HSE Launches New Trial System
A lawyer at Irwin Mitchell has welcomed the launch of a new tool which will help retailers ensure that both employees and consumers are safe from harm.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is behind the new online tool, which has been created to allow shop owners to quickly and easily assess any key risks in their premises and how they could be countered.
Inspectors working on behalf of the local authority will then use the assessments as evidence as to whether retailers have taken appropriate action.
The current system is available to trial and the HSE are looking for views and feedback up until March 2010.
Katrina Elsey, who specialises in public liability claims for Irwin Mitchell, said: “It is often the case that incidents which cause injury in shops or retail premises could have been avoided through adherence to the correct safety standards.
“This new tool could play a vital role in ensuring both employees and consumers visiting shops do not face any harm or the potential risk of injury.
“Safety must always be a paramount concern for retailers, particularly around this time of year when shops can be particularly busy and feature seasonal displays of all shapes and sizes.
“A quick look at this tool will ensure that everyone who visits the site has a safe and enjoyable Christmas.”