Health and Safety Recruitment

The decision by the UK to move forward with Brexit has the possibility to evoke the greatest change to the safety and health sector since Britain joined the EU in 1973, or since the implementation of the Health and Safety Act of 1974. More importantly it has the potential to refocus regulations and reform, more than the creation of the "six-pack".
 
In light of the Brexit vote, the UK could free themselves from the EU regulations that have at times seemed stifling. Many of the regulations being enforced today, could be categorized as voluntary standards going forward, minus the yoke of the EU directives. Although Britain could lose consumer confidence by freeing themselves from the bondage of the current regulations, and potentially create what could seem to be a less caring attitude towards the overall health and safety profession.
 
The unlikeliness of a complete decimation of the current in place standards falls on the reputation the UK has on the world stage. With Brexit, the voice of the UK at the policy making table will certainly be diminished, or completely removed. Overhauling existing policies would certainly expedite that possibility. The UK has been heralded as a leader throughout the world with the guidelines they have set in governing occupational safety and health. Governments throughout the Middle East for example, have mentored their programs after examples set by the UK.

Brexit Possible Implementations

First, the UK understands that the current regulations serve a purpose. This government has a history of asserting proper care and prevention to its people. Reducing the rules that are in place to protect its workers could send the wrong message to the people.


Second are the costs involved with a complete system overhaul. For this we look at the possible business costs to an industry that has successfully improved working conditions in all areas. Reductions in injuries and fatalities have been consistent, or they have remained on a plateau. To replace what they have built thus far, means providing a new, proven tested alternative, in place of the existing successful system.

Third, the UK would like to be a possible voice in the creation and implementation of safety and health standards going forward on a worldwide level. Because of their standing reputation, and the eagerness to continue along that path, the UK needs to show compliance and satisfaction with the status quo. There must be a harmonization between governing bodies that complies with changing standards.

Fourth, if the UK wants to participate in expanding trade with participating governments, it must satisfy current policies that are in place. Trading across borders requires that guidelines are in place to compliment one nation's regulations to another.

The Increased Need for Safety and Health Professionals

There is too much evidence to expect that the UK will completely overhaul safety and health standards. There is equal evidence as well though to expect changes will occur. Although the expectation is that the changes would be more likely in the realm of "must have," to "should have". The role of the safety and health professional will become more important and require a larger head count, with the implementation of Brexit. The potential for overhauling, implementing and, maintaining rapport with trading nations, while keeping the existing workforce secure will be a daunting task for the teams that are in place today.
There will be new interpretations to work through, at home and abroad. As the UK makes the changes that they need, the EU will continue to progress along the lines that their constituency requires. Both governing bodies will regulate according to their needs and wants appropriately, and finding a way to conform at home and across borders will require not just a larger team, but a better educated team.
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