The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has given its backing to the Anderson Review which suggested there be a ‘one stop shop’ for advice on health and safety and employment law.
Under the recommendations made in the review, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would receive improved health and safety advice plus be given access to a helpline.
Richard Jones, IOSH’s policy and technical director, said that the organisation would be looking for the government to give appropriate funding, resourcing and commitment to the helpline.
Mr Jones said: "Small and medium sized businesses need to be encouraged to integrate safety and health issues into their overall business risk management.
"We firmly believe that with better advice, and by making that advice more readily available, small businesses can achieve this."
He explained that the IOSH wanted to encourage SMEs to adopt a "goal-setting" approach to health and safety issues.
The Forum of Private Business has suggested that businesses already have access to support and information on health and safety issues.