Workers in the Western Isles will be the first in Scotland to benefit from improved health and safety under a pilot scheme being run by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Health and Safety Executive.

The six month pilot project will involve increased co-operation between the Comhairle and the HSE and will aim to minimise duplication of effort whilst maximising resources and expertise.

Under the new arrangements, officers authorised by the Comhairle in the field of health and safety are also authorised by the HSE and can take action, if necessary, in areas for which the HSE have traditionally been responsible such as construction, manufacturing and agriculture. Equally, HSE inspectors can act in premises for which Comhairle officers are usually responsible including retail, wholesale and office premises.

Cllr Angus Nicolson, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Chairman of Environmental Services, said: “This project will improve the protection of people at work in the Western Isles and will provide information for a review of UK wide legislation”.

Peter Dodd HSE’s Partnership Manager in Scotland said: “this is part of an ongoing process between Local Authorities and HSE which will see us working in partnership to ensure our resources can be targeted where we can have the most benefit to those in the work place or those affected by workplace activities.”

The pilot is due to start at the end of November.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk