Local government expert reappointed to HSE board

E032:09 8 May 2009

Well known local government figure Sandy Blair has been reappointed to the board of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced today.

Sandy, who was first appointed as a Health and Safety Commissioner in 2006 after a 30-year career in local government, will serve an additional three years.

Judith Hackitt, HSE chair, said:

"Sandy brings an enormous amount of specialist insight into local government and in conjunction with board colleagues he has been integral to the development of our forthcoming strategy.

"His reappointment ensures we have robust strategic direction that takes account of the important contribution that local authorities make to health and safety, and also provides us with continuity - an essential factor as we face the challenge of making Britain's workplaces safer."

Sandy Blair said:

"Workplace safety is a significant issue in Great Britain. Even today, there are far too many people who are injured at work or suffer from work-related illness. More than 200 people a year die in their workplace.

"As well as constituting deep, personal tragedies, these incidents have a huge financial and reputational impact on the businesses concerned. I believe good health and safety practice is also good for business.

"Local authorities have a hugely important role in enforcing health and safety alongside HSE. Together we are committed to making Britain's workplaces safer, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to remain involved."

Notes to editors

1. Photographs are available by contacting HSE PR on the numbers below.
2. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive merged on 1 April 2008, when the commissioners became non-executive board members.
3. Sandy Blair's career in local government stretches back 35 years. Having started his professional life as a solicitor in private practice he entered local government at Knowsley Council in 1974. His first appointment as a local authority chief executive came in 1984 in Bassetlaw. He moved to Newport as chief executive in 1992 and in 1999/2000 held one of the most influential positions in local government when he became President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE). In 2001, Sandy took up post of director at the Welsh Local Government Association. He was awarded the CBE for services to local government in Wales in 2005. Sandy is also a governor of the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff and a trustee of mental health charity Growing Space.

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