110. This Strategic Programme will develop and introduce new ways and/or areas, in which HSE can influence, support and encourage stakeholders, to bring about improved health and safety outcomes and facilitating the establishment of closer partnerships.
11. The Delivery Board has set the following targets for the Strategic Programme, which will contribute to the Revitalising Health and Safety (RHS) targets (both to be delivered by 31st March 2010):
| Target area | Better Health at Work Partnership Strategic Programme target to be achieved by 2010 | Overall HSE RHS target to be achieved by 31 March 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction in fatal and major injuries | 1% | 10% |
| Reduction in days lost through work-related injury and ill health | 3% | 30% |
| Reduction in new cases of work-related ill health | 1% | 20% |
112. The Better Health at Work Partnership Strategic Programme aims to deliver by engaging with all major stakeholder groups to raise awareness of, encourage participation in and communicate the benefits of an effective and sensible health and safety culture. There are three main programmes of work:
113. A model has been developed for providing effective occupational health support and advice, which has proactive prevention of risks to health and safety and prevention of long-term sickness absence at its core. The effectiveness of the model is currently being tested (see Constructing Better Health below.)
114. The programme is one of the key vehicles for delivering HSC's strategic aim of rising to the challenge posed by occupational health. We aim to work closely with key stakeholders to provide a service, which:
115. Depending on the size of the programme, we envisage up to 5 pilots with a core of common features, co-ordinated marketing (clearly distinct from HSE) and independent evaluation.
116. The pilots aim to identify best practice in changing behaviour and establish the financial models necessary to provide a sustainable scheme with national coverage.
117. In time, HSE would like to evaluate the impact of the pilot schemes and the benefits of further investment, with a view to rolling out a support service across the country.
118. Constructing Better Health is a pilot scheme for an occupational health support service in the construction industry. The industry suggested it at the 'Tackling Health Risks in Construction' conference. HSC's Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) has developed the scheme further with industry stakeholders.
119. The pilot will test an occupational health support model in a defined geographical area, offering employees and employers best-practice management advice to reduce exposure to key health risks. This will include:
120. In line with the DWP's wider initiative on rehabilitation, the service will promote rehabilitation and early return to work of those who have suffered injury or ill health arising from their work.
121. The aim of the programme is to influence Chief Executive Officers and Directors in public and private organisations, so that they recognise the business benefits of health and safety. By influencing in this way, the programme intends to make a contribution to tackling the 33 million days lost every year due to occupational ill health.
122. The programme aims to build on existing good practice by:
123. All workers have the right to be consulted on decisions concerning the management of occupational health and safety. Workers who have a voice, influence and responsibility on health and safety matters are safer and healthier than those who do not.
124. The aim of the programme is to ensure that the workforce has access to a vibrant and effective system of safety representatives and that it is actively involved in the management of health and safety. The expectation is that a fully involved workforce will lead to a significant reduction in accidents and ill health.
125. The programme aims to deliver its expectations by:
126. For further information see http://www.hse.gov.uk/workers/index.htm
127. The Workers' Safety Advisers Challenge Fund is a grant scheme, designed to increase worker involvement and consultation, through the intervention of the Workers' Safety Adviser (WSA), WSAs will take an active role in building partnerships that are fundamental to driving forward improvements in occupational health and safety.
129. The Government has made funding of £3 million available over three years (April 2004 - March 2007), which is targeted at SMEs. Evaluations of the first round of applications will be with Ministers by summer 2005.
130. For further information see http://www.hse.gov.uk/workers/index.htm
