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'H&S' must not be the excuse for unfair disability discrimination
06 March 2007
The HSC and the Disability Rights Commission(DRC)have agreed a joint statement on health and safety management and disability in the workplace.
The statement is intended to promote a positive and practical approach to risk management and to encourage the inclusion of disabled people in the workplace. More detailed practical guidance on health and safety management and the employment of disabled people will be available in autumn 2007.
It is the joint view of the HSC and the DRC that 'Health and Safety law and the Disability Discrimination Act when used appropriately will work together to increase the employability and retention of disabled people. A positive and sensible approach to risk management can and should in most circumstances encourage the inclusion of disabled people in the workplace.'
They call upon employers to provide a safe and supportive working environment for all employees including those with disabilities and on workers to co-operate with their employers to help manage risk and develop reasonable adjustments.
They conclude 'Health and safety should never be used as a false excuse to justify discriminatory treatment. It will be the exception rather than the rule to exclude disabled people from particular jobs and tasks.'
Click here to see the full joint statement.
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