HSE publishes first annual statement of health and safety law changes

HSE Press Release: E017:05 - 7 February 2005

The first annual statement of changes to domestic occupational health and safety law on which the Health and Safety Executive leads was published today.

From 2005, domestic changes will only be implemented on two days each year - 6 April and 1 October.

This harmonisation of commencement dates should make it easier for employers and employee representatives to implement and respond to changes in occupational health and safety law and practice, helping to increase clarity and awareness.

HSE Director General Timothy Walker said:

“This is what businesses say they want and HSE is pleased to be able to join the initiative at an early stage. By bringing commencement dates together, employers will be able to prepare better for changes. This should particularly benefit small firms, who do not have the resources to monitor changes to legislation.

We want to make it easier for changes to be implemented and ensure people are aware of them. We are committed to being a good partner of business and employees - today's publication is a statement of our commitment to that partnership.”

The two common commencement dates apply to changes in occupational health and safety law that arise from within Great Britain. The commencement dates of regulations arising from Europe are not within the control of HSE, but where appropriate HSE will seek to align them with the two common commencement dates.

Notes to editors

1. A copy of the statement of forthcoming health and safety regulations for 2005 can be found on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/forthcoming.htm
2. Further information on occupational health and safety laws and the supporting framework is available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/index.htm.
3. In the 2004 Budget, the Government committed to explore the introduction of common commencement dates (CCD) for domestic legislation. The commitment originated from a Better Regulation Task Force recommendation, and was part of the Government's Action Plan for Small Business.
4. In 2004 the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) undertook a pilot for domestic employment legislation and consulted publicly on the CCD proposal. There was overwhelming business support for the introduction of two commencement dates each year.
5. On 2 December 2004, the Government’s Pre Budget Report announced that CCD would be extended to all domestic legislation that impacts on business. This would be phased in, starting in 2005 for legislation covering health and safety, work and pensions, company and consumer issues.

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