Everyone deserves to feel safe at work - and with numerous industry-specific legislations, if an employer fails to manage risks, they could face criminal charges, compensation claims, lost business and damage to their reputation. Numerous systems such as retractable barriers, safety signage and robust training schemes can all help an organisation to remain compliant with health and safety laws.
But many still fall short of the mark. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspects workplaces and issues notices, fines and where needed, prosecutes those that fail to comply. Enforcement is necessary because many workplaces, especially industrial ones, can be extremely dangerous. The HSE reports that 142 people were killed at work in the UK between 2020 and 2021, while 1.7 million people suffer work-related injuries every year, of which 470,000 are musculoskeletal disorders.
A staggering 822,000 of annual work related illnesses are named as stress, depression or anxiety caused by work. Burnout and other psychological factors were often named as reasons for staff leaving their jobs amid ‘the great resignation’, making it even more crucial for HR staff and facilities managers to consider a fully rounded employee welfare approach. The right equipment, signage and training helps to create a ‘safety culture’, alleviating the anxiety that might cause someone to leave their job.
Occupational health and safety came under new scrutiny when the Covid-19 pandemic spread across the globe. While some sectors closed down temporarily, other essential businesses had to keep operating, but with newer, stricter rules in place to prevent the spread of infection.
According to the HSE, 93,000 workers between 2020 and 2021 who suffered from COVID-19 believed it may have been from exposure to the virus at work. Clearly, there is lots to consider when facilitating a healthy workplace - but staying compliant with HSE guidelines is non-negotiable.
Some areas in the UK, and sectors, are doing better than others, as our research reveals. To find out where in the UK was most and least compliant, we cross referenced HSE infringement notice data from 2021 against the number of businesses in each area, using information gained from local authorities.
Where in the UK is least compliant?
Organisations in Hyndburn, Lancashire, have the worst record for health and safety in the UK, according to official figures. There were 31 infringement notices served in 2021, with 2,365 businesses registered in the area, working out at 76.3 businesses per infringement notice - lowest in the UK.
Halton, also located in North West England was the second least compliant area, with 106.3 businesses per infringement, with Tameside completing the top three (107.3).
Businesses in Northampton were most compliant with HSE guidelines, with only one notice served throughout a whole year, and 38,180 corporations in the local area.
Racking up 76 over the course of the year, Bolton had the largest number of infringements and was the fifth least compliant, with a whopping 10,565 businesses registered.
The case for construction
As well as location, some industries are more likely to lead to devastating accidents at work - making some sectors typically more dangerous than others.
Statistics from HSE showed that in 2021, construction had the highest fatality rate.
Final thoughts
Risks at work and the legislation around them are changing all of the time. For example, in April this year new regulations around Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work are set to come into force, following a series of new workforce rules put into place amid the global pandemic.
Keeping your staff safe is essential for a number of reasons. As well as reducing the likelihood of any avoidable accidents, creating a compliant workplace helps a workforce to feel safe and appreciated, also affecting their morale and wellbeing.
And by following all industry guidelines, it also ensures your business doesn’t run the risk of paying costly fines or face prosecution. The HSE or local authority can take action against any infringements under criminal law - but staff who have been injured can also make a civil law claim. Even receiving help from the HSE to solve any infringements can amount to a hefty fee.
Every workplace should take time to understand the fundamentals of workplace safety, and invest in the essential equipment needed to facilitate safe working environments, such as a retractable barrier, hygiene stations and asset tags and labels. You can view the full research here.