FEATURE THE YEAR AHEAD
VIGILANCE AGAINST BED BUG INFESTATIONS The unexpected surge in reported cases of bed bugs
in Paris during 2023 sent shockwaves through major UK cities like London and Manchester. While they don’t spread disease, bed bugs, resistant to typical insecticides, pose both physical discomfort and psychological stress. With increased post-pandemic travel, the potential for infestations has grown.
Addressing such threats demands a tailored action plan. Businesses must offer renewed on-site guidance and ongoing risk assessments to minimise potential disruptions. Heightened vigilance is crucial in combating this microscopic menace.
RAAC CRISIS: NAVIGATING THE RISK OF
BUILDING COLLAPSE The Raac crisis looms large, with numerous public buildings at risk of collapse due to the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. This construction material, prevalent from the 1950s to the 1990s, has led to the closure of schools, hospitals, and other public structures.
Raac’s extensive use demands a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy similar to the asbestos issue. The Health and Safety Executive said Raac is ‘beyond its lifespan’ and may ‘collapse with little or no notice’. Identifying potential risks requires the expertise of building surveyors or structural engineers. Conducting a thorough risk assessment and promptly involving the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities are critical. If Raac is detected, reinforcing or replacing it may be necessary.
THE IMPACT OF UNDERFUNDED HSE ON
HEALTH AND SAFETY More employers are likely to go unpunished after a workplace fatality, given the drop in funding and understaffing at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE’s funding, which is 43% below 2010 levels, has led to a significant decline in staffing. The most common kinds of fatal accidents to workers continue as falls from a height, being struck by moving objects, including flying/falling objects, and struck by moving vehicles, account for around two-thirds of fatal injuries to workers in 2022/23.
In the previous year, around half of the 800 incidents which triggered a mandatory investigation were dropped because all reasonable precautions had already been taken. In contrast, half were dropped due to insufficient resources. The lack of resources for investigating workplace fatalities is particularly distressing for affected families.
Proposed solutions include increased enforcement and legal protections, championed by Angela Raynor, the shadow secretary for the future of work. The upcoming 2024 election is one to watch.
6 | Tomorrow’s Health & Safety Yearbook 2024/25
In this article, Nick Henderson-Mayo, Director of Learning and Content at VinciWorks, offers valuable perspectives on emerging trends in the industry for 2024.
RISING IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY Focusing on psychological health and safety is gaining prominence. Employees feel free to express ideas in a psychologically safe workplace without fear of humiliation. In a workplace that supports psychological safety, people should not feel embarrassed, rejected, or punished for sharing their ideas, asking for feedback, or taking calculated risks. Creating an environment where contributions from all members are encouraged is vital, especially for those from marginalised groups.
LONG-TERM HEALTHCARE IMPACT AND
WORKPLACE STRATEGIES With one in 12 UK working adults suffering from long-term health conditions, workplace strategies must adapt. The rise of long-term health conditions, exacerbated by Long Covid, has increased sick leave and strained NHS treatment capacity.
Businesses must find innovative ways to support employees with long-term conditions, such as adopting hybrid working models. This not only retains valuable staff but also eases budgetary pressures. Investing in health and safety measures becomes crucial, considering the challenges of rehiring in the current UK employment landscape.
Unfortunately, the longer employees take off work for ill health, the less likely they are to return to work. When an employee has been off for at least six months, the chance of them returning is about 50%, which is why investing more in health and safety to avoid such an outcome is vital.
MAKING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT
A PRIORITY While a general occupational health assessment isn’t legally required, employers must protect their workers’ health and safety. Engaging occupational health professionals becomes crucial for assessing risks, providing health surveillance, and supporting employees with health conditions.
Occupational health professionals are pivotal in identifying potential hazards, recommending controls, and facilitating early interventions. Although not legally mandated in all cases, their contribution is indispensable in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
In conclusion, health and safety professionals must proactively address these emerging trends to ensure a secure and productive working environment in 2024. By staying ahead of these challenges, organisations can navigate the evolving health and safety landscape with resilience and foresight.
https://vinciworks.com
www.tomorrowshs.com
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