As an employer there is a legal and indeed moral obligation to ensure that employees have a safe and healthy working environment. However for a variety of reasons the actions required to ensure those safe and healthy working environments is not always considered a priority. The latest total costs of injuries and ill-health to Great Britain was estimated to be £13.8bn (HSE, 2013a), with ill-health alone accounting for £8.4bn of this total. It is this waste of money and lives that provides the starting point for this article and acts as a reminder of the burden of health and safety failure that is less publicised.
Substantial evidence shows that investing in occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures can reduce sickness, absence and injury rates. Evidence also shows that improved OHS can raise staff morale, organisational loyalty and overall business reputation. It is also becoming evident that there can be a noticeable return on investment (ROI) of OHS improvements. Data on health and safety outcomes and financial data is often not integrated and as a consequence statements on the proof of OHS and ROI is often difficult, however some case studies demonstrate that there are significant returns on investment for some organisations, with some OHS interventions demonstrating a ROI of £12 for every £1 spent. Overall there is strong evidence supporting the argument that good health and safety implementation has measurable financial benefits.
Much more data to support these claims can be found via the British Safety Council literature review of the business benefits of health and safety.
If you would like further information on how Anderson Safety and Engineering can assist you and your business to achieve a fully legally complient OHS solution that could also improve staff morale and loyalty, increase your business reputation and allow you to create a safer and more efficient working environment please contact us. You can be assured of a professional and practical approach to your health and safety requirements.
If you require any information about or services or would like to book a free consultation please feel free to contact us.