Lord Young last week published his report on reforming health and safety law, and tackling the increasing "no win, no fee" claims culture, which has now become endemic in our society. The HSE has welcomed the report.

Judith Hackitt, the HSE Chair, said:

"Lord Young's report is an important milestone on the road to recovery for the reputation of real health and safety. HSE welcomes it and will be actively pursuing those recommendations within our remit.

"We welcomed the review when it was announced by the Prime Minister in June and we are looking forward to contributing to its implementation.

"Publication of the report is a tremendous opportunity to refocus health and safety on what it is really about - managing workplace risks. Getting this right is good for employers, employees and Britain as a whole.

"We've been saying for some time that health and safety is being used by too many people as a convenient excuse to hide behind. Often it is invoked to disguise somebody's motives - concerns over costs or complexity, an unwillingness to defend an unpopular decision or simple laziness. Lord Young is sweeping these excuses away.

"HSE will continue to champion a sensible and proportionate approach to dealing with serious risks in the workplace - not eliminating every minor risk from everyday life."

To read the full report visit www.hse.gov.uk

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2010/hse-lordyoungreport.htm

Jogging to Health.

In an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle, and to consider reducing his own carbon footprint, our very own Nick Woodrow (manager of the Central Skills Training Facility) is pictured setting his stop watch in preparation for his jog home.
Nick changes out of his business suit to replace it with his shorts and jogging top at the end of a hard day to enjoy his brisk run home. Of course, many rumours circulated that a taxi was waiting for him just around the corner on Glaisdale Drive, but I can assure you that this was not the case!!

There are many things an individual can do as an alternative to jogging to change their lifestyle to a more healthy one; such as stopping smoking, eating more fruit and vegatables, and cutting down on foods that are high in saturated fats.
Taking regular exercise will also improve health. You don't have to jog like Nick, but even walking to work or college will improve your overall fitness, as well as helping the planet by reducing the number of car or bus journeys you make.

Nick hopes that other members of staff and learners will follow his example to strive for a healthier lifestyle and reduce greenhouse gases. Naturally, as the darker nights draw in, I would advise that you consider your safety when jogging by wearing some form of High-visibility garment so that you are clearly visible to motorists.

Keep on running!!