Why is health and safety important at work?

Health and safety in the workplace is a paramount concern for businesses. A safe and healthy work environment is not only a moral obligation but also a legal requirement enshrined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Table of contents

1. Why prioritise workplace health and safety?
2. The cost of accidents
3. The role of workwear and textiles in workplace health and safety
4. How workwear and wipers prevent common injuries
5. Workwear-based industry health and safety approaches
6. Improving workplace health and safety
7. Lindström as a workplace safety partner
8. Frequently asked questions about health and safety at work

1. Why prioritise workplace health and safety?

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2. The cost of accidents

Beyond the immediate impact on employee well-being, workplace accidents carry significant financial and operational consequences for businesses.

According to HSE statistics, the total costs of workplace self-reported injuries and ill health in 2022/23 was £21.6 billion. Of this, £14.5 billion was due to ill health, and £7.1 billion the result of injuries.

Understanding the costs is crucial for appreciating the true value of investing in robust health and safety measures. These costs can be broadly categorised as direct and indirect costs.

A. Direct costs

Medical expenses

These are the most immediate and obvious costs, encompassing:

• ambulance services
• hospital stays
• doctor’s visits
• medication
• rehabilitation
• ongoing therapy.

The severity of the injury directly correlates with the magnitude of these expenses.

Lost productivity

When an employee is injured, their work is disrupted. This leads to lost productivity, not only from the injured worker’s absence but also potentially from colleagues who may need to cover their duties or assist in the aftermath of the accident.

Project delays, missed deadlines, and reduced output can all result from this.

Workers’ compensation

In many cases, businesses are legally obligated to provide workers’ compensation benefits to injured employees. This can include payments for lost wages, medical expenses, and disability benefits. These costs add to increased insurance premiums.

Fines and penalties

Failing to comply with health and safety regulations can result in substantial fines and penalties from regulatory bodies like the HSE. The severity of the violation and the potential harm caused will influence the size of the fine.

B. Indirect costs

Damage to equipment and property

Accidents can often damage machinery, tools, materials, and even the workplace itself. Repair or replacement costs can be considerable, adding to the financial burden.

Legal fees

If an accident results in legal action, the affected business will incur legal fees for representation, court costs, and potential settlements or judgments. These costs can escalate rapidly, especially in complex cases.

Damage to reputation

A serious workplace accident can severely damage a company’s reputation. News of accidents can spread quickly, leading to negative publicity, loss of customer trust, and difficulty attracting and retaining employees.

Reduced morale

Even if an accident doesn’t directly impact all employees, it can create a climate of fear and anxiety. This can lead to a decrease in morale, reduced productivity, and increased employee turnover.

Increased insurance premiums

Following accidents, companies will likely face increased premiums for a range of insurance policies.

Investigation time

Accidents require thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences. This consumes valuable management and staff time, diverting resources from other tasks.

Training and re-training

After the incident has occurred, there will be a need for refresher training in the workforce.

In addition to being a legal and ethical obligation, prioritising health and safety is a sensible financial investment that protects both employees and the business itself. A proactive approach will minimise risks, reduce the likelihood of costly accidents, and help foster a more productive and positive work environment. 

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3. The role of workwear and textiles in workplace health and safety

A. Workwear

Properly maintained workwear is important for effective workplace hygiene. Regular laundering of workwear removes dirt, dust, sweat, and other contaminants that can harbour bacteria and contribute to the spread of germs.

Supplying the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees will also help protect against hazards specific to their roles. For instance:

• Flame-retardant workwear safeguard welders and workers in the chemical industry.
• High-visibility workwear keeps industrial workers safe in environments where they must be seen.
• Arc flash overalls prevent sparks that start fires, or data loss when handling electronics.

Regular inspection and maintenance of workwear and PPE is also essential.

B. Recyclable wipers

Absorbent and durable wipers are crucial for processes in manufacturing, automotive, and other sectors for cleaning up spills, maintaining machinery, cleaning products, and keeping tools or work surfaces pristine.

