Senior officer slams health and safety rules

Sir Paul Stephenson, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, has spoken out against health and safety regulations in the aftermath of the July 7 inquest.

The inquest heard that police officers were hindered in their efforts to help those killed or injured in the London bombings and included evidence from explosives sniffer dog handler Pc Glen Hesketh who said that some officers had held back from getting on the bus at Tavistock Square to treat the people on it. Pc Hesketh said that members of the emergency services were “not paid to be wrapped in cotton wool”.

While the inquest also heard many tributes to the bravery shown by some of the emergency services as well as acts by members of the public, Sir Paul said he was concerned that health and safety legislation was too prominent in the minds of some officers and that while he wanted officers to be safe, they had joined the force knowing they have put their lives on the line.

He added: “When health and safety legislation was first applied to the police in its raw form, I wondered whether it was entirely appropriate for emergency services. Health and safety is important for my staff but they engage in the risk business.”

yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/national-news/met_chief_questions_safety_culture_1_3359797