Police urge reform of health and safety laws

A new survey of police and paramedics has found overwhelming support for reform of current health and safety legislation.

The survey, conducted by ITV, questioned 2,000 frontline staff including 640 paramedics and found that almost half the police and three-quarters of paramedics believe that the current rules prevent them saving lives. 80% of police questioned said they had disobeyed the rules to help people while 70% said that they should be able to risk their own lives to help others.

The survey comes in the light of criticism of the emergency services after the 7/7 bombings and Derrick Bird’s killing spree in Cumbria where victims faced delays in getting help.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling, who is overseeing a review of health and safety legislation, says that changes are desperately needed and that the emergency services should not be wrapped up in red tape when attempting a rescue. He added: “We need to trust their professional judgment. They are the ones putting their lives on the line. We need to give them more protection, guidance and training. But when they are taking the snap decision they must have the freedom to judge.”

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/254433/Cut-red-tape-rules-to-let-us-save-lives