June 5, 2024Nine in 10 health and safety professionals believe the next Government should prioritise improving occupational health services to cut the number of people being made ill by work, according to a new survey.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has revealed the findings of a survey of its members as it launches its manifesto for the upcoming UK General Election.
In the manifesto, called Safer, healthier, happier, IOSH says whichever party forms the new Government must have a focus on protecting people at work if it is to rebuild the economy and reduce NHS waiting lists.
“We know that poor health and safety harms people, communities, businesses, our NHS and the economy,” said Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs. “The most recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive showed that workplace injury and new cases of work-related ill-health, including the growing issue of mental health problems, cost Britain £20.7 billion.
“And more people being injured or made ill by work means more people seeking treatment, which adds additional pressure onto the NHS. This is pressure that can be avoided by good workplace health and safety.”
To make work safer, healthier and happier, IOSH makes five key calls to action for the new Government in its manifesto. These are:
Ruth added: “By taking these actions, the Government will go some way to reducing the number of accidents in workplaces and the number of cases of ill health caused by work.
“They are investments into the future of our workers, preventing people from being harmed by work, which will help cut the number of people seeking NHS treatment and support the economy.”
As part of developing its manifesto, IOSH surveyed its members on what they believe the priorities should be for the next Government. More than 250 responded, with 85 per cent saying there should be better protections for non-permanent staff including ‘gig’ workers.
To read IOSH’s full manifesto, click here.
