New Law Poster Not Mandatory Until 2014, Says HSE
Businesses across the UK have been at the receiving end of false information regarding the new health and safety law poster released by the Health and Safety Executive.
According to reports from certain business houses, they were being forced into buying and displaying the new posters and law cards, and are naming supposed lawful obligation as the reason for the coercion. Many businesses have fallen prey to such false claims and have paid high prices for the same. The law card and poster contain details regarding employer and employee responsibilities along with information relating to the worker advice cell.
Issuing a clarification on the situation, the HSE stated that while it had released a new poster and law card in April, it had not made it mandatory for companies to display them immediately. In fact sources at the HSE stated that they had given the companies time till 2014 to buy and display the new poster and distribute the new cards. However, it added that companies wanting to use the old poster after mid 2009 have to ensure that the poster is in good condition and has all the latest addresses and numbers along with the latest information regarding the health and safety of workers.
Speaking on the issue, Vinny Kenny of the HSE said that no company should be coerced into buying these new posters and if any one promotes such a sale then the company concerned should contact the HSE immediately before paying anything to such fraudulent organisations. He also stated that this is a deception under the consumer protection laws of the country and the HSE wants to put an end to such false claims.
Employers can keep themselves up to date with health and safety developments by taking an accredited health and safety course by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Click on IOSH Course from Workplace Law Training to make sure you have all the necessary advice and up-to-date information you need to make sure your organisation remains compliant with the latest health and safety regulations.
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