CIWM defends health and safety in the face of Cameron's rash New Year's resolution

06 January 2012

Responding to David Cameron's announcement yesterday on reducing the health and safety burden on UK business, CIWM chief executive Steve Lee has roundly condemned elements of the Prime Minister's speech.

"Health and safety in the waste and resources industry is far more important than a sound-bite, even one from the Prime Minister. Professionals and organisations such as CIWM have worked strenuously to embed a robust and effective health and safety culture and this industry has made significant progress in reducing the number and severity of incidents. There is still more to do, however, and as an active member of the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum CIWM will continue to drive improvements in standards and industry practice.

"Some of the issues raised in Cameron's speech clearly resonate with some business sectors, but CIWM doesn't recognise a culture of "trivial or excessive claims" in the waste and resources sector. What we do recognise is a need and desire to identify, remove and manage the very real risks associated with this complex industry. This is not an area for compromise; whoever penned the Prime Minister's resolution to "kill off the health and safety culture for good" has a very poor grasp of the important role that this legislation plays in protecting us all against work-related death, injury or illness. CIWM doesn't believe that this can accurately reflect the Government's intentions."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contacts:
Pat Jennings
CIWM Communications Office
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk