Table C: New Simplification Initiatives

(C1) Construction

HSE is working with CLG to consider the opportunities for moving towards better integration of the planning, building control and CDM regimes

Administrative

To consider better integration with planning and building control systems. HSE is working closely with CLG on two reviews they are undertaking:

1. building regulations and

2. planning.

CLG will then consult on changes to the regime. It will work closely with HSE to include questions on how best to join up information requests from regulators. Results of this consultation will feed into the project development.

HSE is also reviewing its construction project notification system. Following this, it will consider the potential for aligning the F10 notifications with CLG planning portal.

To reduce duplication and therefore time spent for businesses dealing with the planning system, building regulations and the requirements of the CDM regulations.

Improved health and safety and compliance, and costs savings resulting from improved compliance

Savings cannot yet be assessed, as any assessment can only be made after outcome of the CLG reviews is known and subsequent public consultation.

Autumn 07:  Draft Project plan.

(C2) The written Health and Safety Policy statement

The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to have a written policy on health and safety in their workplace.  This pre-dates the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations,

Policy and administrative

The high cost of the written policy statement in the admin burden exercise (£53m) suggests that there may be unnecessary duplication by businesses.

HSE has started work to look at what can be done to simplify in practice the requirement for a written policy statement and avoid duplication of paperwork

Removal of any duplication of effort or paperwork in compliance with both HSWA and MHSW.

Removal of any duplication by amending legislation or clarifying the duties through improved, more accessible guidance is estimated to achieve savings to businesses of up to £26m per year from the ABME estimated baseline.

Sept 07: First draft consultation document for key stakeholders including draft guidance.

Oct 07: Agree final draft consultation document.

Jan 08: Agree policy proposal with HSE and LACORS.

Feb 08: amendments to legislation, and/or production of guidance begin, to agreed Parliamentary timetable.

(C3) Information on the weight of loads

Requirement in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Policy and administrative

Reduced duplication of
labelling and business
time taken to comply

At this stage only a rough
estimate is possible, but
we consider savings of
around £32.5 million on the
ABME estimate likely.

Sept 07: Moving Goods Safely campaign

Mar 08: guidance completed

(C5) Drinking Water signs

Requirement to label drinking water in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Administrative

It is apparent from the ABME exercise that some businesses believe all drinking water supplies should be labelled as such.

Amend and promote new guidance making it clear that only where there is contaminated water should it be labelled.

Very substantial reduction in labelling of water supplies, saving businesses time and money.

At this stage only a rough estimate is possible, but we consider savings of nearly £17 million on the ABME estimate likely.

Summer 07: draft amended leaflet produced and corrections to all other related guidance.

December 07: Misunderstanding highlighted as Myth of the Month.