Sir, - On March 11th, John Lattimore in his "Business to Business" article, "Making sure that accidents don't happen stated that "all companies over a certain size are obliged to have a safety statement." The 1989 Act clearly states that, amongst other things, a self employed person must take care of his/her own safety and that of other people. The recognised way to do this is by having a safety statement.
A business with even one person employed, (i.e. a self employed person) therefore must have a safety statement, in order to demonstrate, should the necessity arise, that s/he is aware of any hazards present and has implemented control measures if appropriate.
In view of the apparent paucity of safety statements within the "small business" community, it may be that the view expressed in the article, though mistaken, is widespread. As part of its campaign to reduce premiums, perhaps ISME and the SFA should do more to encourage members to have proper safety statements. - Yours, etc.
Kilmacoo, Athlone,
Co. Westmeath.