Health and Safety law anniversary

The TUC paid tribute this month to the architects of the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act, which celebrates its 35th anniversary on 1 October 2009.

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said: “This Act was one of the most important pieces of social legislation of the past 50 years. It helped transform the safety system in Britain and has helped ensure that many more of us go home safely after a day’s work.”

The Act was the result of long-term campaigning by trade unions and safety campaigners.

Barber added: “However we must not rest on our laurels. While the death toll from injuries may have fallen considerably since 1974, the Act has yet to have a major impact on occupational diseases.”