Posted By Ian Horsman I would like to hear from anyone who has experience (or a view in general) in outsourcing a health and safety function from within a large blue chip company. This question relates to the pro's and cons of outsourcing, not advice on a good outsourcing company. I have concerns of responsibility from both a legal and moral issue. Is it a good idea, should a large business outsource its H&S function? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Posted By Jay Joshi Regulation 7(8)of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires that "where there is a competent person in the employer’s employment, that person shall be appointed for the purposes of paragraph (1) in preference to a competent person not in his employment. The is additional guidance in para 48 of L 21 that has the accompanying ACOP & Guidance. Therefore the first disadvantage is potential non-compliance with the law, especially if this is a large organisation. However, I very much doubt whether the HSE has ever taken enforcement action on this one. I can recall that there was a huge amount of lobbying etc. by the consultants lobby when the 1999 version was at consultation stage to "water down" Regulation 7(8)