In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of modern businesses, it’s crucial not to neglect the health and safety of employees.
The goals of productivity, innovation, and profitability cannot be achieved if the well-being of the workforce isn’t prioritised. Ensuring that employees are physically and mentally healthy is a legal obligation, but also a strategic and moral necessity for businesses and organisations.
Although implementing safety measures requires initial costs, it is significantly less expensive than the costs associated with workplace accidents or illnesses. For example, between 2022 and 2023, there were 561,000 reported workplace injuries in the UK, which resulted in a loss of 3.7 million working days. Workplace accidents, injuries, or illnesses cause major disruption to the lives and operations of both employers and employees.
While most health and safety initiatives will be guided by law and regulation, there’s also additional guidance to follow that can help staff further.
Manual Handling
Manual handling is a leading cause of workplace accidents and ill-health in the UK. In 2022/23, there were 132,000 new cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. It accounted for 6.6 million working days lost and was the second highest cause of work-related ill-health, accounting for 27% of cases. Even though there are no specific limits for manual handling and lifting at work, it is crucial to follow proper manual handling techniques and adhere to weight limits to ensure that your business is complying with safe manual handling procedures.
Though many areas of manual handling will be equipment-free, key equipment considerations here includes board carriers, general purpose trucks and even step ladders.
Office Ergonomics
Poor posture resulting from the use of non-ergonomic furniture or devices can cause physical discomfort, which can impact work performance. It can lead to various issues, such as higher staff turnover, inefficiency, costly sick days, and long-term pain for employees.
In the UK, musculoskeletal conditions are still the second most common diagnosis on fit notes written by GPs, with 54% of fit notes issued for musculoskeletal conditions citing episodes lasting five or more weeks. By incorporating ergonomic furniture and devices, such as adjustable workstations, footrests, mice, and keyboards, you are taking a proactive approach to prevent musculoskeletal conditions in the workplace.
Safety Signage
Safety signage is a crucial aspect of establishing a safe work environment, especially in conditions such as warehouses and production lines. It’s an efficient way to clearly identify potential hazards and provide instructions and guidelines for safe work practices. It’s also, of course, heavily guided by regulation and law. Ultimately, having the correct signage can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries and ensure that employees and visitors are well-informed about the proper procedures to follow in case of an emergency.
It’s important for employers to partner with a trustworthy supplier to ensure that when purchasing products that aid health and safety, that your specific needs can be met. A reliable supplier will provide top-quality products, expert knowledge and guidance.
At Office Depot, we are committed to providing all of the services and products that your workplace needs to function effectively and efficiently. Regardless of the industry you operate in. Whether it’s construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or hospitality, we offer comprehensive health and safety solutions that cater to the specific needs and regulations of each sector.
With thousands of health and safety products to choose from, and an expanding selection through our endless aisle offering, we provide a wide range of products from leading brands to ensure that your workplace remains safe for everyone.
By prioritising health and safety in the workplace, businesses and organisations can preserve their most valuable asset, enhance productivity, reduce costs, and foster a positive workplace culture.
