The real reasons you neglect workplace Health & Safety

Here at Focus On Testing, we’re under no delusion that the majority of the British population groans internally and rolls their eyes when they hear the term “health and safety”. 

It’s fine - we’re the soul suckers of workplace banter and fun; we know, we know.  

In truth, workplace health and safety is an essential component of any business - and we’ve seen first-hand the devastating consequences of ignoring it. But despite this, many employees are still resentful towards it - and there are several reasons why this happens. 

With that said, let’s explore the most common misconceptions about workplace Health & Safety…

1. The “It’ll never happen to us” mentality 

The "it'll never happen to us" mentality can be a dangerous mindset for any workplace, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that accidents or incidents won't occur to you. 

We get it; nobody wakes up in the morning expecting to get seriously harmed by their day-to-day role or to become gravely ill whilst at work. It's just not something we like to think about. But here's the thing - statistics don't lie.

With over 123 employees killed in 2021/22 and 565,000 workers sustaining non-fatal injuries - workplace Health & Safety accidents are not uncommon, and it's important to take the necessary precautions to prevent them. 

The truth is that accidents and incidents can happen anywhere, at any time. And while it's natural to hope for the best, it's also important to prepare for the worst. So don't beat yourself up if you've fallen into the "it'll never happen to us" trap - it's human nature. Just remember, taking proactive steps to prevent accidents and incidents can make all the difference.

2. We’re all a bunch of killjoys

Secondly, there’s a common belief that a business specialising in Health & Safety is, by nature, made up of killjoys. Let’s face it - when was the last time you invited one of us to your office party? 

Yeah, we thought so. 

Many employers can find it overwhelming or intimidating to invite an external team to come into their workplace and begin identifying potential hazards or suggesting changes to their work process. 

But the truth is, at Focus On Testing, we’re not here to ruin your fun; we just want to ensure that your employees are safe and you’re not making headlines for the wrong reasons. 

Plus, we’re renowned for being down-to-earth, good-spirited and friendly in our approach - meaning we’re not all joy-sucking cyborgs (although we do have some doubts about Richard*). 

3. Costs too much money

The age-old excuse - "Health & Safety is just too expensive!" Sure, money doesn't grow on trees, and nobody wants to blow their budget on safety measures. But here's the thing - workplace accidents can end up costing a whole lot more than the price of a few safety precautions.

We're talking legal fees, hefty fines, lost productivity, and even a tarnished reputation. By investing in Health & Safety, you can save yourselves the headache (and wallet-ache) of dealing with these issues down the line. Trust us; by staying on top of your workplace Health & Safety, your bank account will thank you.

Did you know?  In 2019/20, £7.6 billion was the total cost of work-related injuries throughout the UK.

4. Waste of time

Next up, there’s the belief that Health & Safety is just a waste of time. Who has the time to go through all the regulations and protocols when there's work to be done, right? Wrong.

The truth is - Health & Safety doesn't have to be a chore. It can be a simple, streamlined process that protects your employees and your business. And trust us, taking the time to implement proper Health & Safety measures will save you time (and headaches) in the long run.

Think about it - a workplace accident can result in delays, disturbances, and potentially even halt work altogether. By prioritising Health & Safety, you're ensuring that your workplace runs smoothly and efficiently, with no unexpected surprises.

Did you know?  In 2021/22,  36.8 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries. 

5. It’s boring 

Last but not least, it’s boring. We’re with you on this  - health and safety can be boring. That’s fair enough. But that’s precisely why Focus On Testing are here to help you out. Our team of friendly professionals conduct everything from…

• Asbestos Surveys & Sampling
• Legionella Risk Assessments
• PAT testing
• Fixed Wire Testing (EICR)
• Fire Risk Assessments
• Health & Safety Risk assessments - and more! 

So there you have it. Don't let the boring stuff bring you down - let us handle it, and rest easy knowing that your workplace is safe and compliant. 

Call us today on 0330 088 4597 to learn more about our services and how we can help protect your employees and business from hefty fines, legal fees and workplace accidents.