Workplace Report April 2007

Health & safety - HSE Monitor

Joint statement on disability and safety

The Health and Safety Executive and the Disability Rights Commission have published a joint statement outlining the relationship between health and safety law and disability.

Pointing out that “a positive and sensible approach to risk management can and should encourage the inclusion of disabled people in the workplace”, the statement warns that health and safety should “never be used as a false excuse” to justify discrimination. “It will be the exception rather than the rule to exclude disabled people from particular jobs and tasks,” it adds.

The statement is available at www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/diversity/jointstatement.htm