Last August, we highlighted that the European Commission (EC) were preparing a new Directive on preventing physical harm caused by heavy or repetitive manual work.

The EC has stated it wishes to 'simplify' current arrangements by replacing two current Directives (manual handling and display screen equipment) with one Musculo-skeletal Directive.

We've been keeping an eye on the debate and noted that the Board of the HSE discussed the issue in October, the minutes (http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/hseboard/2009/251109/pnovb09100.pdf) of which have recently been published.  The minutes (page 10) contained a reference that "Belgium has indicated that this dossier will be a priority for its Presidency in the second half of 2010".

Although the official decision from the EC about whether to adopt a new Directive is due soon ("early 2010" according to the HSE) and the proposed legislation has some way to go (if it is adopted, there's usually a two year 'consideration' period before implementation), Blossoms is concerned about the implementation of another Directive.

Blossoms believes the Directive could effectively penalise businesses who already manage risk responsibly, by imposing a standard which may force businesses to re-format existing practices.