The Health and Safety Executive has published its sixth annual Science Report which details achievements in science and engineering research designed to prevent and mitigate work-related risks.
The report casts light on more than 500 projects including work undertaken by the Health and Safety Laboratory as well as the HSE’s own analysts and contractors.
Dave Bench, director of science, engineering and analysis at HSE, said scientific research had a big role to play in safety management.
“The ability to anticipate and evaluate future challenges is critical to maintaining the HSE’s position as a forward thinking regulator,” stated Mr Bench.
Highlights in this year’s Science Report, include:
- A survey that monitors the long-term health of those who work with pesticides
- An incident analysis of mobile elevated work platforms
- A study into the causation, exposure and impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on workers
Mr Bench explained how the HSE “is a strongly scientific and evidence-based organisation” with a quarter of staff being qualified scientists or engineers.
“Our scientific activities enable us to gather evidence, identify and develop practical solutions, and monitor and evaluate their success in helping Britain to remain one of the safest places in the world to work.”
Download the HSE’s sixth annual Science Report 2014
