Every year on 28 April , the world comes together to recognise a global initiative dedicated to fostering safe, healthy, and sustainable workplaces. World Safety and Health Day serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role workplace safety plays in protecting employees and preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

Recent news highlighting the range of injuries

These cases illustrate the financial and personal impact that poor health and safety practices can have on both the business and the employee:

Roofer given suspended sentence after man falls from scaffold – because he failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of his employee as he did not undertake any planning or appropriately supervise the work at height or supply suitable equipment to do the task safely.

Wood company fined more than £1million after two workers injured – where 2 men suffered serious injuries failing to protect workers by complying with regulations relating to the Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 for example.

Fine for Kent timber firm after worker loses three fingers – because he was asked to complete a task that was not suitable for the machine he was using. 

School Academy Trust fined £300,000 after student death – because the management team failed to provide training relating to a student’s eating disorder, which could have prevented his death.

Cases I have personally represented clients on:

Client was injured in a fall because their employer failed to use highlighted step trim, resulting in  £25,000 compensation being paid.  

Injury caused by various failings resulting in compensation of £46,500. This accident could have been avoided had the employer provided safe equipment and/or supervised the claimant.

A man’s finger was amputated due to employer failing to train and/or give safe instructions.

Avoiding these incidents is simple and also cost saving in the long run. Here’s my top tips:

1. Regularly take time to review HSE published guidance – its FREE
2. Familiarise yourself with legislation - that is also FREE
3. Create safe systems of work
4. Report any accidents and think of prevention strategies
5. Have a checklist and ensure that it’s reviewed, completed and updated routinely
6. Supervise staff, especially new/junior members
7. Ensure everyone receives relevant training
8. Take out appropriate insurance 
9. Review your equipment, have a defect book and take reported defects seriously
10. Undertake risk assessments to highlight potential dangers
11. Keep the working environment clean
12. Familiarise yourself with employees, know what tasks are or are not within their limits
13. Communication – talk to staff about change and/or issues
14. Invest in safe equipment
15. Review ACAS  

Finally

Protecting your employees from risks can eliminate the possibility of you being prosecuted and/or sued for compensation which could run into millions of pounds. It also protects you from bad publicity and poor staff morale which can affect production.