Yesterday, on April 28th, the world observed World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024, dedicated to fostering positive changes in workplace health and safety practices while advocating for the prevention of occupational accidents and illnesses worldwide.
Each year, this day focuses on a specific theme, and for 2024, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has announced “climate change and its impact on occupational safety and health” as the designated theme.
The organisation is delving into the various ways in which climate change is affecting workers, particularly those in outdoor industries such as construction and farming. Employees in these sectors are increasingly exposed to challenges like excessive heat, air pollution, extreme weather events, diseases, and hazardous chemicals.
The history of World Day for Safety and Health at Work
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, initiated by the International Labour Organisation in 2003, coincides annually with the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers.
Recent statistics released by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) underscore the critical importance of workplace health and safety regulations. According to data spanning 2022/2023, 135 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents, while 561,000 employees suffered non-fatal personal injuries in the workplace.
Furthermore, an alarming 1.8 million workers reported work-related illnesses, with approximately half of these cases attributed to stress, depression, and anxiety. Despite a positive downward trend in non-fatal workplace injuries, there remains much to be done to further reduce these rates.
However, the post-pandemic surge in reports of ill health, particularly mental health issues, indicates a concerning upward trajectory. This underscores the necessity for employers and companies to reassess working standards to address the impact on employees.
Knowing your rights as an employee
Everyone has the right to go to work and return home without their physical or mental health being affected. We should all be able to then enjoy our lives outside of work without being affected by work-related ill health or medical complications.
The Health and Safety at Work Act and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, are legislations under UK law that protect the health and safety of employees at work. These legislations ensure employers follow specific criteria in order to maintain safe working environments for workers. If employers breach their duty of care towards their employees, they may be held liable for any injury or work-related illness that occurs as a result of their negligence.
Employers’ obligations to keep you safe
Workplace injuries and illnesses can significantly affect workers and their families. Many individuals who suffer serious injuries on the job have no choice but to switch careers or cease working entirely. For employees exposed to hazardous substances who develop industrial diseases, concerns about life expectancy often arise, especially after receiving diagnoses of asbestos-related cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Mesothelioma.
Examples of the most commonly reported workplace accidents include:
- Slips, trips and falls on same level
- Handling, lifting or carrying
- Struck by moving object
- Falls from height
- Acts of violence
In every workplace, irrespective of its type or scale, health and safety regulations ensure compliance with the necessary standards. These regulations are in place to safeguard individuals from both illness and injury while on the job. In practical terms, employers are obligated to:
- Prepare a health and safety policy
- Conduct adequate health and safety training
- Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees
- Identify and signpost potential hazards to repair them as soon as possible
- Perform regular risk assessments
- Check and maintain equipment to detect and prevent faults
Should an employer neglect to adhere to these regulations and you endure an injury or illness as a consequence, you are entitled to take legal action. In such instances, it is imperative to gather evidence of the incident and promptly seek legal guidance from a personal injury solicitor. Whether it’s a workplace accident caused by negligence or an illness arising from unsafe conditions, you have the right to pursue compensation for your suffering.
How Stonehewer Moss can help
The momentum of awareness campaigns like the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, coupled with the enactment of various legislations, signifies a promising shift towards implementing more practical safety measures. This concerted effort is crucial in reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, both domestically in the UK and globally.
Stonehewer Moss Solicitors are a personal injury law firm based in Cheshire, providing services for seriously injured people nationwide. We are an APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) accredited firm, with over 20 years of experience in bringing successful workplace accident and ill health claims for our clients. Our accreditation stands as a testament to our specialised and expert legal guidance, offering you the assurance that your claim is being handled by capable hands.
If you’ve suffered a significant injury resulting from a workplace accident or developed an occupational illness that could have been prevented by your employer, Stonehewer Moss is here to support you in seeking compensation. Reach out today for a free consultation to see how we can help you.
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