Judith Hackitt responds EU radiation directive article

Article:

The Daily Telegraph - "Business hopes Government will see the light on EU radiation directive", 5 August 2009

Response date:

5 August 2009

HSE Chair Judith Hackitt responds

Dear Editor,

Your article ("Business hopes Government will see the light on EU radiation directive", 5 August 2009) is correct to point out that the Government is under a legal obligation to introduce the European Union directive on artificial optical radiation by April next year.

While this Directive aims to protect those workers who are over-exposed to artificial light, such as lasers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is proposing new regulations to meet the Directive which will have minimal implications for British businesses.

Businesses will not be faced with onerous burdens, the regulations will simply complement the high standards of protection that UK workers already benefit from, while also drawing on existing legislation. This means most employers will not have to do anything more than they currently do.

Businesses can rest assured that HSE will be preparing guidance for the small number of high-risk businesses who may have to review their risk assessments.

Yours sincerely,

Judith Hackitt
Chair, Health and Safety Executive