Businesses warned not to cut back on health and safety
Commercial insurance
16th June 2009
Companies and organisations in the UK should not cut back on health and safety spending during the recession, an expert has argued.
According to Worcestershire law firm Thursfields, it can be tempting to cut corners on property maintenance and inspection during a slump, but this can be "dangerous and false economy".
Referring to the recent roof collapse at Minster College on the Isle of Sheppey, which was caused by a faulty ventilation system, the company suggested that the incident was "timely", highlighting the need for regular checks to be carried out on premises, which may be of interest to those seeking public liability insurance.
A section of the roof at the establishment caved in while pupils sat exams and injured a number of students and Robin Humphreys, associate solicitor in Thursfields' civil litigation department, noted that "all occupiers of premises have a duty to ensure that premises are reasonably safe for all visitors".
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health recently published a new guide for employers, aimed at improving skills and training in the workplace.
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