Good Health & Safety Practices

Health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace aren’t just about compliance or avoiding fines – they’re about protecting people and building a better business. Yet, despite the significant progress made in the UK over the last few decades, some employers still view health and safety as an administrative burden rather than a strategic advantage to be embraced.

This perspective not only undermines the wellbeing of employees but also ignores the tangible business benefits of good health and safety practices. From reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity to enhancing corporate reputation and cutting costs, a proactive approach to health and safety pays off - literally.

Let’s take a closer look at why investing in health and safety is one of the smartest business decisions you can make.

Minimising Time Lost to Injury or Illness

The most compelling business motivator for workplace health and safety is also the most obvious: workers who are ill or injured cannot carry out their jobs. This leads to lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and, ultimately, reduced profitability.

The HSE reports that 33.7 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2023/24. The cost to employers is staggering, not only in terms of sickness pay and overtime costs but also in the form of indirect impacts, such as:

• Reduced manpower and productivity.
• Increased pressure on other employees, potentially leading to burnout or further illness.
• Disruptions to operations and project timelines.

By reducing workplace risks and promoting employee wellbeing, good health and safety practices help to minimise unplanned absences and maintain productivity. This is a win-win for both employers and employees.

Improving Productivity and Profitability

Effective health and safety practices don’t just reduce absenteeism - they also boost productivity. Healthy employees are more focused, engaged, and motivated, leading to better performance and increased efficiency.

According to the HSE's latest cost estimates, the total cost of workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health in 2022/23 was a staggering £21.6 billion. This figure represents:

• Human costs: Including impacts on quality of life and, in the case of fatal injuries, loss of life.
• Financial costs: Such as loss of productivity, healthcare expenses, and legal fees.

By maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, businesses can:

• Reduce costly disruptions and downtime.
• Avoid accidents that damage equipment, property, or products.
• Boost employee morale and retention by showing genuine care for worker safety.

This leads to higher productivity and greater profitability, proving that good safety is good business.

Reducing Insurance Premiums and Legal Costs

Workplace accidents and injuries can be costly in more ways than one. Employers are legally required to have Employers' Liability Insurance to cover compensation claims if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of their work. However, poor health and safety practices can lead to:

• Higher insurance premiums due to an increased risk of accidents and claims.
• Expensive legal costs if an incident leads to a lawsuit.
• Substantial fines and penalties if found in violation of safety regulations.

The HSE enforces strict regulations to protect workers’ health and safety, and non-compliance can be costly. Cutting corners to save money on safety is a false economy - it can lead to financial ruin and irreparable reputational damage.

Enhancing Corporate Reputation and Brand Value

In today’s digital age, a company’s reputation can be made or broken online. News of a workplace accident can spread quickly, damaging a brand’s image and trustworthiness. Conversely, businesses that prioritise employee safety are viewed as ethical, responsible, and trustworthy, which enhances their corporate reputation.

This has several advantages:

• Attracting top talent: Jobseekers are increasingly researching potential employers’ safety records before applying. A strong safety culture is a key selling point.
• Customer loyalty and trust: Consumers are more likely to support brands that value ethical practices and worker welfare.
• Positive stakeholder relationships: Investors, partners, and clients are more inclined to engage with businesses known for safety and integrity.

Building a culture of safety enhances brand value, attracting loyal customers, dedicated employees, and valuable business opportunities.