Consequences of poor health and safety in the workplace

Posted 3 years ago

The consequences of poor health and safety in the workplace can be fatal.. While health and safety are the responsibility of everyone in the workplace, the primary accountability lies with employers and designated responsible persons tasked with implementing and maintaining safety procedures.

Inadequate procedures and failure to conduct regular maintenance inspections inevitably lead to a decline in safety standards, putting employees and visitors at risk. This blog post will outline the true cost of poor health and safety, key regulations every employer must follow, the role of leadership in creating a culture of safety, and practical steps businesses can take to mitigate risks. We will also explore how training plays a vital role in workplace safety and how businesses can ensure compliance with health and safety laws.

The cost of poor health and safety at work

Each workplace has its own unique hazards and risks. There are many examples of poor health and safety practices across different industries, making it essential for businesses to adopt a tailored approach that aligns with their specific working environment.

The approach to health and safety starts at the top of the business. A relaxed attitude toward safety can create a culture that, over time, becomes detrimental to both employees and business operations. Below are some of the key consequences of failing to implement and maintain proper health and safety measures.

Increased Risk of Injuries

Failure to follow proper health and safety procedures significantly increases the likelihood of workplace injuries. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 61,663 work-related injuries reported by employers in 2023/24.

For small businesses, an employee being off work for an extended period due to a work-related injury can severely impact operations. For larger organisations, serious incidents can damage their reputation and even lead to legal repercussions. Just one serious injury can result in long-term consequences for both employees and employers.

Loss of Reputation

A company’s reputation can be seriously damaged if it gains a reputation for neglecting employee safety. While smaller businesses may suffer limited local reputational damage, large businesses can face widespread scrutiny and negative media coverage.

A high-profile case of negligence can lead to decreased customer trust, loss of clients, and a decline in revenue. If clients and customers perceive a company as unsafe or careless, they may take their business elsewhere.

Legal Repercussions

Employers have a legal obligation to comply with workplace safety laws. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 outlines the key responsibilities employers must adhere to, including:

Conducting risk assessments
Implementing and reviewing preventive and protective measures
Having a written health and safety policy (if employing five or more people)
Providing employees with access to competent health and safety advice
Consulting employees about risks and safety procedures

If a workplace is deemed unsafe and an employee or visitor suffers an injury, legal action may follow. The affected individual may seek compensation for lost earnings, medical costs, or damages. While accidents and injures do happen, if an employer has all required legal health & safety procedures in place, they are less likely to face legal consequences.

Decrease in productivity, low morale, and increased turnover

A workplace that lacks proper safety measures can lead to an increase in stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction among employees. If workers do not feel safe in their environment, morale will decline, leading to reduced productivity. In turn, this can result in higher staff turnover as employees look for safer working conditions elsewhere.

Increased insurance premiums

Poor health and safety practices can lead to an increase in workplace accidents, which in turn drives up insurance premiums. Frequent claims can make a business appear high-risk, leading to costly liability insurance payments and reduced profitability.

Employee absenteeism

Work-related injuries and illnesses contribute to employee absenteeism, impacting workflow and business efficiency. A company with a poor health and safety record may experience frequent staff absences due to avoidable injuries, illnesses, or stress-related conditions.

Fines and penalties

Regulatory bodies such as the HSE can issue fines, penalties, and improvement notices to businesses that fail to comply with workplace safety laws. Severe breaches may even result in prosecution and potential business closure.

Real-life case studies of workplace accidents

Understanding the consequences of poor health and safety in the workplace becomes clearer when looking at real-world examples. Throughout various industries, businesses have faced serious repercussions due to inadequate safety measures, ranging from financial losses to legal action and, most tragically, injuries or fatalities. Below are three case studies that highlight the importance of maintaining strong health and safety practices.

Alton Towers Smiler Crash (2015) – The Cost of Complacency

One of the most high-profile UK workplace accidents occurred at Alton Towers, where a failure to follow proper safety protocols resulted in a devastating rollercoaster crash. Two carriages on the Smiler ride collided due to human error and a lack of effective risk assessment procedures.

