New rights to safety data

New rights of access to information held by government bodies, including the HSE, come into force on 1 January 2005.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) will replace the non-statutory Code of practice on access to government information. On the same day, section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 will be brought in line with the FOIA.

The changes mean that the HSE will be able to release information requested by a bereaved relative about a fatal injury at work. But other information, such as that relating to complaints or whistleblowing provided to inspectors during investigations, will still be withheld.

More information is at www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/hse/openness.htm