Policy Hub
On 19 October 2005, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Department of Health (DH), and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched the first stage of a strategy (Health, work and wellbeing - caring for our future) which pulls together all the different strands of work going on in this area within government to place real responsibility not only in the hands of Government, but also with employers, individuals, the healthcare profession and stakeholders.
The strategy lays out a blueprint for change, so that work related illness and accidents can be avoided in the first place, but if not ensures people get fast treatment and that they can access occupational health when it is needed. It also puts the emphasis on creating healthy working environments.
The strategy will be led by the new National Director of Occupational Health. Its main themes are engaging stakeholders, improving working lives and healthcare for working age people. The next step will be to publish a charter next spring, which will include an action plan.
The Strategy can be viewed on the DWP website (pdf).