A recent study by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) showed that there were 138 workers killed in work-related accidents in 2023/24. In addition, a further 561,000 workers suffered a non-fatal injury.
As alarming as these statistics are, it is vital to be proactive in your health and safety activities to avoid becoming part of these figures.
In this blog, we will go through the top 5 benefits of effective workplace safety practices.
1. Decreased workplace accidents and injuries
Did you know that approximately 35.2 million working days were lost in 2022/23 due to work-related ill health or injury? This reinforces the critical need for implementing effective health and safety practices.
By conducting thorough risk assessments, delivering required training, and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), among other practices, there are various ways to decrease workplace accidents.
2. Increased productivity
Good health and safety can go a long way to boosting productivity within your business. Fewer accidents, less absenteeism and higher morale will allow employees to focus on completing tasks and allow them to work more efficiently.
3. Minimising Costs
The cost of workplace injuries to businesses in 2021-22 was around £20.7 billion, quite shocking!
By implementing effective health and safety practises and complying with standards such as ISO 45001 and HSG65 your business can benefit from lowered insurance premiums, avoid financial penalties due to non-compliance and reduce workplace injuries.
4. Improved Employee Retention and morale
A study by Mind found that ‘60% of employees say they’d feel more motivated and more likely to recommend their organisation as a good place to work if their employers took action to support mental well-being’
Furthermore, research conducted by Oxford Economics found that it costs an average of £30,614 to replace an employee due to hiring costs, onboarding, training and loss of productivity.
Therefore, creating and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment can greatly impact employee retention rates and morale, saving you time and money.
5. Compliance with legal requirements
Not only is having relevant and effective health and safety procedures in place morally right, but it is also a legal requirement following the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The government is known to impose heavy financial penalties and prison sentences on companies with inadequate procedures.
For example, a Yorkshire metal recycling company was fined £1.2m after a worker was injured after being struck by a wagon.
In addition to financial costs, these events’ damaging effects on a brand’s reputation should not be underestimated.
Kickstart your journey to a safer workplace
Your employees are your most valuable asset, so make sure you’re protecting them with adequate health and safety practices.
In partnership with AW Safety, we understand that health and safety can be a minefield, so let us help guide your business to safety and compliance.
With over 15 years of experience, their consultancy services are highly adaptable to meet your exact needs. Whether it’s a one-off risk assessment or ongoing support, Contact us today on 01228 406290 or email us here in the first instance and let us help you kickstart your journey to a safer workplace.