IOSH calls for enhanced workplace health and safety ahead of UK General Election

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Election campaign overlooks occupational safety and health

As reported by IOSH, the UK General Election is scheduled for 4 July, and political parties are actively campaigning to attract voters.

Despite the prominence of various issues in the campaign, occupational safety and health (OSH) has not been a primary focus.

IOSH has launched its manifesto, “Safer, healthier, happier,” calling for the next Government to strengthen and expand the UK’s system that prevents workplace harm.

IOSH President-Elect Kelly Nicoll emphasised the importance of addressing mental health and implementing preventive measures across all areas of OSH to boost the economy and reduce NHS waiting lists.

Nicoll stated: “A huge amount of work is needed in this area, not just to support people who are struggling with their mental health but to prevent problems in the first place.”

Consultation on ‘fit note’ reform underway

While the election campaign continues, active consultations are still taking place, including one on reforming the ‘fit note’.

This consultation is an opportunity for IOSH members to influence the Government’s approach to occupational health provision.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are seeking input on current and future policy considerations for the fit note process.

Dr Ivan Williams Jimenez, IOSH Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, highlighted the importance of this consultation: “OSH professionals are critical in supporting employees to remain healthy and productive at work.

Their advice and expertise can help to prevent people falling out of work and contribute to improved practices when getting back to work.”

Survey reveals support for prioritising occupational health services

According to a new survey by IOSH, nine in ten health and safety professionals believe the next Government should prioritise improving occupational health services to reduce work-related illnesses.

The survey results coincide with the launch of IOSH’s manifesto, which urges the incoming Government to focus on protecting workers to aid economic recovery and reduce NHS waiting lists.

Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH Head of Policy and Public Affairs, emphasised the economic impact of poor workplace health and safety: “The most recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive showed that workplace injury and new cases of work-related ill-health cost Britain £20.7 billion.

“More people being injured or made ill by work means more people seeking treatment, which adds additional pressure onto the NHS.”

IOSH’s calls to action for the new Government

IOSH’s manifesto outlines five key actions for the new Government:

  • Protect workers’ rights to safe, healthy, decent work by endorsing international health and safety conventions.
  • Strengthen and expand the UK’s harm prevention system by increasing funding for the Health and Safety Executive.
  • Support businesses in addressing new workplace hazards, ensuring non-permanent workers have rights to good working conditions and a minimum wage.
  • Promote a diverse, inclusive, skilled, and motivated workforce by integrating diversity into health and safety legislation and policies.
  • Build a more robust, sustainable economy by updating laws related to changing health and safety risks and prioritising people in the sustainability agenda.

Wilkinson added: “By taking these actions, the Government will go some way to reducing the number of accidents in workplaces and the number of cases of ill health caused by work.

“They are investments into the future of our workers, preventing people from being harmed by work, which will help cut the number of people seeking NHS treatment and support the economy.”

Mental Health Awareness Week: IOSH outlines strategies for managing mental health in the workplace

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

IOSH highlights key elements for workplace mental health

Mental Health Awareness Week is being observed from 13 to 19 May. Duncan Spencer, Head of Advice and Practice at IOSH, has provided insights into a strategic approach for managing mental health in the workplace.

IOSH emphasises that good mental health is crucial for overall wellbeing and that a fulfilling job plays a significant role by providing a sense of purpose and achievement. Whether mental health issues arise from work-related stress or personal challenges, they impact performance at work.

 IOSH advises that organisations have a moral duty to develop strategies for addressing mental health issues, regardless of their origin.

IOSH advises on prevention, coping, and integration

At the Manchester Safety, Health and Wellbeing event in January 2024, Dr. Ed Corbett from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), speaking on behalf of IOSH, outlined three key elements of an effective mental health management system: prevention, coping and adaptation, and integration.

According to IOSH, prevention is critical but challenging to achieve.  Reactionary measures like mental health first aiders and employee assistance programmes are commonly used.

 Since individual responses to stress vary, predicting reactions is difficult.

 IOSH advises that a sound strategy involves recruiting individuals suited to their roles with the appropriate coping skills.

 With mental health now recognised as an occupational safety issue, IOSH advocates for the principle of “predict to be preventative” to guide strategies.

Building resilience and integrating health considerations

IOSH also highlights the importance of coping and adaptation, which involves building resilience at both individual and organisational levels, often through education.

Managers and employees need to identify potential mental health triggers and know how to respond.

Effective strategies, according to IOSH, must include performance monitoring, responsive actions, and incident reporting and investigation while maintaining confidentiality.

For integration, IOSH stresses that health and safety considerations should be integral to operational decisions.

This includes aligning policies on health and safety, dignity at work, equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as addressing the needs of all workers, including full-time, part-time, and temporary staff.

