You Can't Afford to Ignore the Issues

Too many people adopt the attitude of "It won’t happen to us". According to published statistics, however, accidents happen every day and in every sector.

Insurance can provide a degree of compensation for some of the losses incurred, but by no means all. Being proactive about protecting health, safety and the environment is a much better option by implementing the principle of "prevention is better than cure".

Fatalities

According to HSE figures for 2005-6, the number of fatally injured workers decreased by 5% from the previous year, from 223 to 212.

That is excellent news for the 21 people who might have died but survived because of improving health and safety. However, it was still tragic for 212 people (and devastating for their families) who did lose their lives.

In other words, we can take some comfort from the progress that has been made but nobody can afford to be complacent. There is still far more that needs to be done.

The cost in human terms is simply too great to ignore. In addition, there are other problems for employers who choose to disregard their responsibilities toward their employees, the environment and anyone else affected by their activities.

Sickness Absence

Everyone suffers with illness from time to time and may need to take sick leave, some for extended periods.

The cost across the UK of sickness absence is estimated to exceed £12bn. According to the CBI, that equates to nearly £500 in direct costs for every worker employed.

Much of this is unavoidable but a substantial proportion can be avoided if adequate measures are in place to safeguard health and safety whilst at work.

Criminal Prosecutions

Even though the HSE treats it as a last resort, prosecutions under health and safety law are not uncommon. Every month in our newsletter we select a recent case to help illustrate the importance of good health and safety arrangements.

If your organisation finds itself in court, it could result in substantial (up to six figure) fines and costs. In the worst cases, it can also result in custodial sentences for directors, managers and employees. On top of that there is all the bad publicity that inevitably follows.

Compensation Claims

The other kind of court case is concerned with compensation claims brought by injured people. The result can be substantial payouts, increased insurance premiums and serious damage to your reputation with prospective customers and recruits.

Considering the severe consequences when things going wrong, it is easy to see the benefits of acting proactively.

Call EDP so that we can help you to avoid these unpleasant consequences and the work we do frequently identifies areas of substantial savings so that the initial investment can pay handsome dividends in so many ways.