The health and safety calendar highlights key dates for proposed and existing legislation and policy and closing dates for consultation papers relating to major health and safety issues in the UK and EU.

It will provide a useful tool for health and safety managers tracking new legislation to control risks and improve performance through a health and safety management system such as OHSAS 18001.

Developments for November include:

  • The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Manslaughter Bill is currently undergoing series of legislative amendments. The latest changes were tabled by Standing Committee B on the 26th October. It is anticipated that it will complete the Commons committee stage reading on 31st October with the Bill finally coming into force early next year.
  • The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 made on 12 October 2006 are scheduled to come into force on 13 November 2006 along and two Approved Codes of Practice providing guidance on complying with the Regulations.The Regulations introduce several measures including a single control limit of 0.1 fibres per cm 3 of air for work with all types of asbestos, specific mandatory training requirements for anyone liable to be exposed to asbestos, analysis of the concentration of asbestos in the air. They also replace three existing sets of Asbestos Regulations.
  • The DWP is launching a consultation asking for comments on its proposals for improving support for those with mesothelioma by improving systems for dealing with these claims and the better focusing of government support. This follows on from the changes made by Compensation Act 2006 and reversing of the decision in Barker v Corus earlier this year.
  • Discussions are expected this month on an EU Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the prevention of injury and the promotion of safety. The proposal focuses on the prevention of accidents and injuries in the Member States by public health actions. It provides a strategic framework in form of a Community action plan. As part of the proposal the Commission will develop plans for a Community information system on accidents and injuries which will provide information about the magnitude of the problem including high-risk population groups, major risk determinants and risks linked to certain consumer products and services.

To view the latest monthly update of the calendar, please click here.

This article was written for Law-Now, CMS Cameron McKenna's free online information service. To register for Law-Now, please go to www.law-now.com/law-now/mondaq

Law-Now information is for general purposes and guidance only. The information and opinions expressed in all Law-Now articles are not necessarily comprehensive and do not purport to give professional or legal advice. All Law-Now information relates to circumstances prevailing at the date of its original publication and may not have been updated to reflect subsequent developments.

The original publication date for this article was 08/11/2006.