Additionally, around 160,000 injuries per year lead to absences from work lasting more than seven days[2].
For 2016/2017, the HSE estimate workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health cost UK employers £14.9 billion [3]. It’s evident that reducing accidents and ill health is in the best interests of a business’s financial health, as well as reputational and organisational.
As the saying goes, “if you think safety is expensive, try an accident”[4].
In relation to accidents in the workplace, including those involving visitors, customers, contractors and other members of the public, it’s important to recognise and implement the Reporting of Injuries and Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). This includes making records and reporting incidents that result in injuries and occupational diseases, and also near-misses.
The investigation and analysis of work-related accidents and incidents forms an essential part of managing health and safety. Learning from what you uncover is at the heart of preventing further injuries and illnesses.