Putting the Health back into Health & Safety
Posted on 18th September 2024 at 11:23
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When I started out in health and safety, I was told that health often plays a secondary role to safety in the workplace. That was a few years back now, and whilst I’d love to say that’s not the case anymore, consultancy and conversations with fellow H&S professionals have consistently shown me that physical safety remains the primary focus, and that less attention is paid to the damage being done to our long-term health, or the impact our working environment is having on our mental wellbeing.
Statistically, we are more likely to suffer work related ill health than a physical injury, in fact the HSE statistics report that nearly 700,000 workers reported suffering a new case of work-related ill health in 2022/23. Operationally speaking, that was 21.5 million lost working days which, over time, is only increasing the likelihood of more cases occurring due to increased demand on the residual workforce.
The thing is, both health AND safety are essential for a safe, productive, and happy workplace, so in a world where work demands are ever increasing, how do we flip the narrative and get health firmly on the agenda?
Protecting people and places
In 2022 the HSE launched a 10-year strategy designed to drive improvements in areas of both new and traditional risk through guided interventions and regulatory activities. Noting an imbalance between health and safety and underpinned by concern over increasing statistics related to work-related ill health, part of the plan targets workplace health in a bid to elevate it to the same level of importance as safety.
So, the HSE have created a comprehensive plan to support UK businesses in creating healthier working environments, but what should we be doing to put the health back into health and safety?
Both physical and mental health should be considered when planning for health and safety. Including policies that cover health hazards such as dust and hazardous substances, mental health support, stress management, and even nutrition and exercise, will set you up for success.
Implementing health programs such as employee assistance programmes that identify and address issues from chronic illness to mental wellbeing are a great way of supporting the team.
Proactive measurement is a must, including regular health screenings, wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments to tackle health hazards before they present an issue.
Start the conversation; Improve awareness of health-related risks amongst the team and making sure everyone is informed and equipped to maintain their health.
Keep the conversation going; Creating a culture that prioritizes health is a key component of the HSE plan. Fostering an environment where health is openly discussed, and employees feel supported in taking care of their well-being, has significant advantages.
Using data to identify problem areas and to drive health initiatives where they are really needed.
As with all aspects of health and safety, regular Monitoring and Evaluation is vital to ensure ongoing success, in fact continuous improvement is a cornerstone of the HSE plan. Regular monitoring and evaluation of health programs for example, ensure that they are effective, and any necessary adjustments are made promptly.
The HSE are keen to work in partnership with companies and encourage collaboration between employers, employees, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies. By working together, it is believed we can create a more effective and sustainable approach to workplace health.
Health should always be as important as safety, and adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to health can support companies in creating a more productive, engaged, and healthy workforce.
Written by Leanne Kelly
If you need any help sorting out a strategy that can help you, then please call Leanne on 07709 675925, Jane on 07743 198414, or Tracey on 07872 589286. Alternatively, you can drop us a message at hello@influentialmg.com.
Links:
HSE Statistics
Tagged as: Health and Safety
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