Published June 2021
A short summary to bring your attention to recent legal changes that might affect our clients. These changes have not affected the risk assessment library in HandsHQ.
Health Protection (Coronavirus restrictions)
Any reference to the Health Protection (Coronavirus restrictions) regulations were meant to be revoked on 21/6/21 - this has been delayed as the final easing of lockdown is delayed (hopefully restrictions due to be eased 19/7/21).
Building Safety Bill
Still under government consultation however, a new building safety group has been set up within the HSE to provide more enforcement. No change yet (law not fully approved) but please be aware that HSE visits to site may increase.
Fire Safety Bill
Also under consultation, with a target to be fully approved early next year. Any reference to the Fire Safety Order (2005) will need to be changed in your safe systems of work once the bill has passed
ISO 45003 (Occupational Health & Safety)
ISO 45003 (Occupational Health & Safety - managing psychological health at work) is in 95% draft. the standard has been technically approved and waiting for final approval from the steering group. The main standard is very unlikely to change, so please use the document as best practice. An overview of the standard has been summarised well here.
The UK emissions trading scheme (ETS)
This is now enforced and will apply to our customers within the energy, power generation or aviation sectors. It is recommended to add this as a reference point into your risk or legal registers.
Energy performance of buildings (England & Wales) Regulation 2021
Legislation active as of 1st April 2021. We recommend to include this reference into your environmental legal registers as it relates to charging fees with holding data and EPC certificates
Environmental Bill
A new interim office has been implemented, named the Office for Environmental protection (OEP). Starting from July, the office will have a non-statutory capacity to help monitor government initiative progress and investigate any complaints made to local authorities.
Environmental Protection (plastic straws, cotton buds & stirrers) England Regs 2020
As of 3/7/21 this law will also prohibit plastic straws being attached to products - law to be included within environmental legislation (particularly for manufacturing or retail customers).
Introduction of plastic packaging tax
Additional tax fees for any of manufacturing companies who import or produce packaging with less than 30% content of recycled material. It is recommended to include within your risk registers to capture possible fee increases to your operations'