Labour shadow ministers Stephen Timms and Kate Green have said a future Labour government will take action to improve enforcement of safety standards, support union safety reps and will “prioritise occupational health and the prevention of occupational illnesses.”

In an article published on 28 April – Workers’ Memorial Day – they note the policies of an outgoing government “mainly interested in tabloid headlines” had led to a reversal of the long-term downward trend in occupational injuries and diseases. In the Labourlist posting, they write: “A Labour government will need to repair the damage, set out on a new course and get back on track… As a key priority, Labour will ensure that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is able to select, on the basis of its own assessment of risks, the workplaces it will inspect. No workplace should be entirely outside the scope of inspection.”

The article adds: “We support the vital role of trade union representatives in maintaining healthy and safe workplaces. We recognise the importance of training for representatives, to equip them to carry out their statutory duties.”

Among other commitments they indicate a Labour government “will commission a proactive research programme to provide evidence for policy, including on occupational carcinogens. We will prioritise occupational health and the prevention of occupational illnesses, and establish a strategy for removing over time asbestos from the built environment.” A 28 April tweet from Labour leader Ed Miliband said: “Britain only succeeds when working people succeed. On Workers’ Memorial Day my message is Labour will act to make workplaces safer.”