IOSH supports health and safety advice line for SMEs

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.

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"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.