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This is a guest post from Croner.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 200 people are killed each year as a result of accidents in the workplace. They estimate that over two million employees also suffer illnesses caused by or made worse by work. The HSE suggests the costs to the UK economy of injuries and ill health as a result of working conditions was £15 billion for the yea
All this is to say, investing in health and safety training for your staff should be a priority for your business. Preventing accidents and ill health at work can go a long way to setting you aside from your competition as an employer that values their employees' wellbeing.
Health & Safety and the law
To ensure the health and safety of employees at work, the UK government put in place regulations that employers must adhere to. These regulations put the duty of managing and identifying health and safety concerns on the employer.
Legislations in place to protect employees include:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Requires employers to protect the welfare of their employees including their health and safety while at work or on work premises.
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Reinforces the health and safety work act 1974, it requires employers to undertake risk assessments, establish safety procedures, provide adequate health and safety training and more.
- The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012: Places a duty on employers to manage the risks from asbestos in the building. Employers are required to check the workplace for asbestos and draw up a plan for managing it in the workplace. They'll also need to monitor and review any arrangements and consult with trade union reps.
- The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992: This applies to workers who use display screen equipment for an hour or more at a time. It requires employers to protect these employees from the health risks associated with working with DSE. They must be sure to conduct a DSE risk assessment, provide adequate training and provide the option for an eye test.
- The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR): By law, employers must report specified incidents no matter how big or small. They must record all reportable accidents to understand the pattern in injuries and take steps to prevent them.
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002: This legislation was introduced in an effort to protect employees from the hazards of substances used at work. It requires employers to conduct regular risk assessments and address any areas of concern. Employers have the duty of care to avoid exposure to hazardous substances as well as to prohibit the import of certain substances.
- The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: This regulation manages the way construction projects are planned. It places specific duties on clients, designers, and contractors to plan their approach to health and safety.
- The Equality Act 2010: This regulation bans the unfair treatment of employees and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace. The law lists 9 characteristics which it protects against discrimination including disability, pregnancy, gender reassignment, age, race, gender, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: The legislation offers guidance for fire and rescue authorities and other bodies about their duty to enforce fire safety in the workplace. It places the responsibility on employers to carry out risk assessments to identify, manage and reduce the risk of fire.
- Conducting risk assessments to the health and safety of its workforce, and to act upon risks they identify.
- Appointing competent persons to oversee workplace health and safety.
- Providing workers with information and training on occupational health and safety.
- Operating a written health and safety policy.
- Providing adequate lighting, heating, ventilation and workspace (and keep them in a clean condition).
- Providing staff facilities, including toilets, washing facilities, and refreshment.
- Providing safe passageways, i.e. to prevent slipping and tripping hazards.
- Ensure Display Screen Equipment (DSE) users take 'adequate breaks'
- Provide regular eyesight tests
- Provide health and safety information
- Provide adjustable furniture (e.g. desk, chair, etc.)
- And so much more. For a detail list of regulation, check out the HSE's guide legal requirements for employers.
- Meet the legal obligations put in place by the HSE.
- Ensure employee safety when they're at work.
- Develop a positive company culture around health and safety.
- Identify areas within an organization where health and safety could be improved.
- Avoid costs relating to workplace injuries like hospital bills, rehabilitation and more.