Key Failures:

Ride operators manually managed the system, assuming the track was clear.
No clear safety protocol to double-check the status of the ride.
Inadequate training on the risks of system overrides.

Consequences:

Five people were seriously injured, with two requiring leg amputations.
Merlin Entertainments, the park’s owner, was fined £5 million for health and safety breaches.
The incident severely damaged the park’s reputation, leading to reduced visitor numbers and lost revenue.

Proper safety training, thorough risk assessments, and a clear chain of command in safety-critical decisions are crucial in preventing such accidents.

Understanding health and safety regulations

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment. Failure to comply with health and safety laws can result in severe financial and legal consequences. Here are some key regulations every business should be aware of:

Key health and safety regulations

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – The cornerstone of workplace safety legislation in the UK, this law places responsibility on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Requires businesses to assess workplace risks and take appropriate measures to control them.
Industry-Specific Regulations – Certain industries have additional safety laws to follow, such as:
- Construction: CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations
- Healthcare: COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations
- Manufacturing: PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)

Role of regulatory bodies

Regulatory bodies like the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) conduct inspections and investigations to ensure compliance. Businesses found violating health and safety laws may face improvement notices, fines, or prosecution.

The Role of leadership in workplace safety

Workplace safety begins at the top. Employers, managers, and supervisors must lead by example and foster a safety-first culture. Key responsibilities include:

Establishing clear health and safety policies – Leaders must ensure that safety procedures are well-documented, easily accessible, and regularly reviewed.
Providing proper training – Employees need ongoing training on how to work safely, use equipment correctly, and respond to emergencies.
Encouraging open communication – Workers should feel comfortable reporting hazards or near-miss incidents without fear of blame or retaliation.
Conducting regular safety audits and risk assessments – Routine inspections help identify potential dangers before they result in harm.
Leading by example – If managers take shortcuts or ignore safety measures, employees are likely to follow suit. Leaders should always adhere to the same rules and precautions expected of their teams.
Enforcing compliance – It’s the responsibility of leadership to ensure that safety protocols are followed and that corrective action is taken when necessary.

Practical Steps to Prevent Workplace Risks

To create a safe working environment, businesses should implement the following measures:

Design safer workspaces – Ensure walkways are clear, workstations are ergonomically designed, and hazards like poor lighting or obstructed exits are addressed.
Use data to inform safety decisions – Analyse incident reports, near misses, and audit results to identify trends and target improvements.
Establish clear reporting channels – Create a simple, accessible process for employees to report concerns, supported by anonymous options if needed.
Integrate safety into everyday processes – Make health and safety part of daily routines, from morning briefings to shift handovers.
Recognise and reward safe behaviour – Acknowledge individuals or teams who actively contribute to a safer workplace to reinforce positive habits.
Stay up to date with legislation and best practices – Regularly review changes in health and safety laws and industry standards to remain compliant.

You can download our free Health & Safety checklist – it’s a great tool for employers or anyone in charge of Health & Safety!

Poor health and safety in the workplace can have serious consequences, including increased risk of injury, financial penalties, legal repercussions, and reputational damage. Employers must take proactive measures to implement robust safety policies, comply with legal requirements, and foster a culture where employee well-being is prioritised.

By adhering to safety regulations, investing in training, and maintaining a vigilant approach to risk management, businesses can create a safe and productive working environment for all employees. Workplace safety is not just a legal obligation—it is essential for the success and sustainability of any organisation.

Online health & safety training courses

Providing your staff with high-quality and effective training doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated, and we’re here to help you.

We have a range of Health & Safety Training courses covering many different scenarios, offering simple but effective solutions for working towards compliance with current legislation. Not only does this protect your staff, but it also protects your business and its interests.

Each course is CPD Accredited, with many containing additional approvals from the likes of IOSH, IIRSM, and RoSPA, providing a printable certificate upon completion of the end-of-training test.

You can claim a free, no-obligation trial for any of our courses today! Alternatively, you can request a bespoke quote for your organisation, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your training requirements. We’re here to help make your business a safe workplace with an adequate safety policy in place. Whatever your training requirements are, our comprehensive range of eLearning courses have you covered.