A government announcement in support of the accreditation of health and safety professionals with proper experience and qualifications has been welcomed by one industry body.

Completed recently, a work and pensions Commons select committee report on the work of the Health and Safety Executive advocated the need for employers and workers to know how to access competent health and safety advice.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) welcomed the Labour administration’s affirmation of the suggestion.

President of the institution Ray Hurst said: "After years of campaigning, it seems we’re finally getting the government to understand that people and businesses need the best safety advice."

Earlier this month, the IOSH warned companies against making health and safety cuts in the face of worsening economic conditions, saying that such a move could have "disastrous consequences", resulting in human tragedy and potential damage to profits.