Health & Safety exposed as a non-priority by some employers
Employees in manufacturing were also exposing their employers to potential prosecution by failing to comply with health and safety legislation, claimed a report from City & Guilds.
The vocational education organisation found that 80% of employees in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) believed that up to a quarter of accidents were not reported to line managers.
One in twenty workers had witnessed an injury to the hand or finger – such as cutting or even losing a finger – while in the workplace. The number of major injuries sustained while handling, lifting or carrying, had also increased by 12% in 2004/2005.
In addition, the study found that 14% of workers were “not entirely confident” that their workplace was safe.
‘Collective responsibility’
Lynne Oliver, manufacturing and working practices specialist at City & Guilds, said: “The survey shows that Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines are not always adhered to.
“Safety is the collective responsibility of both employees and businesses and can have serious implications for all involved.”
Almost one in ten employers told City & Guilds that health and safety was important to them, but that it was not a priority – despite the fact that a conviction could cost them their business.
The average fine for an HSE conviction in 2004-2005 was £8,368 and nearly one third (29%) of employers stated that a fine of £8,000 or more could seriously affect their ability to trade, or close the business.
Training needs
The study also revealed that almost half (47%) of employers were unaware of the forthcoming Corporate Manslaughter Bill which, if passed, would provide a more effective sanction for holding companies and other organisations responsible when gross negligence among management had fatal consequences.
On a more positive note, two-thirds of manufacturing SMEs (69%) were taking the initiative to prevent health and safety breaches by offering training to their staff. However, City & Guilds said there was “room for improvement” with 17% expressing a desire for health and safety guidance.
Lynne Oliver added: “Many employers are unaware that they can be fined even in cases where an incident has not taken place. In order to safeguard the wellbeing of employees and future of their business, manufacturing SMEs need to ensure that all employees keep abreast of HSE legislation and are vigilant in the workplace.
“If employees and employers in the manufacturing industry get the training right and share good practice, the whole community in which they work stands to benefit.”