It’s written into UK law that all employers have a responsibility for their staff’s health and safety. If they fail in that duty, their employees risk suffering serious injury, illness and in some cases even death.
The consequences can be devastating – both for the victim and for the company – so it’s vital that businesses do everything in their power to protect the physical and mental wellbeing of their people. But just how common are workplace injuries, and how can we prevent them?
How common are workplace injuries?
Data from the Health and Safety Executive reveals that in Great Britain in 2019-20 there were 700,000 non-fatal and 111 fatal injuries suffered by workers. Below, we’ve put together eight tips that can help to mitigate against these risks.
Introduce a safety and wellness plan
All employees should have access to a plan that outlines the company’s safety protocols and offers tips and guidance on how staff will be supported if they are struggling physically, emotionally or mentally.
Educate employees
Staff at all levels – including those in management – should be put through mandatory training courses about the various workplace hazards, how to identify them and what can be done in response. These courses should be regularly refreshed so that all employees are kept up to date with any new requirements or legislative changes.
Research areas of risk
Businesses should take the time to analyse the most common risks in their industry – whether it be trips and falls, burnout or anything else. Understanding what is most likely to affect their workforce will help them to prevent those problems arising.
Provide proper equipment
This will vary depending on the sector and the nature of the job. For example, those working with electrical circuits will need lockouts to protect themselves from shock, while those operating on busy construction sites will require various PPE such as high-visibility clothing, hard hats, gloves and goggles.
Deploy adequate staffing levels
There should always be enough employees on hand to take care of any tasks. For example in factory or warehouse settings where heavy lifting may be involved, it’s imperative that multiple staff are on hand to prevent one individual undertaking too much on their own.
Don’t take shortcuts
It can be tempting to cut corners in an attempt to reduce costs, but if such an approach results in an injury to a member of staff then the consequences can be far more serious.
Monitor safety measures
Risk assessments and safety protocols should be regularly reassessed to ensure that the measures being deployed remain effective. If neglected over an extended period, businesses may find that the processes previously put in place, such as regular maintenance of flexible hoses, routine equipment inspections, and safety protocol reviews, can no longer guarantee the wellbeing of staff.
Maintain an orderly workplace
The likes of loose cables, spillages and faulty air conditioning units should all be dealt with immediately, while staff should be encouraged to maintain a tidy desk policy to further reduce the risk of any hazards – both to themselves and to others.
