There were several updates to health and safety legislation in 2023. While many were preparing for CE marking across various goods to be phased out (as a result of the UK’s departure from the EU), the requirement was instead extended indefinitely.
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was heavily featured in the media, posing problems for schools and other buildings built using this type of concrete. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prepared guidance to help businesses and building owners carry out risk assessments, including managing risks from asbestos. If you operate in any industries that may have been impacted, it’s important to ensure your business is fully compliant with health and safety legislation, and that our workers are properly protected. The HSE has recently launched a campaign called ‘Asbestos – Your Duty’ to help keep people safe from asbestos.
Health and safety updates for 2024
While health and safety consistently bring some new challenges, especially those that are reactive to new events and developments, some elements are already being discussed and may come to fruition this year, including:
Risk profiles
Various factors can influence your business’ risk profile, including the age of your workforce, sustainability and working patterns within your organisation. The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 will give more rights to agency workers and those on zero-hour contracts, which could impact your business. Meanwhile the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 will also impact businesses due to workers being able to request further variations to their employment terms and conditions including the number of hours worked and working location.
These changes could impact how many workers you have on-site, and could pose problems for businesses maintaining their operations, while also posing health and safety risks to those at work.
Increased focus on mental health
When it comes to health and safety at work, most thoughts jump to physical health and safety. However, conversations around mental health are continuing, particularly when it comes to psychological safety at work. For employers, creating safe spaces for workers to share their concerns and ideas can help promote safer workplaces, and help employees take greater responsibility for their own health and safety. Better collaboration and transparency could help people take fewer risks, improving conditions for all.
Continuing fines and prosecutions for health and safety legislation breaches
Maintaining health and safety is vital for any employer, but there are instances where this isn’t always the case. The HSE regularly publishes news of the latest failings by businesses and organisations to maintain health and safety, and these can provide some food for thought to help improve standards within your own workplace. It’s worth keeping up to date with these releases to understand some of the failings and how you can avoid similar action.
Climate change considerations
The environment can have a significant impact on health and safety. In the UK, there have already been instances of freezing temperatures, heavy rain and storms causing problems for businesses and workers. Throughout the last year, there were also extreme heat events impacting health and safety in the workplace. Extreme weather patterns are becoming more commonplace due to climate change, and it’s better to prepare for the unexpected than to be caught short down the line.
For businesses, investing in the right protective workwear can help prepare for any instances where workers may need to work in challenging conditions. phs Besafe can help by supplying workwear garments that are designed to be durable, functional and provide the right protection for workers. You can explore our full garment collection ready to stock up for the year ahead.
Make your workplace safer in 2024 with phs Compliance
While there are some health and safety legislation updates we know to expect in 2024, others will develop in line with current events, and of course, the general election. One thing you can rely on to be consistent is phs Besafe. We can supply your workplace with safety workwear, in addition to garment laundry services designed to keep your garments carefully maintained. We’re here to provide you with information and advice about workwear safety garments, helping to provide you with everything you need to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Contact us today and the team will be happy to help.