This is due to a fundamental review of "the interface between local authorities and HSE". Alan Plom of the HSE Local Authority Unit told LCN that the purpose was to examine in detail how local authorities could make a more effective contribution to health and safety and would look at the extent of their powers. It would affect health and safety not just in drycleaning but across business sectors.
The original intention had been to get the transfer of responsibility underway this year by drafting the required amendment to the enforcing authority regulations and issuing a consultative document. That has now been put on hold until the full strategy review.
An evaluation of the pilot found that the transfer of enforcement had been well received by drycleaners - even those unhappy with it had accepted it was necessary. The trade associations, after initial hesitation, supported it.
The HSE inspectors had had a high workload and were under-resourced, which had resulted in poor records, and the transfer had identified unrecorded drycleaners.
The report highlighted the successful training of EHOs, and also advised refreshers for cleaners to make them more aware of the health and safety regulations.
