Are you considering implementing Health & Safety software to protect your business and staff from workplace accidents? You might be wondering how it works and if it’s worth it.
To help you reach a decision, we’ve put together this guide that discusses the five ways Health & Safety software can support your organisation.
What are examples of workplace accidents?
As per the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a workplace accident is defined as ‘an event that results in injury or ill health’.
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Falls (RIDDOR) regulations, an accident is a type of incident which is ‘separate, identifiable, unintended and causes physical injury’.
This includes acts of non-consensual violence toward people at work. Injuries that aren’t the result of external incidents, like ‘feeling a sharp pain’, are not accidents.
Let’s explore examples of workplace accidents:
- Trips, slips & falls: According to the HSE, falls make up for a third of all personal injuries at work. In fact, they’re the leading cause for employee compensation claims.
- Manual handling: Improper manual handling training and poor technique results in muscle strains and injuries from repetitive motions.
- Machinery-related injuries: Often happening in factories, farms and construction sites, a lack of PPE and training can lead to grave injury.
- Burns & electrical incidents: Contact with hot surfaces and steam or chemicals can hurt or disfigure employees. Electrical shocks may occur from shoddy wiring and inadequate PPE.
- Vehicle-related accidents: Employees being struck by a moving vehicle account for 16% of all workplace deaths.
The impact of workplace accidents on your business
In 2022/23, the HSE found that workplace injuries and ill health cost the United Kingdom £21.6 billion. Several factors dictate the cost of an on-site accident. On average, a business will pay between £8,000 and £10,000 per accident.
Financial consequences
Should a workplace accident occur at your business, the resulting financial strain could be severe. Costs might include:
- Legal fees: Expenses from legal claims and punishments from bodies like the Health and Safety Executive.
- Employee compensation: Payments to employees covering loss of wages and possible loss of amenity.
Operational impact
Workplace accidents impede an organisation's daily functions, meaning efficiency is affected. Here’s how:
- Downtime & delays: Accidents may require investigation, a site clear-up, or reparations to equipment, meaning productivity being slowed or stopped.
- Strain on staff: Employees shouldering extra responsibilities in absence of those injured or ill may burnout.
Reputational ramifications
Your company’s image will be tainted following a workplace accident, which could cause low morale and anxiety among employees. There are other risks, too:
- Increased staff turnover: If you don’t provide safe working conditions, employees may seek alternative employment. Employers then must pay hiring and training costs.
- Recruitment struggles: When you have a poor Health & Safety record, it acts as a barrier to possible employees.
Five ways Health & Safety software reduces workplace accidents
Evidently, the detriment to your business following a workplace accident has grave consequences and is something you should strive to avoid. We’ll take a look at the five Health & Safety software key features that can support your business:
Real-time incident reporting
An issue employers face is reluctance from their staff to report hazards—this is often because of arduous processes. With Health & Safety software, near misses and hazards can be reported via mobile devices before they become workplace accidents.
They’re often supported with photos and location data, improving the accuracy of reports. Furthermore, the real-time element means employers can respond promptly, thwarting the risk for hazards to become accidents.
Data analysis
Health & Safety software stores data concerning audits, incidents and near misses in a central, accessible location. Said data can be analysed to find patterns and trends that could be difficult to highlight manually.
Through pattern identification, businesses learn the root cause of safety issues and high-risk areas and repeat problems. It enables companies to implement proper measures to prevent recurring workplace accidents.
Risk management
Identifying risks is one thing, but it’s just as important to manage them. Corrective action and preventive action (CAPA) are made easier with integrated Health & Safety risk assessment software.
With the automation of risk assessments, risks can be prioritised according to their severity. Reminders for inspections and maintenance that prompt safety checks ensure equipment is always in working order.
Training & competency
Safety regulations are subject to change, therefore, it’s essential that regular and comprehensive training is provided to your employees. Health & Safety training software has ample resources to deliver training.
It also manages and tracks employees’ progress, sending out reminders for when training sessions must be completed. Health & Safety software stores certifications, meaning there’s digital documentation of all relevant materials.
Engagement & culture
User-friendly tools within Health & Safety software (like the aforementioned incident reporting) encourages and promotes better practices within the workplace. A collective effort creates a strong culture that embraces Health & Safety.
When your employees see that effort is being made to give them safe working conditions and properly maintained equipment, they feel valued. Valued employees are likely to remain loyal, meaning reduced staff turnover.
FAQs: How can Health & Safety software reduce workplace accidents?
Could Health & Safety software save my business money?
Because Health & Safety software helps promote best practices, it tackles costs synonymous with workplace accidents. For example, insurance premiums, compensation claims and financial penalties. It also spares you costs from downtime.
How does Health & Safety software improve operational efficiency?
Routine and time-consuming tasks are automated, enabling your workforce to focus on matters that drive your company.
My business has several sites. Can Health & Safety software help manage safety across different locations?
Often cloud-based, Health & Safety software centralises safety data and documentation. This allows it to be accessed by authorised personnel remotely and ensures consistency and communication across all sites.
Final say: How can Health & Safety software reduce workplace accidents?
From amplified accuracy with incident reporting, trend analysis to pinpoint patterns that allow preventive measures to be applied, and proactive risk management that protects your business and employees; there are many Health & Safety software key features that mitigate workplace accidents.
In addition to the above, it supports in-depth training so your staff can stay ahead of changing regulations, whilst easy-to-use tools encourages adhering to the latest safety standards.
Find your Health & Safety software solution with Peninsula
Did you know that you’re legally obliged to be compliant with Health & Safety laws? If you’re not, you could face financial burden and reputational ruin.
Our market-leading Health & Safety software packages have been specifically developed to support your company. Want to learn more? Book a free demo here.
Not only will you receive fantastic software, but you’ll also get access to 24-hour Health & Safety advice and unlimited support with your documentation.
Whatever the reason, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today and connect with one of our Health & Safety consultants. Or if you prefer, call us on 0800 029 4386.
