IOSH expert lauds importance of inspections

Inspections are a key part of health and safety regulation, according to a representative from the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH).

Dr Luise Vassie, head of research and technical services at the organisation, explained that they can help businesses to be more efficient by pointing out the areas of operations that may need to be reviewed.

But she stressed that firms should not wait for an inspector to come knocking, saying: "It's just part of the story when it comes to keeping workers safe and healthy – the onus is on business to deal with the issues."

Dr Vassie claimed it would be ideal to have more inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) out on the front line, but accepted there are limited resources available.

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Her comments follow a report published by the TUC showing that 49 per cent of companies have yet to be visited by a representative from the HSE.