Welcome to the November issue of the BSIF newsletter. This month, the 2015/6 health and safety statistics were published by the Health & Safety Executive. Citing 1.3million workers in Great Britain suffering from work related illnesses, the statistics certainly support the HSE’s recent initiative to tackle ill health with ‘Helping Great Britain Work Well.’
The statistics also show us that there are still areas in need of more focus and attention. Working days lost due to illness or non fatal injury is up 11.3% from the year before at 30.4 million, and the number of non fatal worker injuries 621,000, a 1.6% increase from the year before. These injuries resulted in 152,000 absences over seven days and 469,000 absences of up to seven days. Improvements are also evident, however, with the welcome reduction of injuries reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences). The 2015/6 statistics reported 72,000 injuries whilst 2014/5 reported 76,000 injuries.
The statistics show all of us that it is vital to ensure the “good health and safety is good for business” message gains momentum. The Federation continues to lead this movement.
Elsewhere in this newsletter, read about our efforts to tackle and improve public spend on occupational health through our investigation into current local authority investment in tackling work related respiratory illness. The results are published in a new report launched this month, which provides guidance for local authorities on how to alter their strategies, encouraging them to start taking occupational health seriously.
In recognition of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day on 16th November, we developed an infographic that highlights exactly what the condition is, how many people in the UK suffer from it, and how employers and employees can mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful dusts, fumes and chemicals that may cause it. We hope you find it useful and encourage to share this information in your own workplace and with your customers.
Finally, find out how to get involved in the event we are hosting in conjunction with the International Society for Respiratory Protection (ISRP) at the Arden Hotel between 14th and 15th of December, gathering the face fitting community together for the first time.
Enjoy!