Health & Safety in the Credit Crunch

If you think Health & Safety is expensive - try having an accident

As we all know, we are living in financially difficult times. However, it is obvious that in many cases the so called “credit crunch” is being used by many people as an excuse for poor behaviour rather than a reason for it. A prize example is the case of the motorist who blamed the credit crunch for the fact that, when stopped by the police, he was found to be well over the blood alcohol limit. He claimed to be so worried about the country’s plight that he was forced to take to the bottle. This situation must be guarded against and is as important in the work place as in life in general.

How then does the “credit crunch” affect health and safety at work? It must be born in mind that, even at times of severe financial difficulties, all health and safety legislation remains in force. It must also be remembered that people do not stop having accidents just because the money is in short supply. Employers are not allowed to let standards slip because of the financial situation. The Health and Safety at Work Act states:

“It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health safety and welfare at work of all his employees”

There is no rider stating – if he can afford it.

It is believed that some employers may already be using the current situation to justify the lack of sufficient investment in health and safety. A recent survey of construction workers indicated a significant drop in the quality of personal protective equipment being provided.

Employers should consider the fact that non compliance with health and safety legislation is a crime that may result in fines or imprisonment. This fact must be borne in mind when prioritising expenditure.

However, it is not all bad news, many health and safety incidents may be avoided with very little expenditure. For example, the provision and enforcement of sensible health and safety rules in the workplace may well stop an incident. It costs very little to clear up spillages immediately. Good housekeeping may cost nothing but could well stop a trip or fall. Occasional chats with employees may highlight health and safety issues before they become a crisis. If guarding is provided at machinery, it makes sense to enforce its correct use and when protective clothing is provided it must be used.

These examples illustrate the fact that good management and the fostering of a positive health and safety culture may well lead to a reduction of accidents in the work place.

Finally, if significant expenditure is found to be necessary to address health and safety issues, or to comply with the requirements the law or the demands of the enforcing authorities. It is recommended that the following well know phrase is considered.