Letter: Safety issues

While it is accepted that the 1974 act has made a significant contribution to improving safety in the workplace (your report, 16 June and Letters, 17 June) the review to be carried out on how it is being implemented is most welcome. There is no intention to repeal the act.

The current situation leaves much to be desired. The directives being issued and notices displayed include many which are patently absurd.

Not only do these bring the act into disrepute and indeed ridicule, but more seriously they can result in conditions becoming less safe.

Operatives can develop the attitude that it is the system, not the individual, which takes care of safety. There has to be an awareness that everyone has to assess risk and manage that risk. The nanny attitude diminishes this.

There has to be a balance with regard to safety. This balance has in many instances been abandoned, and cost and indeed jobs put at risk as a result.

JOHN KELLY

High Street

Dalkeith