Brexit unlikely to change Health & Safety Standards in the UK

Following the UK’s decision to exit the European Union, it is unlikely that this decision will impact significantly on the United Kingdom’s approach to health and safety.

The UK has a gold standard of health and safety and is one of the safest places to work in the world.  The history of health and safety legislation can be traced back before the UK joined the European Union.

The UK can rightly be proud of its record and it is highly unlikely that any future Government will significantly alter health and safety legislation.  The social effects of doing so would be profound.

Although in theory the UK is free to cut red tape and deregulate, a clue as to whether the UK will choose to do so can actually be seen by looking at other Countries.  Norway and Switzerland both largely comply with the EU’s standard of health and safety despite not being member states of the EU and having entirely separate regimes.

Certainly in the short to medium term it is unlikely that matters will significantly alter.

However it is highly likely, according to one leading organisation, that the UK will have less influence in the development of further health and safety laws post-Brexit.  The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management released a statement which said:

“Many EU health and safety and environmental directives have been transferred into UK law so currently nothing changes until the UK Government puts in place mechanisms for further deregulation.

However, post-Brexit it is highly likely that the UK will have less influence in the development of further EU law up until the time we leave the EU which could be as long as two years.”

“Without doubt, we should continue to apply our successful, risk based management systems.  Many UK organisations will want to continue to work and trade within the EU and it will be in their interests to continue maintaining compliance.  The UK has been a leader in influencing other EU nations and regulators in developing strong foundations for future health, safety and environmental laws.”

Given that the UK has taken such a strong leading role in the development of health and safety and environmental laws, it is highly unlikely that the UK will now abandon its principles as a gold standard Country in which the health and safety of its workers is seen as a high priority.