Question reference: S5W-33851
- Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 7 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 22 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider regulating health and social care services in order to ensure that they comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Answer
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is reserved, however, it applies to all employers in the UK without exception. Enforcement of this legislation is the statutory responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive.
Additionally the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) are responsible for the registration and regulation of Social Care staff in Scotland. The SSSC Codes set the national standards of practice that employees must follow in their daily work; where standards are not met the SSSC has the power to take action.