Written Question · S3W-16353 · Session 3
Whether it is undertaking work in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive to increase employee on-site safety in Scotland’s open c…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is undertaking work in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive to increase employee on-site safety in Scotland’s open cast coal mines and, if so, what the nature is of this work.
The answer
Health and safety regulation and enforcement is a reserved matter. The Scottish Government is however aware of, and supports, the action taken by the Health and Safety Executive to improve safety at all Scotland''s opencast coal sites following the tragic accident at a site in 2007.
The Scottish Government has been working with the Health and Safety Executive and other organisations within Scotland''s health and safety system on the implementation of the Scottish Action Plan on Health and Safety which contains a range of measures to support improvements in health and safety in Scotland. Copies of the action plan are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 46565).
We are also taking forward proposals to transpose EC Directive 2004/35/EC on the management of waste from the extractive industries. The purpose of this Directive is to ensure that mineral waste is managed in a way that reduces as far as possible risk of damage to the environment or human health. However, the Directive''s requirements in relation to on-site safety are already adequately covered by existing health and safety regulation.
The Scottish Government has been working with the Health and Safety Executive and other organisations within Scotland''s health and safety system on the implementation of the Scottish Action Plan on Health and Safety which contains a range of measures to support improvements in health and safety in Scotland. Copies of the action plan are available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 46565).
We are also taking forward proposals to transpose EC Directive 2004/35/EC on the management of waste from the extractive industries. The purpose of this Directive is to ensure that mineral waste is managed in a way that reduces as far as possible risk of damage to the environment or human health. However, the Directive''s requirements in relation to on-site safety are already adequately covered by existing health and safety regulation.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-16353 by reference.