HSC's function should be to coordinate the development of standards and legislation. It is essential that inspection and investigation of accidents and complaints, information gathering and licensing and enforcement remain with HSE which is seen by the public as an effective and independent body. Moreover the information gained as a result of these activities is an essential pre-requisite for policy reviews and development. There is scope for other arrangements for making available advice and information. However, the enforcement role does generate expertise that is hard to gain in other ways.
Many regulations now require the use of a competent person.
This system is extensively used in Germany for a wide variety of activities. The law lays duties on employers and employees. They should take steps to assess their own responsibilities and so inform their consequent actions. This is little different from many of the other public obligations placed on individuals and organisations. There remains in all cases a need for scrutiny and powers to act when obligations are not met.