IOSH advises that mature organisations extend these considerations to contractors and supply chain partners, ensuring competitive pressures do not compromise health and safety standards.

Enhancing mental health strategies

IOSH suggests that organisations can further enhance their strategies by considering positive measures to improve mental health.

These comprehensive strategies are essential for fostering a supportive and effective work environment.

IFSJ Comment

The advice provided by IOSH underscores the importance of developing a robust mental health management strategy for organisations committed to the wellbeing of their employees.

The insights shared by Dr. Ed Corbett at the Manchester Safety, Health and Wellbeing event offer a comprehensive framework for addressing mental health in the workplace.

IOSH’s emphasis on prevention, coping, and integration highlights the need for a proactive and holistic approach.

By incorporating health and safety considerations into everyday business decisions, organisations can create a work environment where mental health is prioritised.

This approach ensures that all employees, regardless of their employment status, receive the necessary support.

Extending these practices to contractors and supply chain partners reflects a mature and responsible approach to workplace mental health.

As organisations continue to evolve, enhancing mental health strategies with positive measures can further contribute to a supportive work environment, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organisation as a whole.

Workplace health is a catalyst for UK’s economic growth, says IOSH

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

The impact of health issues on UK workforce participation

The Office for National Statistics has recently revealed a concerning trend: 2.8 million people in the UK are not seeking employment due to health-related issues, marking a one-third increase from pre-pandemic figures.

In a recent blog, Corey Edwards, a policy expert at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), examines the repercussions for individuals, enterprises, and the broader economy.

Edwards stresses the importance of governmental action in addressing this issue through the prioritisation of occupational safety and health (OSH) investments.

Such measures, he argues, are essential not only for keeping individuals employed but also for preventing today’s workforce from becoming tomorrow’s economically inactive population.

The government’s ambitions to expand the economy and reduce waiting lists post-Brexit are threatened by the neglect of long-term sickness and the economic inactivity of over a quarter of the UK’s working-age population.

Additionally, there’s a 60% rise in the last decade of people working with health conditions limiting their work capacity, now totalling 3.7 million.

The necessity of a human-centred workplace health culture

The situation has been described as a “tragic waste of human talent and potential” by a recent Guardian editorial, which calls for a national effort to utilise human capabilities fully.

Such an approach includes revitalising the NHS and rethinking employment conditions, pay, and the dignity of work, highlighting the interconnectedness of worker health and economic prosperity.

Edwards advocates for a shift towards a more human-centred workplace culture, emphasising the widespread benefits of such a change.

By improving health and well-being at work, businesses can support all employees, including the disadvantaged, in beginning, returning to, staying, and thriving in their roles.

This strategy aligns with IOSH’s vision for strong worker and public health protections through robust workplace regulatory standards, which are seen as a driver for economic success rather than an obstacle.

The economic argument for investing in occupational safety and health

The financial implications of neglecting workplace health are stark, with poor mental health alone costing UK employers up to £45 billion annually due to absenteeism, presenteeism, and staff turnover.

However, research indicates that for every £1 spent on mental health by employers, returns can reach up to £5, underscoring the economic benefits of investing in OSH practices.

Despite the challenges ahead, as highlighted by the Resolution Foundation’s statement on the significant social and economic challenges posed by rising ill-health, Edwards remains optimistic.

The focus on enhancing mental health and well-being is crucial, requiring genuine, impactful, and sustained efforts.

IFSJ Comment

The pressing issue of health-related economic inactivity in the UK underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to workplace health and safety.

The connection between occupational safety and health investments and economic growth is clear, with benefits extending beyond the immediate workplace to the broader economy.

By fostering a culture that values the health and well-being of its workforce, the UK can navigate the challenges of the 2020s, improving employment rates and ensuring a resilient economy.

IOSH launches beta version of revamped website

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Introduction of IOSH’s new digital platform

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has announced the launch of a beta version of its newly redesigned website.

This development follows months of dedicated efforts to rebuild the site, addressing the need for enhanced security and support due to the previous platform reaching the end of its operational life.

Urgent need for an update

The decision to overhaul the website was prompted by the imminent risk posed by the outdated nature of the former site.

“Our previous website platform had reached the end of its life, and we needed to move and rebuild to avoid vulnerabilities and ensure ongoing support,” IOSH stated.

The rebuild has been characterised by a swift and agile project methodology, allowing for iterative updates and improvements throughout the development process.

Collaboration and technology at the forefront

In its journey to create a robust and scalable website, IOSH collaborated with digital partner Rock Solid Knowledge (RSK).

The focus has been on developing a platform that is optimised for all devices, leveraging up-to-date technology to facilitate the introduction of new features and enhance control over messaging, campaigns, and promotions.

Enhanced user experience and content optimisation

The redesigned website offers a cleaner, more modern interface with simplified structure and navigation, tested and approved by IOSH members.

