| Health and Safety Commission | |
| Non-departmental public body | |
| Crown status: | Yes |
| Legal basis: | Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, ss.10-11 |
| Established: | 1974 |
| Disestablished: | 1 April 2008 |
| Sponsoring department: | Department for Work and Pensions |
| Current head: | — |
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC), was a United Kingdom non-departmental public body. The HSC was created by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA).[1] The Commission consisted of a chairman and between six and nine other people, appointed by the appropriate Secretary of State, latterly the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, after consultation.[2] Its responsibilities covered England and Wales and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, its functions were carried out by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland. It merged with the Health and Safety Executive on 1 April 2008.
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The Commission's' duties were to:[3]
The Commission was further obliged keep the Secretary of State informed of its plans and ensure alignment with the policies of the Secretary of State, giving effect to any directions given to it.[4] The Secretary of State could give directions to the Commission.[5]
On 1 April 2006, the Commission ceased to have responsibility for railway safety.[6]
In practice, the Commission delegated its responsibilities to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).[7]
In August 2007, the Department for Work and Pensions started consultation on merger of the HSC and HSE to a largely positive response.[8] On 18 March 2008, government minister Lord McKenzie of Luton announced that the merger would be completed during spring 2008.[9] The merger was completed on 1 April 2008.[10][11]