How to embed health and safety into your company culture
The 28th April is the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Day for Health and Safety at Work.
It is an important reminder that 317 million accidents occur on the job annually and 6,300 people die each day as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases. This blog post looks at how climate change has affected organisations’ risk profile and explores some of the ways companies can foster a culture of health and safety, including the use of training and technology.
Health and safety in a changing climate
This year, the theme for World Day for Health and Safety focuses on the impact of climate change. According to the ILO, workers are often the first to be exposed to its effects; often for longer periods and at greater intensities, putting them at increased risk of occupational injury, disease and death. Heat stress, UV radiation and air pollution are just a few of the risks exacerbated by climate change, with health implications ranging from respiratory conditions to cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Certain subsets of workers are identified as being particularly at risk, including outdoor workers in physically demanding sectors; indoor workers in hot, poorly ventilated environments; pregnant women and disabled workers; and those in the emergency services and health care sector. Climate-related risks such as excessive heat can lead to sleeping issues and decreased concentration, both of which have the potential to affect work safety, especially where workers are operating machinery or interacting with the public.
It is important that employers familiarise themselves with existing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) legislation, particularly where it concerns the protection of workers against extreme temperatures or weather events. Risk assessments and preventative measures such as ventilation, breaks and training may well be required. Businesses should also revisit their health and safety policies to make sure they adequately address the full spectrum of risk.
Creating a culture of health and safety
Creating a culture that prioritises health and safety requires a multifaceted approach. At Morson, we aim to create harm-free working environments by collaborating with clients to improve the safety of our workers on their sites. Our initiatives include training, technology and awareness-raising initiatives, which we use alongside company policies and processes to protect our people.
We have a range of technology solutions related to health and safety, including our Close Call app, which allows workers to report close calls to our HSQE team, and our award-winning Fit For Work app. This complete contractor engagement tool allows anyone with a smartphone to check in with their employer, report risks in real time, and access important information wherever they are.
But we also recognise the role that regular health and safety training plays in maintaining a safety-centric culture. Empowering people with the knowledge and skills to manage their own safety contributes significantly to reducing workplace accidents. Our behavioural safety initiative, Work Safe Home Safe, was developed to help workers understand and implement safe working practices.
Health and safety from the top down
The foundation of a safety-centric culture, however, is leadership that actively commits to and champions health and safety protocols. Establishing channels for open communication where employees feel comfortable reporting risks, incidents, or suggesting improvements is crucial to creating a transparent culture that encourages engagement. Meanwhile, recognising and rewarding safe practices encourages a shared responsibility towards health and safety, incentivising people to uphold high standards.
These strategies, coupled with a commitment to continuous improvement, can help organisations navigate the challenges posed by modern working environments, including those amplified by climate change. As businesses evolve, so too must their approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their workforce.
At Morson Training, our team of trainers, assessors, administration and management specialists deliver on-site and virtual health and safety courses across the UK. To arrange training for your organisation, visit our website.
