How British businesses stand out through their protective workplace measures

From the smallest to the largest, British enterprises, just like any other player on the business scene worldwide, had to grapple with the devastating and ever-changing impacts of the pandemic that changed almost completely how businesses operate and the overall perception of job-related aspects. Looking at figures from that period, one can only attest that the global coronavirus outbreak contributed to a worsening state of the employee’s overall protection at work, given how the numbers of occupational illnesses and accidents climbed.

142 fatalities occurred between 2020/2021, with 1,700,000 employees struggling with new or long-standing work-related ill health and 800,000 workers dealing with job-associated anxiety, depression, or stress. Of the employees suffering from work-related health issues, 600,000 were linked to new or long-standing pandemic consequences. However, the whoppingly high numbers are not as much a consequence of poor protective practices but more of an inevitable result of the mayhem caused by the pandemic that took the business world not by surprise and caught unprepared for what had to follow. As new protective rules and frameworks were deployed, enterprises progressively learnt and implemented measures to offset some ravaging effects. The results related to work-related accidents and illnesses in the following years stand as proof of the effectively adopted safeguarding practices the better part of UK businesses succeeded in mastering in the months to come.

The number of occupational deaths decreased by 7 in 2022/2023, reaching 135 cases. On the other hand, between 2021/2022, 1.8 million working people suffered from a work-related illness, of which 914,000 workers suffered work-related stress, depression or anxiety. The estimations for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, fatalities from asbestos exposure, RIDDOR injuries and other casualties took a rather downward trajectory, with the respective statistics similar to pre-pandemic levels.
In light of the improving stats and with other countries continuing to lag in implementing effective measures to strengthen employee protection, UK businesses set an example of excellence. Here are some of the most potent and helpful steps enterprises in the UK are holding onto to serve as a model for other international ventures.

Conduction of risk assessments

Whether it’s construction, retail, manufacturing, or even the IT sector that a British enterprise performs in, risks are imminent and can exist or arise in any work setting. While it’s true that some fields possess a higher risk level, such as the former one enumerated, those that shelter employees under a roof and have them performing 5-to-9 desk tasks are indubitably facing their fair share of health and safety concerns.

For what’s worth, employees in the UK can sue the company they’re working at for many reasons, whether it’s a toxic environment that exposes them to harmful substances or malfunctioning equipment they’re given to perform tasks with. Employers own a duty of care to protect workers under any circumstance, which is why their probability of dealing with personal injury claims is higher. An employee who sustained an injury or was harmed due to an employee’s negligence and breach of duty of care can file a claim against them, as you can discover from https://www.how-to-sue.co.uk. Specialized lawyers help those needing legal expertise go through their cases, improve their chances of making justice for themselves, and reduce the damages incurred, whether financial or emotional.

This is why risk assessments in the workplace are carried out on a regular and fixed basis, with most businesses identifying the existing hazards and taking proactive steps to eliminate them. The UK is one of the strictest countries regarding employee safety protection, so it’s safe to say that workers on this land have less on their plate when it comes to worrying about potential health risks in the workplace.

Protective measures and PPE

Protective measures can take endless forms and types, depending on the industry and type of business conducted. However, one thing is indisputable in the UK: securing personal protective equipment for employees working under the required circumstances. The items included in the PPE set are earplugs and defenders, gloves, safety footwear, hard hats and helmets, respiratory protective equipment, hazmat suits, and so on. Putting safety gear at employees’ disposal and training them on how to use them is anything but an optional practice. Businesses must provide the right environment where employees can safely conduct their tasks and protect their long-term health.

However, some things are not included in the PPE, and they’re up to the employee whether they’re offered or not. Some examples may be work clothing, sports protective equipment, or wearable devices to identify risks. They’re not considered obligatory or vital, so it stands to every employee’s reasoning what additional measures they take to safeguard their most essential assets – employees.

Other noteworthy undertakings that wise businesses must take inspiration from would include the following:
● Well-functioning and regularly checked equipment
● Encouragement to report any dangerous conditions
● Proper protective and quality gear
● Rigorous use of warning signs
● The right training.

Stringent rules and regulations

The breakout of the pandemic completely transformed everyone’s perspective on work and business, and it’s no surprise that the hybrid or remote model caught on and became an enduring trend. With some businesses still conducting operations under the strict government-imposed restrictions, more have already prepared to safely reopen OTC or physical workspaces to accommodate workers needing on-site work. As the effects vanished and remained dark, so did the number of remote positions listed on recruiting platforms. UK employee-recruiting applications have seen a 21.5% decline this year, demonstrating that the practical measures have been triumphally taken and employees can resume their pre-pandemic work life.

Needless to say, many stringent regulations and rules have been rigorously followed, with some of them including the following:
● Remote working tools and tech advances where face-to-face meetings represent a threat or are inefficient
● Necessary tools, training, and equipment offered for employees
● Training for staff to stick by personal hygiene practices
● Workplace hygiene rules are vigorously adopted.

Closing thoughts

Businesses have plenty of work on their plate, with employee needs and preferences astronomically shifting due to the pandemic, worsening economic state, remote work experiences, and other recent factors. Data points out that UK employees could resort to quitting their positions should they be forced to come back to the office for full-time shifts. No wonder the employee protective measures go beyond sanitization and PPE; there’s a lot of research to reach an agreement pleasurable for anyone.