Safety last

Perhaps unintentionally Professor Andrew Watterson (Letters, 21 April) makes a case for abolishing the present practice of workplace health and safety. Figures for “fatal and major workplace injuries” are appalling, which raises the issue of inspection.

Apparently neither the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) nor local authority staff responsible for health and safety carry out inspections.

Can health and safety law be “enforced” if workplaces, farms, schools or building sites are never visited?

Seemingly, Health and Safety is involved after an accident and then only if “fatal or major”.

The fundamental problem is the relationship between two large bureaucracies with no clear areas of responsibility.

Arguably, politicians should consider one organisation of inspectors to replace the present ineffective system of health and safety.

Ellis Thorpe

Old Chapel Walk

Inverurie