By Sarah Warriner 31/08/2016

Under: Health and Safety News

How will Brexit Affect Your Health and Safety Strategy?

In this week's blog, we take a look at the possibilities and what it could mean for your health and safety strategy.

No Need to Panic
Since 23 June there's been no immediate impact on health and safety regulations. Before the government triggers Article 50, and throughout negotiations, current legislation will remain intact. When it comes to the law, for now, nothing changes.

It's also a fairly safe bet that when we do leave the EU, we won't see dramatic changes to health and safety policy. Our core legislation, The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA), predates us joining the EU: a departure from the union wouldn't change it. What's more, EU regulation since the HSWA has seen work place accidents and ill-health reduce dramatically. We are an international leader in health and safety with impressive health and safety records. The UK government will be keen to continue  this trend and avoid a backward slide with deregulation.

Post Brexit Unknown
The impact on legislation depends on what happens during the negotiation process following Article 50. If we stay within the European Economic Area (EEA), in a similar arrangement to Norway, then arguably nothing much will change. To trade in the EEA you must comply with EU regulations, with all products meeting EU health and safety standards.

In alternative scenarios where the UK makes a stronger break from the EU, there may be more scope to amend or scrap British laws that implement EU directives.

Areas of Contention
While an overhaul of policy is doubtful, there are some areas of policy which the UK government may look at reassess post Brexit.

In 2014, a report, by the Department of Health and Pensions set out the HSE's approach to negotiating and implementing European legislation. Within the report they list suggestions or 'streamlining' EU directives. The list includes:

• Flexibility for member states to determine written risk assessment requirements for "small, low-risk" business.
• Repealing the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive
• Repealing the requirement in the Display Screen Equipment Directive for employers to meet the costs of eye and eyesight tests.
• Adapting the Safety Signs Directive to require signs only where there are significant hazards

The list of suggestions would be likely to targets for reassessment post Brexit. It will be wise for businesses to stay on top of changes during and after Brexit negotiations. We'll certainly be keeping a close eye here at Enfield Safety.

Do you see big changes on the horizon? Share your Brexit predictions in the comments section.