Health and safety refers to the laws, procedures, policies and processes that protect employees, customers and visitors at a business. It also includes ensuring that employees receive proper training on safety protocols.

Besides being a legal responsibility, businesses that neglect health and safety risk losing their employees. They may also face expensive employment tribunals and harm their reputation.

1. Reduced Absenteeism

Companies that have effective health and safety programs see fewer sick days, meaning more productivity.

A company that neglects its duty of care can face expensive compensation claims, fines and even closure. Health and safety is all about sensibly managing risks to protect employees, customers and the business as a whole.

A healthy team is a productive one, and productivity is key to success in any industry. People who are ill will find it harder to concentrate on their job, and that can impact productivity significantly.

2. Increased Productivity

Health and safety isn’t just about avoiding accident statistics – it can also help increase productivity. This can be a result of improved physical health, or a more effective working environment.

For example, if employees become ill from exposure to dust or fumes they won’t be able to work as quickly or effectively. Likewise, if they develop a vibration illness from using machinery they might struggle to grip or push buttons.

Lost productivity costs money in time off, investigation costs, shutdowns, repairs, damage and sick pay. A good track record with health and safety will also help to win contracts and attract quality employees.

3. Reduced Liability

Health and safety often involves managing the operational risk of a business. This protects the company from costly government fines, equipment repairs and clean-up costs, recruitment and training of replacement workers, and time spent on investigating accidents.

Employees who feel that their employers care about their wellbeing tend to be more productive and loyal. This makes health and safety a key strategic component of any business.

4. Better Reputation

The health and safety regulations are in place to prevent occupational or any related accidents or injuries that can happen at a business premises. Disregarding these laws can damage your reputation and lead to expensive legal proceedings or an employment tribunal.

Keeping up to date with health and safety regulations shows that you have a responsible business attitude. This will attract more employees and customers as they want to buy from ethical businesses.

Although some of the health and safety rules may seem arduous, it is important to remember that they are there for good reasons. They protect us from harm, which is morally wrong on a human level.

5. Increased Customer Satisfaction

Health and safety includes a set of policies, guidelines, rules, processes and procedures that protect the welfare and health of your employees as well as customers during their time on your business premises. It is not only the legal responsibility of businesses to do this but it’s also something that customers and visitors expect from businesses.

Although overall responsibility for health and safety lies with employers, employees must take part in the process to ensure it is a success. By putting safety in everything you do, you’ll see positive results from increased productivity and better reputation.

6. Better Employee Morale

Employees with high morale are more likely to be productive. They also are more likely to take fewer sick days and stay focused on their work when morale is high.

There are many ways to boost employee morale including daily safety huddles, providing flexibility and recognition, and encouraging opportunities for mental health and physical wellness outside of the workplace. The legal obligation to comply with health and safety regulations is a huge motivator as well, as it protects businesses from hefty fines and imprisonment for breaches in regulation.

It’s the right thing to do.

7. Reduced Insurance Costs

Health and safety is all about the programs, laws, regulations, guidelines and processes that protect the welfare, life and health of employees and any visitors to your premises. It is the law and a moral imperative as we owe each other a duty of care not to cause harm to anybody.

Taking a proactive approach to health and safety can help to decrease insurance costs. It is far cheaper to spend money on implementing effective risk prevention strategies than it is to pay out compensation for that one accident, and then deal with the fall-out in terms of staff absences, insurance premium increases and litigation needs read more hear.