Efforts to declutter the site included a significant reduction in content volume.

“There was too much information on our old website, making it unsustainable and more like a digital archive than an optimised marketing channel,” IOSH explained.

This was addressed by conducting a comprehensive audit and rewriting content for the launch, removing outdated and extraneous information.

Future developments and user feedback

IOSH describes the current launch as a ‘beta version’, indicating that further improvements and developments are planned.

The next phase aims to integrate transactional elements from the old site, enhancing user interaction and engagement.

IOSH acknowledges the potential challenges of adapting to the new site, urging users to share their experiences and feedback to facilitate ongoing enhancements.

Feedback can be directed to webhelp@iosh.com.

IFSJ comment

The IOSH’s initiative to revamp its website signifies a proactive approach to digital transformation, ensuring its platform remains secure, efficient, and user-friendly.

This project highlights the importance of agile methodologies in digital development, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation to user needs.

The emphasis on streamlined content and enhanced user experience is commendable, reflecting a forward-thinking strategy in digital communication.

As IOSH moves forward with its beta launch, the organisation’s openness to feedback underscores a commitment to serving its diverse membership effectively.

Exploring the challenges of entering the Occupational Safety and Health profession

by Featured NewsSafety

In a recent blog published on the IOSH website, Peter Mugi CertIOSH, a member of IOSH’s Future Leaders steering group, delved into the barriers hindering individuals from entering the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) profession.

Conducting a poll on LinkedIn with 32 respondents, Mugi sought to understand the main challenges faced by aspiring OSH professionals.

Occupational Safety and Health: Lack of experience identified as a primary obstacle

The poll revealed that the most significant barrier is the lack of experience.

Mugi noted: “Experience – or a lack of it – was the most clear obstacle, according to respondents.” This highlights the intricate nature of the OSH field, which demands not just technical knowledge but also industry-specific expertise, practical skills, and a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks.

The challenge lies in acquiring this comprehensive skill set, crucial for success in the sector.

Despite the small sample size of the poll, the findings shed light on the broader issues within the OSH community in the UK.

However, Mugi cautioned against making broad generalisations from these results, stating, “It is important to recognise the constraints imposed by a sample size of only 32.”

The complexity of barriers beyond experience

Mugi also pointed out that while experience is a critical factor, other potential barriers should not be overlooked.

“Experience can interact with other factors like age, gender, and nationality to create a wide set of obstacles,” he said.

This suggests that young professionals and members of underrepresented groups may face additional challenges in gaining the necessary experience.

Calls for a collective effort to address the barriers

The blog calls for a wider discussion within the OSH community on how to collectively address these barriers and create a more inclusive environment.

Mugi suggested targeted initiatives, mentorship programmes, and industry-wide discussions as potential solutions to dismantle the obstacles deterring aspiring individuals.

IFSJ Comment

The insights provided by Peter Mugi in his recent blog highlight the need for the OSH profession to engage in introspection and dialogue.

Understanding the barriers to entry is the first step in creating a more accessible and diverse profession.

Through comprehensive research, targeted initiatives, and open conversations, the OSH community can begin to break down these barriers.

It is essential for the industry to foster an environment where talent is nurtured, and individuals can thrive, irrespective of the obstacles they face.

Dedicated fire safety expert receives IOSH award

by Featured NewsPeopleSafety

A career dedicated to fire safety earns prestigious recognition

Gary Laird, a retired member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), has been honoured with the President’s Distinguished Service Award (PDSA) for his extensive contribution to the field of fire safety.

The award was presented to Laird by IOSH President Stuart Hughes during a recent meeting of the Fire Risk Management Group, acknowledging over a decade of Laird’s commitment to the group and his enduring service to the IOSH Yorkshire Branch.

With a career spanning more than fifty years in safety-related roles, Laird dedicated 35 years to the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, focusing on operational fire safety and fire investigation.

His journey continued at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, where he served as Senior Health and Safety Advisor for 15 years.

Following this period, Laird established his own consultancy and has been actively involved in volunteering, notably on the governing body of a local school and for IOSH.

Supporting the IOSH vision through leadership and education

Laird’s leadership roles within the Fire Risk Management Group, including terms as chair and vice-chair, have seen him support numerous safety-led events and collaborate with Richard Jones, IOSH’s former Head of Policy, on fire safety initiatives.

His recent efforts have been directed towards the development of a ‘Back to Basics’ series on fire safety, encompassing a textbook, distance learning programmes, guidance publications, and webinars aimed at Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals.

Recognition and reflections on a distinguished service

Upon receiving the award, Laird expressed his gratitude and reflected on his experiences: “I am very pleased to accept the award.

“I have met and worked with some inspirational people, have presented in Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Switzerland, and numerous locations in the UK.

