Moral Reasons
The human consequences of fi res, accidents and incidents are widespread
and affect a number of different people in different ways. The most obvious result of a fi re or an accident at work is that the persons directly involved are likely to suffer. The impact on these individuals ranges from death through to relatively minor injuries. In addition to the physical impact on a person, it is often the case that individuals involved in any form of safety event suffer some form of physiological ill health. Less obvious, but no less real, are the effects upon
the families and dependents of those who suffer injury or ill health caused at work. The impact on these groups can be significant and wide ranging,
In addition to those directly affected, work colleagues and other witnesses of any serious work-related injury are proven to be susceptible to a number of related physio -logical disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder
There can also be significant emotional and physiological consequences for those who may consider themselves to some degree directly responsible for killing or injuring a work colleague, member of the public or a product/service user by either failing to manage safety effectively or through simply making a mistake. For Example
Every working day in Great Britain, at least oneperson is killed and over 6000 are injured as a result ofwork activities and about one million people take time off because of what they regard as work-related illness.In total, accidents and work-related ill health result in about 30 million lost work-days.
Financial Reasons
It is widely accepted and understood that safety events (accidents, incidents, fi res, environmental damage, etc.) cost money. The financial costs to an organization following fire are substantial. There is a perception that the majority of such costs are insurable; however, as can be seen from the research undertaken on behalf of the HSE, The Cost of Accidents at Work, there are numerous areas which are not covered by insurance.
Insured costs: Covering injury, ill health, damage
Uninsured Costs: Product and material damage, Plans and building damage Legal costs Expenditure on emergency supplies cleaning site Production/service delays and temporary labor Investigation time Supervisors’ time diverted Clerical effort Fines Loss of expertise/experience
Legal Reasons
The United Kingdom has, over time, developed a set of rules and standards. These rules and standards are reflected in civil and criminal laws, which regulate, among other things, our work activities.
In civil law, it has been established that employers must take reasonable care of their employees. Failure to meet these obligations can result in a claim for compensation by the individual/s who have suffered a loss.
The criminal law places statutory duties on employers, responsible persons and others to ensure the health and safety of employees and other persons who may be affected by the work activities. Legislative control over fi re safety matters in the UK was rationalized in 2006 with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Order sets out in detail the roles and responsibilities of those charged with managing fi re safety within organizations (the ‘responsible person’) and that an assessment of fire risk has been undertaken. The order is enforced by local fire authorities
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) together with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to demonstrate that they have assessed and are managing their risks to their employees and other persons who could be affected by the work activity. Failure to comply with any of the general safety or fire specific legislation can result in significant fines for companies and their managers, custodial sentences and enforcement action by the enforcement authorities.
Business Case for Safety and Health – Costs | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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