In the UK, 565,000 people sustained an injury while at work from 2021-2022, which may be a higher number than expected. Whether you work outdoors with heavy equipment or are office-based, there will be workplace hazards that you should be aware of.
Why is workplace safety important?
A safe workplace creates a comfortable environment where employees feel safe and happy. It is important to maintain a safe and hazard-free workplace to protect employees, customers, and the business itself.
Who is responsible for keeping my workplace safe?
It is the responsibility of everyone to create and maintain a safe working environment, however, employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees.
In many organisations, the responsibility will fall upon the Human Resources department. HR should ensure that enough people have up-to-date first-aid qualifications and many businesses are now training mental health first-aiders to offer support for any employees. The HR team will also assess the workplace for hazards and create policies to keep employees safe.
For businesses without a dedicated HR team, management and supervisors will take on the role of ensuring workplace safety.
What are my rights as an employee?
UK law gives employees the right to work in a safe environment. Some key rights include:
- To have rest breaks during working hours and time off during the working week
- To have any risks to your health and safety controlled as far as possible
- To be provided with any PPE deemed necessary for the role free of charge
What are my responsibilities as an employee?
As an employee, you also have responsibilities to keep yourself safe, including:
- Taking reasonable care of your own health and safety, as well as care to not endanger others while working
- Reporting any illnesses or injuries suffered due to work to the relevant department
- Taking precautions when operating heavy machineries such as wearing the required PPE and avoiding wearing loose clothing or jewellery
What do I do if I get injured at work?
Workplace injuries can range from anything like slips and muscle sprains to serious spinal injuries for which you may be able to make a claim. If you do get injured at work, it is important to record any incident as soon as possible.
In the case of serious injuries, you should visit your local emergency room or GP who will be able to assist you as much as possible and record the details of your accident. If you choose to make a claim, you may be able to receive compensation that can help your recovery process and reduce the long-term impact of your injury.
