Firms warn against cuts in inspections

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), which represents 9,000 private sector firms, has warned that the ending of pro-active inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) could undermine business confidence in health and safety.

In evidence to the Scottish Affairs Select Committee, the SCC pointed out that fewer inspections, together with the reduced availability of health and safety information, may undermine businesses’ ability to understand their obligations. Head of policy and public affairs Garry Clark said the reduction of HSE budgets “will make businesses more likely to have false perceptions of the weight of health and safety legislation”.