The statistics are upsetting.
In the UK, 135 workers were killed in work-related accidents during the period of 2022/23. (RIDDOR) The Construction and agriculture were one of the sectors with the highest number of fatalities.
With falls from height, being struck by a moving object, and being struck by a moving vehicle the most common types of fatal accidents. Around a quarter of these deaths were workers who were over the age of 60.
RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) is a legal requirement set by the HSE to guide action in the case of a workplace or school accident. It applies to every workplace across the UK. Under RIDDOR, employers have a legal responsibility to report certain workplace incidents, occupational diseases, and some dangerous occurrences or near misses.
These fatal accidents are still happening today in our workplaces and the sad thing is there are things that employers and individuals could do and should have in place that could reduce such accidents from happening in the first place or minimise the changes.
Employers can take several steps to help reduce accidents in the workplace. These are just a few.
Recognize the potential hazards in the workplace: by conducting a risk assessment. This will firstly help to determine the necessary safety measures for each unique work environment, enabling you then to put in the appropriate safety measures.
Hire a Health and Safety professional: Having a Health and Safety professional around will be a key part in preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. They are professionals and will be able to guide you with their expertise, updated knowledge base and will be able to help you recognise any potential risks when face with day-to-day activities.
Develop Relevant Safety Training Programs: Create safety training programs tailored to the specific workplace. These programs should cover topics such as proper equipment usage, safe machine operation, and the use of personal protective gear.
Provide Industry Standard Personal Protective Equipment: Supply employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on industry standards. This may include items such as safety goggles, earplugs, or protective clothing.
Promote a Culture of Safety: Make safety a top priority by discussing safety issues during staff meetings, performance assessments, and other relevant opportunities.
Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication regarding safety issues. Encourage employees to report unsafe areas or practices and provide feedback on potential improvements.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain Equipment: Conduct regular inspections of equipment to ensure it is in good working condition. Promptly address any maintenance or repair needs to prevent accidents caused by faulty equipment.
Investigate Accidents and Learn from Them: Conduct thorough investigations of accidents or incidents that occur in the workplace. Learning from these incidents can help prevent them from happening again in the future.
Health and Safety within the workplace is important for so many reasons and it exists because it aims to reduce such fatalities and accidents from happening. Having Health and Safety in place is morally the right thing to do. Firstly, it is a legal requirement for employers and employees to take reasonable and practicable steps to ensure health and safety in the workplace.
Every employee and individual deserves to go to work to a safe workplace environment everyday day. Sadly 135 fatal accidents is still too many. Health and safety is not only important for reducing accidents and risk but also for protecting employee well-being both physically and mentally while they are on the job, it makes individuals feel safe and like they are cared for whilst doing their day-to-day.
Health and Safety E-Learning.
Health and Safety E-Learning is important for several reasons, but it plays a crucial part in preventing and or reducing accidents in a workplace by enabling employees to have valuable, informative training. It is crucially important to ensure that all employees, contractors, managers, and supervisors have completed the correct Health and Safety training.
We have a variety of different courses available that will benefit your company greatly and protect your people. Help bring the numbers down.
We still have just 1 week left of our great Buy One Get One Free on individual courses and 10% off bundles and subscriptions. Take advantaged of this offer whilst you still can.
Follow this link to see the full range of E-Learning courses we offer https://cravenconsultancyservices.co.uk/e-learning/
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