARCA, ACAD and UKATA by end 2010.

6. HSE / LA cooperation

Target date: Implementation 2009 onward

7. Analysts

Target date: During 2010

8. Duty to Manage

Target date: During 2010