That cold snap in the air indicates Santa is readying his sleigh once again in preparation for an epic global journey on the eve of December, 24th.
But what legislative health and safety gifts is the jolly old fellow planning to leave under the tree for employers and the safety sector to play with in 2014?
Indeed, next year is set to see a raft of legislative changes come into force. With this in mind, the folks at Barbour EHS have provided a detailed legislation update, outlining expected changes in the coming year in a bid to help employers prepare ahead of time.
What’s in the pipeline before the year’s end?
Proposals to revise, consolidate or withdraw Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) by the close of 2013, including:
- Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres (ACoPs L134 – 138)
- Hazardous substances (ACoP L5) Pipelines (ACoP L81)
- Asbestos (ACoPs L127, L143) Workplaces (ACoP L24)
- Gas safety (ACoPs L56, COP20) Agriculture (ACoP L116)
- Management of health and safety (ACoP L21) Legionella (ACoP L8)
What’s in the pipeline for 2014?
- A reclassification of Heavy Fuel Oils under changes to the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999
- Proposals to regulate the chemical Acetylene
- A consolidation of explosives legislation
- Fresh guidance for employees working at height
- Retraction of the Factories Act 1961, Offices, Shops & Railway Premises Act 1963 and the repeal of an additional 10 regulations associated with these Acts
- A potentially radical overhaul of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and Approved Code of Practice
- Changes to rules governing employment agencies
Barbour EHS’s full legislative update is available to download for free
