Staging Site!

Human rights, as well as health and safety, are compromised by Grenfell-style combustible cladding 

Human rights, as well as health and safety, are compromised by Grenfell-style combustible cladding 

The British Safety Council welcomes the challenge to the government that a failure to address the risk to life posed by flammable external cladding, similar to that used on the Grenfell Tower, is a breach of human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government (DHCLG) outlining its concerns about the continued use of combustible cladding in existing buildings and advising the department of its responsibilities under human rights laws to protect lives.
The Commission has expressed its concern that the consultation on the use of external cladding omits any reference to the government’s duty to protect lives under article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and schedule 1 to the Human Rights Act 1998.
“The British Safety Council has participated in the consultation, calling for much tighter building controls, clearer guidance and effective enforcement,” said Lawrence Waterman, Chairman of the British Safety Council. “The EHRC intervention takes a wider view and supports our long-held and consistent argument that health and safety is a crucial underpinning of the human right to life.”
He continued: “The British Safety Council vision of no-one being injured or made ill by their work will only be realised when everyone cooperates to defend this basic human right for all. We call on the government to take a much clearer lead and responsibility for past failures to protect life so tragically highlighted by the Grenfell Tower fire.”

About Fire Buyer

International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

katie circle headshot

Katie Tracy

Editor

Chris Lingham - maverick-country.com

Chris Lingham

Group Sales Manager

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

May 2026 International Fire Buyer - Firebuyer.com

May 2026 Issue

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

safety

FPA Creates Fire Testing Method for External Cladding

The Fire Protection Association (FPA), in collaboration with insurers, the University of Central Lancashire, and expert consultants..
ironmongery

Updated fire safety guidelines for responsible individuals

The Fire Industry Association reported on 4 July, that the government has released updated fire safety guidelines for responsible individuals:
Grenfell

The Crucial Role of Responsibility in Construction

Six years on from the Grenfell Tower fire and there is still so much to be said. It is hard to believe just how many things went wrong.
Grenfell

Grenfell inquiry resumes next week

The Grenfell Inquiry moves on to module 5 to examine firefighting and with Covid restrictions easing, the Inquiry has opened up its
Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas: new Fire Safety Act prompts risk assessment review

Safety and compliance expert, Bureau Veritas is encouraging landlords and duty holders to prepare for the Fire Safety Act 2021
Image of Wildfire - Fire Buyer

The FIA responds to the Hackitt review

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) welcomes Dame Judith Hackitt Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.
Scroll to Top