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4. How workwear and wipers prevent common injuries

According to recent HSE data on non-fatal accidents, slips, trips, and falls (on the same level) are the most common cause of workplace injuries in the UK, followed by injuries from handling, lifting, or carrying.

Properly maintained workwear and industrial textiles can significantly reduce the risk of these types of accidents. For example:

• Anti-slip footwear:can prevent slips and falls on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Absorbent wipers: allow workers to quickly clean up spills, preventing slippery surfaces that could lead to slips, trips, or falls.
• Gloves with good grip: improve handling of objects, reducing the risk of dropping them and causing injury to the handler or others.
• Protective clothing: shields workers from sharp edges or protrusions when carrying objects, preventing cuts and abrasions.

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5. Workwear-based industry health and safety approaches

While general health and safety practices are essential, many industries require tailored solutions to address unique risks. Below are specific and practical strategies that can enhance safety in industrial settings through specialised workwear and textile practices:

A. Anti-static garments in electronics manufacturing

• Problem: Static electricity can damage sensitive components (e.g., microchips) or corrupt data during handling.
• Solution: Use anti-static workwear with conductive fibres (e.g., carbon or metal grids) that safely dissipate static charges to ground or air, complying with EN 1149 standards.
• Lindström’s role: Our anti-static jackets, trousers and overalls are compatible with ISO 5 cleanrooms and laundered in ISO 5-certified facilities to maintain efficacy.

B. Chemical-resistant workwear in chemical industries

• Problem: Exposure to corrosive substances can cause severe injuries and compromise worker safety.
• Solution: Use EN 13034-certified workwear to protect against low-volume chemical splashes (e.g., acids, alkalis) in handling and processing environments.
• Lindström’s role: We supply EN 13034-compliant overalls, jackets and trousers for chemical industries, laundered to EN 14065 hygiene standards.

C. High-visibility fabrics in collision-risk environments

• Problem: When working around vehicles or in low-light indoor and outdoor environments, it’s important to be visible so workers can avoid accidental collisions.
• Solution: Implement EN ISO 20471 class 2 or 3 high-visibility jackets and trousers for all workers where visibility is crucial for their safety.
• Lindström’s role: Our high-visibility workwear range includes EN ISO 20471 class 2 and 3 certified jackets and trousers, designed to enhance worker visibility with fluorescent material and reflective strips.

D. Flame-retardant garments for automotive manufacturing

• Problem: Welding and high-temperature processes in automotive plants create fire hazards.
• Solution: Deploy EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 11611 Class 2-certified garments for high-risk welding and molten metal exposure.
• Lindström’s role: Our flame-retardant workwear collection includes jackets, trousers and overalls that meet both EN 116123 and EN ISO 11611:2015 standards for automotive welding. 

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6. Improving workplace health and safety

Businesses can take a range of steps to improve workplace health and safety and mitigate potential hazards:

• Promote good hygiene practices: Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly, use hand sanitiser, and follow proper cleaning procedures.
• Conduct regular risk assessments: Identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate them.
• Provide training: Educate employees on safe work practices, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures.
• Provide and maintain appropriate workwear: Ensure employees have the right protective clothing for their roles and that it is regularly cleaned and repaired.
• Use industrial wipers effectively: Keep work areas clean and dry by using absorbent wipers to clean up spills and maintain machinery.

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7. Lindström as a workplace safety partner

Lindström’s comprehensive services help businesses address their health and safety obligations.

Our tailored industrial workwear rental service ensures your workers have the appropriate protective clothing to carry out their tasks safely, meeting current regulations and exceeding best practices.

Regular laundry and repairs

Workwear and textiles are professionally cleaned and repaired to the most rigorous standards, eliminating wear and tear that could cause accidents or expose employees to harm.

