What's Happening?
A leading health and safety consultancy has issued a warning to businesses about the importance of prevention in workplace safety following the release of the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures.
The report revealed that 124 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain last year, with falls from height being the most common cause of death. The construction industry recorded the highest number of fatalities, followed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Acorn Safety Services is offering free health and safety audits to businesses, schools, and public sector organizations in Hertfordshire to help identify compliance gaps and prevent future incidents.
Why It's Important?
The warning from Acorn Safety Services highlights the critical need for businesses to prioritize health and safety measures to protect employees and avoid legal repercussions. Non-compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 can lead to enforcement actions, fines, and reputational damage. By addressing compliance gaps proactively, businesses can prevent accidents and ensure a safer working environment. This initiative is particularly significant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may assume compliance due to a lack of previous incidents.
What's Next?
Acorn Safety Services is encouraging businesses to take advantage of their free audits to identify and rectify compliance issues before they result in accidents or legal consequences. The consultancy aims to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and help organizations implement effective safety measures. As businesses respond to this call, there may be increased scrutiny and improvements in workplace safety standards across various industries.