Over 150 representatives from Scotland's business, public and voluntary sectors came together on January 29 in Glasgow to help shape the future of health and safety in Scotland's workplaces.

At the last of seven consultation events held across the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sought the views of Scottish stakeholders on their new strategy: 'The Health and Safety of Great Britain/Be Part of the Solution'.

The new strategy aims to reset the direction for health and safety by encouraging strong leadership and championing a common sense approach; improving competence in the workplace of those charged with delivering health and safety; customising support for small businesses and avoiding catastrophe in high hazard industries, Paul Stollard, HSE Director Scotland attended said: "I was very struck by how enthusiastic those who came to the event were, to apply the goals of the strategy to Scottish jobs and workplaces. "Health and safety is deadly serious. Scotland has a terrible record of deaths and ill-health in the workplace and far too many people suffer illness, injury or bereavement. Last year in Scotland, 32 workers were killed and nearly 12,000 seriously injured. Behind each of these statistics there is a personal tragedy, a family harmed, lives damaged."


Mr Stollard urged all those involved in workplace health and safety from employers to manufacturers and suppliers - to respond the consultation.

"We all share the same goal: to prevent death, injury and ill health in our workplaces, but HSE and its Local Authority partners, as regulators for health and safety, cannot do this alone. This is why we are seeking support and involvement from all stakeholders to be part of the solution."

The consultation will end on 2 March 2009.