IOSH calls for safety and health education to be protected

In a letter to Skills England, the body recently set up by the Government to oversee the UK’s education system, IOSH Chief Executive Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher expressed concern about the potential removal of funding Level 7 occupational safety and health (OSH) apprenticeships.

Such a move, she said, could cause harm to the OSH profession, something which could negatively affect people and the economy.

Vanessa said: “IOSH is concerned that removing funding for Level 7 OSH apprenticeships will damage the profession and ultimately harm people and the economy.”

In the letter, Vanessa went on to highlight how poor OSH practice and conditions not only impact individual lives but also businesses and the economy, with an estimated annual cost for Britain of £21.6 billion. However, it has been estimated by Deloitte that poor mental health alone costs the UK £51 billion a year taking in wider economic impacts.

Skills England was set up by the Government last year with the aim of playing a key role in driving growth, supporting people to get better jobs and improve their standard of living.

IOSH is keen to ensure there is a good pipeline of OSH professionals for generations to come and for workers at all levels to be proficient in health and safety skills and understanding.

Vanessa added: “Due to financial pressures, the number of university courses providing health and safety is decreasing. Level 7 apprenticeships have so far helped to ensure a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to support employers and tackle complex health and safety challenges in workplaces, including within emerging sectors such as the green economy. 

“We understand that the Government rightly wants to prioritise young people taking part in apprenticeships. Traditionally, Level 7 apprenticeships have been undertaken by older workers.  

"We want to ensure all workers are empowered to further develop in the workplace, especially in relation to occupational safety and health.”