Search

date: 29 September 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC celebrates 35^th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act

The TUC today (Tuesday) paid tributes to the architects of the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act, which celebrates its 35^th anniversary on Thursday 1 October.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'This Act was one of the most important pieces of social legislation of the past 50 years. It helped transform the safety system in Britain and has helped ensure that many more of us go home safely after a day's work.

'This Act came about as a result of long-term campaigning by trade unions and safety campaigners and has stood the test of time.

'However we must not rest on our laurels. While the death toll from injuries may have fallen considerably since 1974, the Act has yet to have a major impact on occupational diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders, cancers and stress.

'The TUC also believes that while the act places a specific duty on employers, workers and suppliers, the lack of a specific positive duty on directors is a significant failing which the Government should address at the earliest opportunity.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act came into effect on 1 October 1974.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 29 Sep 2009