Reception to mark 50 years of HASAWA

On Monday 4th November, the APPG on OSH hosted a Parliamentary reception to mark the 50th year of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

We were joined by influencers from the world of health and safety policy, coming together to recognise the key piece of legislation underpinning OSH regulation in workplaces, introduced by the then-Labour government in 1974, as well as to consider the challenges that still lie ahead.

The evening heard from the Minister, Stephen Timms, who spoke about the triumphs in 50 years, the importance of unions, and the need for this government to act on asbestos. The reception also heard from Leigh Day partner Harminder Bains, who spoke of her personal experience of loss to asbestos cancer, her work representing victims, and the need for asbestos to receive greater prominence in the new government's objectives.

Steve Thomas, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect union, spoke on the need to reverse the cuts made to the Health & Safety Executive, urging for greater investment in regulatory bodies. With special thanks to Leigh Day solicitors and the Trades Union Congress for supporting the event.