You have no items in your shopping basket.
Key facts and statistics
The British Safety Council, established in 1957, is a leading advocate for workplace health, safety, and environmental management. According to recent statistics, workplace injuries and illnesses have significant financial and human costs:
- In 2021/22, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 1.7 million working people suffering from work-related illnesses.
- Over 142 workers were fatally injured in 2021/22.
- Workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health cost Britain approximately £18 billion annually.
These statistics underscore the importance of organisations like the British Safety Council in promoting safer working conditions and reducing workplace incidents.
Key definitions
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - The HSE is the national regulator for workplace health and safety in Great Britain. It sets standards and enforces regulations to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Risk assessment - A systematic process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking.
- Compliance - Adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to an organisation's business processes.
The British Safety Council - Mission and objectives
The British Safety Council aims to support a safer, healthier, and more sustainable society. Its objectives include:
- Raising awareness - Educating employers and employees about the importance of health and safety at work.
- Training and certification - Providing accredited training courses and certifications to improve workplace safety standards.
- Advocacy - Campaigning for better health and safety regulations and practices.
- Research and development - Conducting research to identify emerging risks and developing innovative solutions to mitigate them.
Recommended best practices for implementation
Conduct regular risk assessments
Regular risk assessments are vital to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. The British Safety Council offers comprehensive risk assessment training to help organisations effectively manage risks.
Implement a health and safety management system
A structured health and safety management system ensures that safety policies are consistently applied across the organisation. The British Safety Council guides on implementing systems like ISO 45001, which standardises occupational health and safety management.
Engage in continuous training
Continuous training ensures that employees know the latest safety procedures and regulations. The British Safety Council offers courses, including NEBOSH, IOSH, and other specialist training programmes, to enhance employees' knowledge and skills.
Promote a safety culture
Creating a culture of safety within the workplace is crucial. This involves encouraging open communication about safety concerns, recognising safe behaviours, and involving employees in safety decision-making processes.
Leverage technology for compliance management
Compliance management software, such as ComplyPlus™, can streamline adhering to health and safety regulations. ComplyPlus™ offers features like policy management, incident reporting, and training tracking, ensuring that organisations comply with relevant legislation.
Conclusion
The British Safety Council is pivotal in promoting workplace safety and health. By providing education, training, and advocacy, the BSC helps organisations create safer working environments. Implementing best practices such as regular risk assessments, health and safety management systems, continuous training, and leveraging technology for compliance management can significantly reduce workplace incidents and ensure compliance with regulations.
Ensure your organisation meets all statutory and regulatory compliance requirements with ComplyPlus™ legislation and regulatory compliance management software. Click here to explore our training courses and discover how ComplyPlus™ can help you create a safer, compliant workplace.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
