Posted By Iain. Taylor Wow Johnathan, This is one of the most positive threads I have seen on this site, great suggestion. The approach Jonathan suggests has been used successfully to move safety forward in a number of areas ,not only legislative ,it also begins the basic principle of consultation, participation and IMO removes significant barriers about the politicizing of safety. Safety Groups from expierence like the one being suggested are used extensively by one of my former employers (Enforcement) this would and should serve as a beacon to other groups to demonstrate POSITIVE pro-active safety ,and would be a feather to organisations like IOSH. Just my experience .. again my 2p worth.

Posted By Rob Wright Jonathan, it's a great idea & I'm all in favour, as it's a topic that all of us struggle with at some point. The role needs to be carefully considered, but I think the Legal SG outputs must include: acting as a consultee for IOSH on proposed legislation; producing impartial easy-speak guides for members; acting as a focal point & giving advice to members on everyday issues of interpretation; writing articles for SHP/IOSH web areas on topic-specific things like law reform, constitutional issues etc..; and a few publications..... Environment to be included of course! The great thing is - it will be the only SG affecting everybody! When do we start? Rob

Posted By ITK I am interested.

Posted By Jonathan Sandler Dear ITK, please would you be good enought to send me your email address, so I can keep you name on file. Regards Jonathan Sandler

Posted By Jonathan Sandler Robert, thanks for the input, yes you are correct the outline of the group sounds a bit wooly, but I expanded on a previous thread Enforcement SG, to legal SG, Who, what, how, where, when, which and why are still open to discussion, what are your comments? regards.

Posted By Jonathan Sandler George Thanks for the input, once again, must send you that £5.00!!! Have 14 members interested so far, who want to join. There will be a artical in Feb's SHP. Regards. Jonathan Sandler ps will call you later on today if that is ok?

Posted By Jonathan Sandler The out line of the group could be this, copied from the HSE web site, Cosultive document on simplification of regulations, apt timimg: Simplification for business to help them concentrate on improving outcomes rather than bureaucratic processes. We are making a commitment to reduce the burden of forms by 25% following a zero-based review; and further to simplify guidance on risk assessment. changing the culture for example through a campaign to tackle risk aversion; consideration of alternative penalties to reduce burdens and simplify enforcement; and challenging policy makers on the need for new regulation and its impact on SMEs. simplifying existing legislation including proposals on management of construction projects which impact on a wider range of businesses across sectors; and a fundamental review of the system on reporting injuries and ill-health. joined up enforcement including more effective partnership with LAs to secure a consistent, targeted approach; and new arrangements for dealing with large organisations to ensure interventions are better coordinated for multi-site firms and consistent with agreed priorities for improvement across the organisation

Posted By Gilly Margrave Hi Jonathan, Definitely with you on this one - go for it. Gilly:)

Posted By Tonie Davey Dear Jonathan. I too agree that a Specialist Group of the nature you suggest would be invaluable. I also agree, "why was it never done before". Great idea. I would be willing to give you and support I can. Please contact me if there is anything I can assist you with. Tonie Davey

Posted By Frank Hallett OK Jonathon - I'm definitely up for it! Though that's probably the kiss of death as far as a number of potential recruits are concerned. As previous threads have shown; it is of the utmost importance that safety professionals have the best level of understanding of what the legislation actually means and how it really works in practice. To fail to achieve this is to fail as a safety professional group in my opinion. email me direct once you're ready. Frank Hallett

Posted By Tony Henshall Definitely interested but would also like to see civil law included in the groups remit. Trying to reduce the risk of litigation is relevant and often more expensive than the fines imposed for criminal offences. Also it is often the fear of claims rather than health and safety enforcement that leads to some of the bad press the profession receives i.e. cancelling school trips, banning conkers and the like.

Posted By Sheila EJ Keogh Count me in please. You said you want H&S dudes from various sectors - I work for a charity organisation. Whilst writing - I've been trying to set up a Charities Health & Safety Forum as there doesn't seem to be one in existence. If anybody out there also works for a charity & you want to join the forum please contact me at Sheila.keogh@raineronline.org