Workplace Report April 2009

Health & safety - HSE Monitor

Scotland’s dedicated HSE prosecutors

Unions have welcomed the announcement that a new specialist division is to be set up within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to prosecute employers who commit health and safety offences in Scotland.

The announcement made by the Lord Advocate confirmed the formation of a specialist health and safety division within the Crown Office and is something welcomed and supported by the HSE, unions and Scottish TUC.

Dave Joyce from the CWU communication workers’ union said: “It is anticipated that this new approach will result in a greater concentration of expertise, increased specialist input at the start of an investigation and enhanced liaison with stakeholders in this area of prosecution.”