Government strategy on occupational health

IOSH back new government strategy on occupational health.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has welcomed the Health, Work and Well Being joint strategy by David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Health, and the HSE.

The new strategy will be led by a new national Director for Occupational Health and will include the creation of a National Charter for Health, Work and Well-being, setting out the contribution of all stakeholders in delivering this transformation in occupational health.

Incoming IOSH president, Neil Budworth, said: "Occupational ill-health is a huge issue".

"2.2 million people in this country suffer ill health that they claim was caused or made worse by work".

"That's just not acceptable".

"We need to educate employers and employees on these issues".

"As well as protecting those in the workplace by ensuring proper safety and health procedures are in place we also need to be sure that people coming back to work after being on Incapacity Benefit are ready and able to return to work".

"That people are properly rehabilitated and that employers are giving them the assistance they need".

"IOSH members, many of whom will soon become Chartered Safety and Health Practitioners, are the people on the ground with the training to tackle occupational health issues and should play a major role in implementing this strategy".

"We hope to work closely with the HSE, DWP and DoH in the coming months to help this strategy achieve its aims.".

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