Posted Date: 28th April 2023
A safe and healthy working environment is a basic need and right at work.
On this day (28th April), we raise awareness for the right to be safe and healthy at work on an international scale. A national occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention.
This day was introduced to promote and discuss the importance of having a safe, and healthy work environment. Data shows that deaths that have occurred as a result of work-related accidents are 19% globally.
This national holiday reminds us to implement safe work practices. Today doesn’t just teach us the importance of a safe workplace but highlights the need to apply safety measures in our day-to-day activities.
Having the competence and knowledge of working safely is significant.
Recently the HSE reported on a company which have been fined hundreds and thousands of pounds after a 10-year-old had died from, essentially playing in a construction site next to a park. The young boy fell down a manhole that was not covered up by the firm. Despite everyone’s efforts, the child died causing a huge legal case which has been ongoing for 3 years where the final outcome was the firm pleading guilty and being charged a hefty sum. “The company should have had robust measures in place to maintain the fence line that was regularly being damaged and consider what additional security measures were needed to deter and prevent unauthorised access.”
- Source ‘HSE News’ https://press.hse.gov.uk/2023/04/14/construction-company-fined-800000-after-death-of-10-year-old-boy/
A workplace safety program along with knowledge of legislation can help protect a company.
SafeWise seeks to encourage and support our client’s giving them the education to reduce work-related injuries, accidents, illnesses, and deaths for every worker and employee.
The HSE have recorded the following statistics on ill health and injury at work:
- 1.8 million working people suffering from a work-related illness, of which
- 914,000 workers suffering work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
- 477,000 workers suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
- 123,000 workers suffering from COVID-19 which they believe may have been from exposure to coronavirus at work.
- 2,544 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2020)
- 123 workers killed in work-related accidents.
- 565,000 working people sustained an injury at work according to the Labour Force Survey
- 61,713 injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR.
- 36.8 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury.
- £18.8 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2019/20)
Working safely. to continuously create a safe and healthy culture is paramount.
Here at SafeWise we provide a five-star advice and guidance on health, safety and wellbeing tailored to the clientele needs as well as guidance on HR processes and procedures. Whether that be industrial, construction fabrication or any other company, SafeWise are here to help.
We also have a wide range of flexible classroom and online training courses which can be booked to suit your requirements.
At SafeWise, you can be assured you will receive a personal service from our qualified professionals.