MPs warn safety is underfunded

via FT.com 21 April

Ministers have been warned about a widespread concern that the Health and Safety Executive is inadequately funded, which is undermining its ability to carry out its work.

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Hazel's comment:
Actually the article makes it clear that whilst there are concerns that the HSE is underfunded the actual figures are not known since the allocation through the Comprehensive Spending Review is "hidden" within the Department for Work and Pensions budget. what is known is that an HSE site-visit is now likely to happen every 14.5 years as opposed to the every 7 years that it used to be. This increase in time between visits is probably the cause of the rise in fatal accidents at work.
Not sure I agree with that last one -- if employers can't adopt safe working practices, or ensure that staff operate to the rules of safe working, then no amount of pressure from a possible visit will make them work differently. Maybe the introduction of the Corporate Homicide Act will have some effect.

What do you think?

Do guidance staff (either careers or employment) still get out to look at workplaces? Do you get industrial knowledge training?
If not how do you cope?

Please add a comment if you know any answers.