Public trusts HSE but doesn't fully understand its function

A new report on the HSE concludes that it is trusted as a risk regulator by the general public, although they have little understanding of its core functions.

The report Public perception of trust in HSE as a risk regulator (RR100) found that the public perceive HSE as an organisation independent of vested interests and working in the public interest. It is also seen to be raising awareness of health and safety issues rather than denying or attempting to explain them away. However the report also identifies limited public understanding of HSE's core functions, only some knowledge of its operational activity (inspection and investigation) and very little of its policy, information and research functions.

The report is available from the HSE website. Hard copies are available from HSE Books, priced £20.