Government proposals will impact on workplace health

The BOHS occupational hygiene charity has raised serious concerns about government proposals for “a tax giveaway” to provide occupational health (OH) services set out in its recent Working Better consultation.

The BOHS says the plans are “lacking proper regulation, potentially posing risks to safety and opening doors to potential fraud”. And they “may jeopardise the ongoing efforts to prevent ill-health in the workplace and divert much-needed resources from primary care”.

CEO professor Kevin Bampton said: “There are many fantastic OH providers, but there are an increasing number who never ever step into the workplace and just take the money.”

In its response to the consultation, the charity calls for alternative policy measures to increase protection for workers.

These include the UK “finally” signing International Labour Organisation convention 155 to meet minimum international health and safety standards.

The measures also include updating the Health and Safety at Work Act to improve disclosure of health risks; and implementing a legal duty to use registered qualified professionals for health and wellbeing advice.