“I’ve also presented on the terrace of the House of Commons, represented IOSH at the Fire Sector Federation and the Parliamentary All Party Fire and Rescue Group.

“Fire Safety is as important today as ever, due to complacency which needs to be addressed.”

Stuart Hughes highlighted the qualities that Laird embodies and the impact of his work: “Some words listed in the nomination that nicely sum up the person Gary is – knowledgeable, calm but enthusiastic, supportive, passionate, considered, professional, wants to make a difference, cares about lives.

“It’s due to volunteers like yourself that we are able to move that step closer to our vision of a safe and healthy world of work.”

IFSJ Comment

The recognition of Gary Laird with the President’s Distinguished Service Award by IOSH underscores the vital role of dedication and expertise in advancing fire safety.

Laird’s extensive career and voluntary service have contributed to the body of knowledge and practice in fire safety, exemplifying the profound impact of committed professionals in shaping a safer and healthier work environment.

His work, particularly in education and advocacy, serves as a testament to the importance of addressing complacency and continuously promoting fire safety awareness.

IOSH backs manifesto to end workplace deaths

by Featured NewsSafety

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) today calls for a joint effort to create a safer a healthier world of work as a new manifesto is launched which aims to end workplace fatalities by 2030.

IOSH is one of many organisations to sign the manifesto ‘Zero Death at Work’, which is launched today by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

In unveiling the manifesto, ETUC estimates that more than 27,000 people may lose their lives at work in the EU over the current decade unless action is taken to make workplaces safer, something IOSH says is unacceptable.

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, Chief Executive of IOSH, said: “IOSH supports the European Trade Union Confederation call for zero death at work. We promote safe work and workplaces in which no lives are lost and we believe firmly that all deaths can and should be prevented. We encourage an holistic approach to preventing deaths due to occupational injuries through multi-faceted governmental and corporate prevention strategies. This requires strong leadership, worker-involvement and occupational safety and health (OSH) capacity-building, underpinned by effective OSH regulatory regimes.”

Today’s launch coincides with International Workers’ Memorial Day, an annual day in which people who have lost their lives through work are remembered. It is also World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Vanessa added: “On this day, every year, we commemorate all those lives lost due to accidents and ill-health caused by poor working conditions and inadequate protections. We also consider what improvements everyone can make to protect workers’ rights to go home healthy each day.

“Global figures from the International Labour Organisation show that many people are still dying as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases, and new challenges such as the Covid-19 public health crisis highlight workplaces as potential sources of transmission. Added to the rise of the informal economy and platform working and impacts of climate change on OSH, there is still much to do to protect workers across the entire value chain. We need action by policy-makers, Governments, regulators, organisations and workers to driver a safer and healthier world of work, and one that revitalises and ‘builds back better and healthier.

“As the world’s largest body for professionals dedicated to occupational safety and health, our charitable objects direct us to pursue the vision of a safe and healthy world of work. Our mission supports this, and our members dedicate their working lives to the protection of workers health and safety, the prevention of harm, building sustainable workforces and supporting their colleagues to lead healthy, productive lives.”

IOSH is joined by Ministers, MEPs, trade union leaders and top occupational safety and health experts in signing the manifesto.

Vanessa added: “Our Catch the Wave campaign highlights how setting high standards in the treatment of workforces, communities and supply chains will reward everyone. Let’s work together to make our shared vision a reality.”

IOSH reveals its gender pay gap in new report

by Breaking NewsPeople

IOSH has ‘voluntarily’ published its gender pay gap to demonstrate its commitment to driving positive change. Companies in the UK with more than 250 employees are legally required to release their data, and IOSH has chosen to do so as part of its dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Figures for 2021-22 show the institution’s mean gender pay gap – the difference in average hourly earnings of men and women – is 16.6 per cent, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 18.0 per cent. This means that women earn 83p for every £1 earnt by men.

Although there is work to do, this sets a baseline from which to measure progress.

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, Chief Executive, IOSH said: “Putting people first is one of the key messages of our Catch the Wave social sustainability campaign. And prioritising people means holding ourselves accountable and recognising that we have more work to do.

“IOSH is committed to inclusion as an employer, membership organisation and professional body. We know we’re not perfect, but we are prepared to take bold steps to make everyday inclusion a reality, as demonstrated by our increased investment in EDI.”

A programme of work, which started with the appointment of EDI Lead Fayola Francis, is already under way. Fayola has already conducted in-depth research into IOSH’s current policies, processes, workforce profile and more. The result is a series of evidence-based recommendations and an action plan, in line with the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks.

IOSH will also look to publish its ethnicity pay gap – the percentage difference between the average pay of staff from different minority ethnic groups – as part of this work.

Check out IOSH’s pay gap data on the gender pay gap service website.