Purnell needs to focus on health and safety says IOSH

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called for James Purnell, the new secretary of state for the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) to put health and safety high up on his agenda.

Ray Hurst, IOSH president, said that the increasing numbers of workplace deaths and instances of occupational ill-health can only be tackled by providing the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with more funding.

"We hope that with Mr Purnell coming in there will be renewed focus, vigour and support at the DWP, for tackling health and safety issues in the UK," he said.

He added that the IOSH have also called for increased amounts of government funding for occupational health provision and "a greater emphasis" on multidisciplinary working.

Mr Purnell has also been called upon to honour the pledges made by his predecessor, Peter Hain.

According to John Lacey, chair of the IOSH Construction Group, Mr Hain made a commitment to afford workers in the construction more health and safety protection.

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