According to the British Safety Council, a survey found workers feeling psychologically unsafe are 80 per cent more likely to have been injured at work.
Creating a safe working environment is not only a legal and moral responsibility for employers, but it is also a smart and strategic move, considering that workers who feel psychologically safe are far less likely to be injured.
Effective accident prevention can help businesses protect staff and avoid costly claims, but how exactly can accidents be prevented in the workplace, and more importantly, who is responsible for making this happen?
Who is responsible for managing health and safety at work?
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are responsible for workplace health and safety.
This includes full-time staff as well as part-time and temporary workers.
That being said, it’s important to understand that workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and employees also have a role in maintaining a safe workplace by following procedures and reporting any concerns.
What are employers required to do by law?
To meet legal obligations, employers must regularly adhere to the following:
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Provide staff with training and supervision
- Ensure that machinery and equipment are adequately maintained
- Provide protective equipment
- Create a clear health and safety policy
- Report any workplace injuries or accidents
Failure to implement and maintain these measures can result in serious workplace accidents and, subsequently, legal consequences.
In some cases, individuals can pursue compensation claims through a workplace accident attorney.
How to prevent accidents at work
Preventing accidents at work is a joint responsibility, and there are many ways that, as an employer, you can work alongside your team to avoid injuries.
Encourage reporting concerns
A recent study into workers’ satisfaction found a positive association between job satisfaction and safety climate, with staff who expressed more satisfaction having positive perceptions of safety and being more committed to safety management policies, resulting in lower accident rates.
It’s clear that creating a positive work environment where employees feel at ease reporting safety concerns without fear of retaliation ensures you maintain a safer workplace.
Training
Employees who feel confident in using equipment, manual handling and carrying out emergency procedures are less likely to experience accidents in the workplace.
Ensuring your trainees are adequately trained and have regular refreshers on each of these areas can help with accident prevention in the workplace.
Regular safety inspections
Throughout the year, employers should aim to schedule routine inspections and safety audits to identify and address any hazards in the workplace.
These audits may seem time-consuming, but they are a necessary pre-emptive measure that can help you prevent future accidents.
Clear signage
Finishing with an obvious but often forgotten measure, implementing clear signage around your workplace, such as wet floor signs, restricted access, or hazardous substances, can tremendously impact accident numbers.
What can employees do to make the workplace safer?
As mentioned, employees play a vital role in maintaining workplace safety.
It’s important to support a culture of safety among colleagues and report any hazards or unsafe practices as soon as they arise.
By correctly following procedures such as engaging in training, using equipment as instructed, and wearing protective accessories when required, employees can protect themselves and those around them.
By operating as a team, employers and employees can help reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
Had an accident at work?
Despite the best efforts of employers, accidents at work can still happen.
If you have suffered an injury due to unsafe working conditions and would like to know more about making a claim, visit our Workplace Injuries page.
Alternatively, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 0151 256 7898 to arrange a free initial consultation.
