Save Lives Save Money Says New IOSH Campaign
As the UK government’s cost-cutting measures start to bite, IOSH has launched a new campaign to remind businesses that good health and safety can actually save money. IOSH has a message for government too – better health and safety management of UK plc could mean savings of up to £22 billion a year for the public purse.
IOSH’s Li£e Savings campaign, launched 26th May at its annual Honorary Vice Presidents event at the House of Lords, offers resources to help businesses as well as showcasing a range of case studies from IOSH members, featuring the work they have done to achieve improvements in health and safety while at the same time saving their organisations thousands or even millions.
In a welcome ‘win win’ message for the business sector, IOSH is making it clear that smart companies investing in sound health and safety management can see a significant return on investment, in cash savings as well as a range of central business benefits.
IOSH President Steve Granger on the launch of the campaign said:
“It’s time to get the message out that good health and safety management doesn’t just mean stopping people getting killed, injured or ill at work – it can also mean saving significant sums of money.
You only have to look at the scale of some of the savings companies have already made to see what’s possible – E.ON saved nearly £12 million in just one year with its absence management strategy, AstraZeneca saved £5 million with a new focus on rehabilitation and health promotion and British Gas has saved nearly £2 million since it began a road risk initiative a few years ago.”
In it's 'Six point action plan for government', IOSH comments on the axing of the HSE helpline in point 3 of the plan:
"Reprieve the business advice lifeline
We urge the government to reverse the decision to axe the Health and Safety Executive’s
advice line – last year, the Infoline took a quarter of a million calls and its loss will deprive
small businesses of vital free support."
It also suggest in action point 5 that :
"Lead from the front
We call on the government to encourage improvements in health and safety – and bottom
line cost savings – through promoting strong leadership and greater corporate transparency
from directors."
Part of the campaign also answers those dismissing workplace health and safety as too costly, and answers the argument that, “It’s not worth tackling
health and safety at national
level”:
"Wrong. It’s estimated that
Britain can save billions every
year if we spend time and
energy on getting health and
safety management right. As
we start some serious belt tightening,
we can’t afford
to ignore these savings..."
Caroline Patel, Head of Campaigns at IOSH commented:
“Health and safety couldn’t be further from the old ‘burden on business’ stereotype. Today’s professionals understand that good health and safety management goes to the heart of business – done well, it can not only cut costs, but improve productivity, quality, retention, motivation and reputation. It’s a long way from being an optional extra. Even a small annual investment in wellbeing or health and safety initiatives can pay big dividends.”
IOSH Li £e Savings Campaign website
Source: IOSH