Benefits of Lindström’s workwear rental service

• Reduced costs: Renting eliminates upfront investment and minimises ongoing maintenance and laundry expenses.
• Guaranteed compliance: Regular laundry, repairs, and updates to your workwear collection ensure you meet or exceed evolving health and safety regulations.
• Simplified management: Lindström will be a single point of contact for all your workwear needs, freeing up your time and energy to focus on core business.
• Enhanced sustainability: Lindström’s sustainable model, with an emphasis on garment life,will reduce your business’s environmental footprint and waste.

Industrial wiper solutions

Lindström also offers a variety of industrial wipers suitable for many applications. Our wipers are highly absorbent and designed to withstand harsh chemicals.

Benefits of Lindström’s industrial wiper service

• Convenience: Reliable delivery and collection of wipers means you’ll always have the correct quantity, eliminating the risk of stock-outs.
• Cost-efficiency: Renting industrial wipers converts cleaning supply costs into a predictable operational expense.
• Eco-friendly: Lindström’s laundering processes ensure optimal cleaning with minimal environmental impact, compared to the disposal of single-use cloths.

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8. Frequently asked questions about health and safety at work

Q1. What is ‘health and safety’ and why is it important?

Health and safety refers to policies and practices that protect workers from workplace hazards. It encompasses risk assessments, safety training, and compliance with regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Its importance lies in:

• Moral obligation: Protecting employees from harm
• Legal compliance: Avoiding fines or prosecution
• Business benefits: Reducing costs from accidents and improving productivity
• Reputation management: Most workers prefer employers with strong safety records

Q2. Why is the Health and Safety at Work Act important to everyone at work?

The HSWA 1974 establishes legal duties for:

• Employers: to provide safe equipment, training, and risk assessments
• Employees: to follow safety protocols and report hazards
• Others: to protect visitors and contractors from risks

The legislation applies to all UK workplaces.

Q3. What are the four main objectives of the Health and Safety at Work Act?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 establishes four core objectives to protect workers and the public:

1. Employer responsibilities
   Ensure worker/public safety through safe equipment, training, and environments.
2. Employee responsibilities
   Workers must safeguard their own/others’ safety and cooperate with safety protocols.
3. Enforcement framework
   Authorises HSE inspectors to conduct unannounced inspections, seize hazardous materials, and review safety documents.
4. Legal accountability
   Mandates prosecution for breaches (unlimited fines/jail terms) unless risks were “not reasonably practicable” to eliminate.

Q4. What are the key areas of health and safety?

1. Hazard identification (chemical, physical, ergonomic)
2. Risk assessment implementation
3. Safety training (e.g. PPE usage, emergency drills)
4. Incident reporting (e.g. RIDDOR compliance)
5. Workplace design (e.g. lighting, ventilation)
6. Health monitoring (e.g. medical check-ups)
7. Emergency preparedness (e.g. fire evacuation plans).

Q5. Who is responsible for health and safety at work?

• Primary: Employers (legal duty under the HSWA)
• Shared: Employees must follow training and report risks
• Regulators: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducts inspections and enforces laws

Q6. What is a ‘serious’ breach of health and safety?

A breach becomes serious when it:

• Causes death/serious injury (e.g., unsecured scaffolding)
• Involves deliberate negligence (ignoring safety complaints)
• Results in prosecution

Q7. What are the main duties employees must follow under the HSWA?

1. Reasonable care for personal/others’ safety
2. Cooperation with employer safety policies
3. Proper use of equipment (e.g. not disabling safety guards)

Q8. What does RIDDOR stand for?

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (2013).

RIDDOR requires the reporting of:

• deaths
• specified injuries (e.g. fractures)
• occupational diseases (e.g. carpal tunnel)
• dangerous near-misses

Don’t let the complexities of compliance and maintenance burden you; discover how Lindström can simplify your health and safety compliance. For a personalised consultation, contact our team today. Call 01234 343555 or email: info.uk@lindstromgroup.com.

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