H&S in SMEs Inquiry
Improving Health and Safety in Small Firms – Initiative
Many small firms need help to meet their duties under health and safety law. RoSPA’s National Occupational Safety and Health Committee (NOSHC) are undertaking a long term inquiry (SME Inquiry) into Health and Safety assistance available to SMEs.
The first phase has mapped the main sources of help available.
The second phase has examined the case for simplifying H&S prequalification schemes operated by clients and other third parties.
First Phase: Inquiry into initiatives designed to promote better H&S in small firms
RoSPA's National Occupational Safety and Health Committee (NOSHC) are undertaking an Inquiry into all the main activities in the UK to promoting and supporting better H&S standards in SME's.
The aim is to fully chart everything that is happening in this field at present and the extent to which it really does reach and help SMEs.
NOSHC want to focus on questions such as:
- the quality of advice being given to small firm
- how to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication of effort
- how to share good practice; and
- how to encourage greater collaboration between key players.
Besides building up a unique picture of current activity in this area, the project will seek to spot missed opportunities and make imaginative recommendations for action.
Project Outline (
PDF format 145kb)
Reports:
RoSPA's NOSHC has commissioned two reports to assist its inquiry.
2nd Report: Core criteria in pre-qualification schemes
The 2nd Report, commissioned by RoSPA's National Occupational Safety and Health Committee (NOSHC) to assist its inquiry into occupational safety and health assistance in SMEs. Produced by Howard Fidderman.
2nd Report: Core Criteria in pre-qualification schemes ( pdf document)
1st Report: RoSPA NOSHC Inquiry into OSH assistance to SMEs: a map
The 1st Report, commissioned by RoSPA's National Occupational Safety and Health Committee (NOSHC) to assist its inquiry into occupational safety and health assistance in SMEs. Produced by Howard Fidderman.
1st Report: RoSPA NOSHC Inquiry into OSH assistance to SMEs: a map ( pdf doc 494 kb)
Meetings:
30th January 2008 - “Simplifying H&S pre-qualification schemes”
Report on an informal meeting for key players held at HSE’s Offices at Rose Court, London on
Wednesday 30th January 2008
Meeting Report ( pdf document)
23rd May 2007 - Formal 'hearing' meeting
RoSPA's National Safety and Health Committee (NOSHC) held a formal 'hearing' meeting on 23rd May 2007 at the NEC Hilton Metropole.
The meeting was chaired by Paul Reeve CFIOSH and members of the NOSHC who engaged directly on these issues in an open question and answer format with key respondants.
Transcript of proceedings ( download pdf document 487kb)
Updates:
SME Update- Oct 07
RoSPA's occupational safety adviser, Roger Bibbings, provides a progress report on the National Occupational Safety and Health Committee's major inquiry into the various forms of H&S assistance which are currently available for small and medium size enterprises in the UK. Progress Report ( pdf format 172kb) featured in the October 2007 issue of RoSPA's Occupational Health & Safety Journal.
Funding:
RoSPA is seeking to raise £65,000 to contribute funding support to this special inquiry.
This funding will enable us to take the inquiry process forward - contacting key people, gathering written evidence, arranging interviews and seminars and collating findings for the Committee.
Letter from Tom Mullarkey (RoSPA Chief Executive) ( PDF format 22kb)
RoSPA extends thanks to the following organisations which have kindly provided funding support:
British Nuclear Fuels PLC
National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd
The Learning and Skills Council
Marigold Industrial Ltd
Contact:
For further information on the project contact RoSPA’s Occupational Safety Adviser Roger Bibbings on 0121 248 2095 (Email rbibbings@rospa.com).
