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P a g e
It had become clear by the late 1960's that the mass of legislation was both
cumbersome and ineffective. The number of industrial accidents was not decreasing,
and large numbers of workers were not covered by any health and safety. Moreover,
technology was advancing at such a rate that frequently many of the enactments were
out of date as soon as they were introduced. It was time for a new approach that would
be capable of more flexibility to cope with the constantly changing requirements of
industry, would include those not yet protected by legislation, and would also protect
the public.
In 1970, a committee on Safety and Health at Work was set up under the chairmanship
of Lord Robens. Its terms of reference were: -
"
To review the provision made for the safety and health of persons in the course of their
employment... to consider whether any further steps are required to safeguard members of
the public from hazards, other than general environmental pollution, arising in connection
with activities in industrial and commercial premises and construction sites and to make
recommendations."
Report of the Robens Committee 1972: One particular comment from the Robens
Committee report sums up their conclusions: -
"
Apathy is the greatest single contributing factor to accidents at work
.
This attitude
will not be cured so long as people are encouraged to think that health and safety at
work can be ensured by an ever-expanding body of legal regulations enforced by an
ever-increasing army of inspectors."
The Robens Committee was convinced that the primary responsibility for safety at work
lies with the people who create and work with the hazards. It should be the concern of
all, whether the managing director or the floor sweeper, although the levels of
responsibility will vary considerably.
At the time of the Robens Report there were about 700 inspectors in the Factory
Inspectorate. The report itself envisaged this rising to about 1000 with the
recommended new legislation, which would attempt to cover all workplaces previously.
However, there was a serious problems with demarcation between the areas policed by
the various inspectorates and the inspectors appointed by the local authorities (to
inspect offices, shops etc.), especially in premises where more than one of the Acts
applied.
The main recommendations of the Robens Committee were:
Safety and health objectives should be clearly defined within firms.
Workers should be more involved in safety and health at their workplace.
There should be a legal duty on employers to consult their employees on safety
and health matters.
A National Authority for safety and health should be established.
