HSE launches protective boots safety strategy

Construction companies should be encouraged to invest in health and safety measures, promoting the use of things like protective boots despite the recession, a trade body suggests.

A new strategy launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), entitled Be Part of the Solution, will attempt to reduce workplace accidents by offering a commonsense approach to risk management.

The executive warns companies not to cut down on health and safety practices during the economic downturn, despite the temptation to reduce costs.

According to the HSE, nearly eight out of ten business leaders admit that health and safety measures like the wearing of protective boots are beneficial.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the HSE, says that employers must take the lead in reducing the amount of deaths caused by work-related accidents.

She comments: 'We are calling on employers and business owners to take the lead themselves in preventing the thousands of deaths every year which are caused by work - it is their moral and legal duty and it is good for the business.'

The HSE recently called on businesses to better manage the movement of traffic around building sites to avoid employee injuries.

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