Winning at safety

BSC MANIFESTO

British Safety Council recently published its ‘Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Manifesto’, setting out policy calls to the UK Government. These consist of seven key policy asks, sitting within four policy areas: regulation; wellbeing; technology and the future of work; and skills.

Fifty years on from the landmark Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), British Safety Council, is calling on political leaders and policymakers to “commit to making the next 50 years the safest in our nation’s history” by creating a joined-up, government-led approach to health, safety, and wellbeing for the first time.

British Safety Council’s policy calls include:

• A dedicated Minister for Wellbeing, who would lead the cross-governmental development and delivery of the UK’s first National Wellbeing Strategy.
• Support for companies that invest in new and developing technologies (including AR, VR, and AI) to improve health, safety and wellbeing standards in the workplace.
• The inclusion of health and safety training spend to be included in any new Skills Tax Credit, to honour the legacy of the Health and Safety at Work Act and renew the Government’s commitment to statutory training.
• Adequate funding for the Health and Safety Executive (including the Building Safety Regulator) and for local authorities who hold statutory duties for the regulation and inspection of health and safety.

According to the manifesto: “As we look at new and developing technologies, from AR and VR to AI, we naturally look to what the next 50 years might hold for worker health, safety and wellbeing. How might we be able to harness new technologies – and new ways of working – to create safer, healthier working environments; at home and around the world?

“The world of work is changing, and we want to incentivise companies that invest in new and developing technologies such as AR, VR, and AI for the purposes of improving workplace health, safety and wellbeing. We think health and safety skills – and the training that is required by law – should be supported by a tax credit.

“We should look at how we can best support small businesses, in particular, who lack an HR team to develop a wellbeing strategy? We would like to incentivise a new skills tax credit for companies which invest in training staff and line managers. And we want to see new innovations which benefit health, safety and wellbeing supported by a new corporation tax offset for investment in AI and other new technologies.

“Policymakers must provide the funding that the Health and Safety Executive needs to face the challenges of the future, head on. This includes the new Building Safety Regulator, as well as local authorities where they hold responsibility for inspection and regulation.

“Only by ensuring that our regulators have the resources and powers that they need to keep workplaces safe, can we ensure that the UK retains its position as a world leader in health, safety, and wellbeing.”

The policies in British Safety Council’s manifesto are founded on data showing that, in the UK, public health outcomes are worsening, and levels of workplace stress and anxiety are increasing, impacting health and wellbeing outside of the workplace.

The UK lost an estimated 32.5 million days to work-related ill-health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022/2023, and sickness and illness are at a 10-year high, with costs for poor wellbeing and poor mental health costing an estimated £122 billion per year.

WINNERS OF 2024 AWARDS

Comments Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council: “We had a record number of entries for the awards this year with entrants from over 50 countries and I’m delighted to say that the overall standard has been higher than ever before. Along with the Mates in Mind Impact Awards we are delighted to see the awards go from strength to strength.

“The vision of British Safety Council is that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work – anywhere in the world. Achieving this requires more than complying with legislation; it means people committed not only to health and safety but also more and more to workplace wellbeing and impelling others to follow suit.

“The long list of winners of the International Safety Awards demonstrates that a significant number of companies recognise that effective management of health and safety risks is a business growth enabler, benefiting not just employees, but organisations and wider society. By celebrating the achievements of the 1124 winners of the 2024 International Safety Awards and over six decades of improving health and safety standards around the world, we encourage other organisations to adopt this approach and place employees’ health, safety and wellbeing at the core of their business.”

Some of the most notable Category Winners in the free to enter awards include:

CEO of the Year: Eyab Mijwal – Smart University of Science and Technology

The judges noted: “Mr. Eyab Mijwal’s exceptional contributions to the field of occupational health and safety at the Smart University of Science and Technology have been transformative and pioneering. His innovative initiatives and persistent dedication have not only elevated the safety standards but also significantly influenced the safety culture within and beyond the institution. His achievements are not just a reflection of his personal dedication but also serve as a benchmark for safety excellence, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.”

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award: Arun Raveendran – National Contracting Co.

“Mr. Raveendran’s leadership ensured a balanced approach to operational risks and business profitability, enhancing the workplace’s occupational, health, and environmental aspects and fostering a productive environment. His meticulous planning and execution in challenging environments demonstrated excellence in risk management, strategic planning, and safety leadership.”

Wellbeing Initiative Award – powered by Being Well Together was awarded to Joseph Gallagher

“The core focus of the Joseph Gallagher wellbeing initiative was to proactively enhance the mental health and wellbeing of their employees, particularly those on construction sites. Recognising the profound impact of mental health on both individual wellbeing and organisational performance, their goal was to cultivate a workplace environment that champions openness, support, and community. Taking a multifaceted approach, the initiative resulted in a more connected, positive workplace culture. Increased participation in events, positive feedback from employees, and enhanced fellowship were indicators of a strengthened community.”

All the winners of the Free to Enter awards are listed here www.britsafe.org/awards-and-events/awards/international-safety-awards/free-to-enter-awards-applicant-lists-2024

A list of winners can be found here: www.britsafe.org/awards-and-events/awards/international-safety-awards/international-safety-awards-2024-winners-list