UK government must prioritise workplace safety, says IOSH

IOSH calls for stronger workplace health and safety standards

Following the success of the Labour Party in the UK general election, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has urged the new Government to focus on enhancing workplace health and safety standards.

Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, highlighted the critical need for improved safety measures: “The new Government is missing a trick if it doesn’t focus on protecting people at work.”

Wilkinson pointed out the current statistics, noting that 138 people were killed at work last year.

Additionally, over half a million individuals were injured in workplace accidents, and 1.8 million suffered from work-related ill health.

These incidents cost the UK economy tens of billions of pounds annually and increase the burden on the NHS.

The economic impact of workplace injuries and ill health

The economic ramifications of workplace injuries and ill health are substantial.

According to Wilkinson, these preventable incidents lead to significant financial losses and strain public health resources.

She stated: “If the Government is serious about stabilising the economy, reducing economically inactive workers and cutting NHS waiting times, strengthening workplace health and safety standards is a good place to start and potentially a quick win.”

Wilkinson emphasised the preventable nature of these deaths, injuries, and health issues.

She called for a focused approach to mitigating these risks, suggesting that a proactive stance could yield immediate benefits for the UK economy and public health system.

Addressing new and emerging workplace hazards

IOSH has also called on the Government to support businesses in tackling both existing and new workplace hazards and risks.

Wilkinson stressed the importance of promoting a diverse, skilled, and better-motivated workforce.

She said: “We’re also calling on the Government to support businesses to tackle new and emerging workplace hazards and risks as well as existing ones.”

This call to action underscores the need for continuous improvement in workplace safety protocols to adapt to changing environments and emerging threats.

Ensuring workers’ safety not only protects employees but also enhances overall productivity and job satisfaction.