Small firms could collectively save up to £300 million every year with the aid of improved health and safety advice, according to new research.

A report published by the Better Regulation Executive, makes several recommendations that could significantly reduce the cost and burden of complying with health and safety legislation for small businesses.

Suggested reforms include the development of a new, single assurance scheme that would allow companies to have just one process to deal with a range of requirements, and improved support to help companies decide when to draft in external support.

Measures designed to maximise the resources of the Health and Safety Executive and local authority inspectors, are also amongst the list of recommendations.  

Commenting on the findings, Secretary of State for Business, John Hutton, said:

‘The UK has one of the best workplace safety records in the world, with fatalities and injuries falling by more than 70% over the last three decades. But the public and business community's perception of health and safety regulation is poor.

‘Introducing simple steps, such as making information more easily available and getting better advice to firms that need it, will help save time and money for UK business.’

Complying with regulation currently costs British business and the third sector approximately £13.4 billion each year.