Commitments to safe and healthy work

As reported by IOSH, the Conservative and Labour parties have outlined their positions on occupational safety and health (OSH) in their manifestos for the upcoming UK General Election.

The Labour Party’s manifesto, “Make Work Pay: Delivering a New Deal for Working People,” emphasises the need for safer workplaces.

It proposes a thorough review and modernisation of current health and safety guidelines and regulations to ensure they reflect the modern workplace.

The manifesto highlights risks such as working in high temperatures, physically demanding and sedentary roles, and proposes the introduction of a “right to switch off” to promote healthier working practices, especially for remote workers.

The Conservative Party focuses on broader labour and human rights issues relevant to OSH, with a strong commitment to ending modern slavery and human trafficking.

Labour and human rights issues in Occupational Safety and Health

The Conservative manifesto addresses concerns around modern slavery and proposes measures to combat it.

They pledge to end human trafficking and modern slavery, emphasising these as key priorities.

Labour, on the other hand, commits to strengthening protections for whistleblowers, particularly regarding sexual harassment at work.

They also focus on modernising trade unions, emphasising the benefits of unions and their role in protecting workers’ rights.

The Conservatives have criticised Labour’s trade union proposals, stating: “We will never introduce Labour’s package of French-style union rules, which are a threat to jobs, our competitiveness and our economy.”

Public safety disasters and legal reforms

Both parties have expressed a commitment to implementing “Martyn’s Law” or the “Protect Duty,” in response to the Manchester Arena bombing.

This legislation aims to ensure that premises are better prepared for terrorist attacks and take proportionate steps to mitigate risks.

Labour has also indicated that it would introduce a “Hillsborough Law” if elected.

This law would place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities and provide legal aid for victims of disasters or state-related deaths.

Future regulatory approaches

Reflecting on the IOSH manifesto, there are notable omissions in both parties’ documents regarding the role of the Health and Safety Executive.

A broader review of regulatory approaches is expected if either party comes to power.

Additionally, the safety of gig workers is not explicitly addressed, although Labour’s focus on worker rights suggests potential future measures.

Both parties prioritise economic stability and job security, which are expected to influence their approach to sustainable and healthy work environments.

If Labour is elected, any comprehensive legislative review of health, safety, and worker rights may take time to materialise in practice.