HSC welcomes demolition of compensation culture myth

HSC press release: C023:04 - 27 May 2004

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) today welcomed the publication of the Better Regulation Task Force's report Better Routes to Redress. The report explores why some believe there is a "compensation culture" and the damage that this perception could do to the prosperity and well-being of the UK if it is not tackled. It also considers how people with genuine grievances can have better access to redress, mediation and rehabilitation, and makes recommendations about how these processes can be improved.

The report supports HSC's view, as set out in its recently published strategy for workplace health and safety, that appropriate health and safety management is an integral part of effective business management and, as such, is an enabler and not a hindrance. It also commends HSC's plans to simplify the concept of risk assessment to make it relevant and available to all.

Bill Callaghan, Chair of HSC, said: "I am delighted that the Better Regulation Task Force's report dispels the myth of the compensation culture. I also welcome the report's support for our policy that sensible risk management is the best way to prevent litigation or the threat of litigation."

Notes to editors

1. Better Routes to Redress is published by the Better Regulation Task Force.

2. David Lammy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA), will respond to the report on behalf of the Government.

3. No comments on the recommendations in the report can be made prior to the Government's response. HSC's comments on the recommendations affecting it will be included in the DCA's response.

4. HSC strategy for workplace health and safety in Great Britain to 2010 and beyond is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/strategiesandplans/strategy.htm. Two key points supporting the strategic theme, "Understanding the benefits of health and safety", state that:

• "We will find ways to demonstrate the moral, business and economic cases for health and safety. Appropriate health and safety management is an integral part of effective business management and, as such, is an enabler and not a hindrance.
  
• We will simplify the concept of risk assessment to make it relevant and available to all and to ensure a sensible approach to risk management. HSC will make it clear that risk assessment is a simple, relevant and effective tool."

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