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U.K. health and safety bodies may merge

Posted On: Dec. 6, 2006 12:00 AM CST

LONDON—The Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive could merge into one regulatory body in the United Kingdom, under plans unveiled by the HSC.

The HSC has published a public consultation document on its web site seeking views on merging the HSC, which has responsibility for occupational health and safety regulations in the United Kingdom, with the HSE, which is responsible for enforcing those rules.

In a statement the HSC said that it believes that a merger with the HSE will modernize its corporate governance and provide a "stronger voice for health and safety" in the United Kingdom.

The merger would create a health and safety regulator with a more accountable structure, better decision making ability, continued independence at arm's length from Ministers and membership for representatives from employer and employee backgrounds, it added.

The consultation runs until March 5, 2007, and can be viewed at www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm