THE Isle of Man government has announced that it is seeking the public’s views on a proposal to establish a Health and Safety Consultative Committee, comprising of stakeholder representatives from Government, industry, commerce, employee representatives and the public and voluntary sectors.

Minister for the Department of Infrastructure, David Cretney, said that the intended purpose of the committee would be to contribute to the development of legislation and comment on strategies to be adopted by the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate (HSWI).

He added, “The committee could also provide feedback concerning health and safety matters from a stakeholder perspective, highlight areas where improvements in health and safety may be required and act as a focus group in moving forward initiatives to ensure effective co-ordination between the HSWI and other agencies, such as building control, planning and environmental health.

“The committee would not be involved in operational decisions or the enforcement of individual cases.  A consultation document is available from today (1 December 2011).”

He added, “A committee would provide an opportunity for all parties with an interest in health and safety to contribute to the development of legislation and strategies which would encourage a culture of common sense risk management and a transparent and efficient approach to the delivery of health and safety on the Island.”