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November 2007
Health and Safety Taliban?
The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, Sir
Norman Bettison, has launched a scathing attack on
the health and safety profession, saying the "elevated
and authoritative status" of health and safety
was hindering police officers from carrying out their
jobs and putting lives at risk.
In a letter to the Yorkshire Post, Sir Norman condemned
the "armchair perfection of the health and safety
Taliban" and accused society of a "sleep-walking
acceptance of the health and safety mantra".
In
particular, he referred to the Metropolitan Police's
conviction for breaching health and safety laws over
the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Sir
Norman described the conviction as "a triumph
for health and safety... but a disaster for common
sense".
The Met Police was found guilty under s.3 of the Health
and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 for failing in its
duty to protect members of the public. It was ordered
to pay a fine of £175,000 as well as £385,000
in court costs.
In response to the Chief Constable's comments, the
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
said the dubbing of its profession as the "health
and safety Taliban" was "deeply offensive
and regrettable".
Lisa Fowlie, IOSH President, said: "Sir Norman
Bettison’s attack on our profession, and his
use of the phrase 'health and safety Taliban', is deeply
offensive to the thousands of health and safety professionals
who are working to make this country a safer place
to work and it’s regrettable that he chose this
phrase."
Are we offended?
No. In fact we have a lot of sympathy
for the Chief Constable's view. Without a doubt one
of the issues surrounding health and safety in 2007
is not the 'rules' but individuals perception and their
interpretation of them.
JRB Consulting offer a bespoke,
practical, and personal service to our clients. We
would be delighted to discuss your requirements.
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