Horizon Scanning - Aims and objectives
The aim of Horizon Scanning
The aim is to systematically anticipate, identify and prepare for new or
changing risks in the workplace and to consider the implications that new
and emerging issues will have on the distribution of resources, existing
priorities and delivery for work related health and safety.
Objectives of Horizon Scanning
- To improve health and safety in the workplace by anticipating, identifying
and preparing for new or changing medium- to long-term risks in all workplaces
and to the public from workplace activities.
- To help ensure that HSE keeps abreast of the health and safety implications
of cross-Government activities (eg Foresight programmes) that could impact
health and safety in the workplace.
- To inform strategic thinking, planning and target setting, contributing to the development of HSE’s strategic priorities,core and programme development and policy objectives.
- To benefit the wider health and safety system through direct involvement of stakeholders (e.g. LAs), and by making the horizon scanning process, and its outputs, open and inclusive.
Scope of Horizon Scanning
Horizon scanning should identify developments in:
- science and technology;
- the workplace;
- socio-economic factors that affect the labourforce and market;
- public attitudes to risk and health and safety;
- the UK political agenda;
- the European Union; and
- international developments;
that could significantly affect workplace health and safety in the UK.
