Back to Dickensian times for some?

I think it is particular small companies Vampire, not all. Just shops and office type businesses e.g. Accountants. A lot of small businesses feel overrun by red tape and this is one way of trying to reduce it - I think. Clearly we won't know until they come out with the detail.

Why would a small company be less likely to be dangerous?

Actually absent those rules apply in the workplace just as much as anywhere else! I was simply pointing out the more stupid things which come under H & S.

The use of heavy machinery will not be affected by the new approach as it will not be included and it is very unlikely there will be an exposed electrical cable in a lavatory as generally the only electricity is the light switch which will have been plastered in.

I don't think there is a suggestion that the rules on employer liability are being changed but the inspections of smaller businesses which are less likely to be dangerous will no longer happen. I suppose we just have to wait and see what is actually included rather than speculate at this stage

Health and safety in the workplace has nothing to do with "may contain nuts". It is do with unsafe practices whether using heavy machinery without fitting the safety guards (still likely to be picked up) or having an exposed electrical cable in the lavatory of a shop (now unlikely to be picked up). The rules for employer liability look as if they are being weakened. There is already a shortage of inspectors, so it is to be hoped that making some of the remaining ones redundant is not on the cards.

I think it is only the inspections which are being cut and then only in smaller businesses where there is not much risk. I think employers will still be liable if an accident happens I hope I understand it correctly because some of the regs really are very stupid. Notices to say nut bars may contain nuts and that coffe might be hot for example.

Ahoy, absent! My reply on the planning regs thread should have been on this one.