Video introduction transcript

Judith Hackitt

"Hello I'm Judith Hackitt - Chair of the Health and Safety Executive - and I am please to introduce this new Standard to help Local Authorities and HSE's Field Operations Directorate meet their duty to make adequate enforcement arrangements.

"The new Standard is important to the HSE and Local Authority partnership not least because it clearly demonstrates that Local Authorities and Field Operations Directorate are equal partners in this and by demonstrating that we apply equal standards in enforcement of protection in all workplaces.

"We've called the new Standard "Making a difference" because we can make a difference by protecting people's health and safety and ensuring that risks in the workplace are managed sensibly.

"The new Standard helps this by reinforcing the need for effective management systems; consistent enforcement; partnership working and sensible risk management.

"We have allowed enforcing authorities three years to comply with the Standard - this will allow supporting information to be developed and also give time to embed the standard into your organisations.

"However, we want enforcing authorities to start the process of meeting the Standard as soon as possible, not wait until the deadline.

"Although aimed primarily at those directly involved in health and safety management and enforcement it's web-based format and style also make the standard accessible to Chief Executives, senior managers and local politicians and I encourage everyone to read it, put it into practice and assess your organisation against it.

"I urge you all to make a difference."

Judith Hackitt