Certain workers should avoid health and safety laws
A Tory peer has stated that emergency workers should be excluded from health and safety laws.
The statement focuses on how police and paramedics should avoid following health regulations because such rules could prevent them taking risks, thus saving lives.
The claim came after the Lord said that the services were paid for performing a job that “involves risks” and legislation should not be set in place as it could encourage “inaction.”
The peer, who served as a cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher, also stated in the review that fraudulent compensation claims should be deterred.
Despite many agreeing with the Lord, his opinions have received great criticism. Unions have warned that an end to health and safety could in fact attack rules that protect workers.
Personal injury lawyers have also condemned the review, commenting that work accident solicitors try to reduce the “incidents of injuries” and added that if people are injured unnecessarily and someone else is at fault, then victims have a right to justice.
The review is expected to be reported back some time during the Summer.
Updated on 08/07/2010