Logical storage solutions blog

What are the consequences for business that ignore health & safety?

While it’s true that some workplaces are more dangerous than others, there are still plenty of accidents that can happen. Choosing to ignore your health and safety obligations is not only illegal but could have potentially disastrous consequences on your entire business. Here we will look at some of those repercussions and offer advice on how to start tackling risks.

Facts and figures
Health and Safety laws exist for a reason and they are highlighted by these worrying statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). During 2017/18 a total of 144 workers were killed in fatal accidents and more than 650,000 non-fatal injuries were reported. Common causes of accidents include falls from a height – which is incidentally the biggest cause of fatal accidents, to being struck by moving vehicles, being trapped, hurt by contact with moving machinery and being struck by falling objects.

Consequences
If these types of accidents happen in your workplace than at the very least your business will be disrupted, and an employee may have to take a period of time off work. However, at the very worst an employee could be killed, and your business could face fines, legal action and catastrophic damage to your reputation should you be found to be liable under the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act (2007).

Solutions
In warehouse environments, one of the best ways that you can show commitment to the Health and Safety of your business is to have regular inspections carried out of your racking equipment. Racking equipment can be highly effective as a storage solution but it is critical that it is properly maintained. As highlighted in the figures by HSE, some of the most common forms of injury in the workplace can be caused by damaged racking such as being trapped or hit by falling objects which could be the result of a racking collapse. So, to keep your racking in good shape and ensure the safety of your employees you need a trained eye looking out periodically for signs of weakness in your structures.

Logical Storage carry out regular reviews of racking for a number of businesses around the UK. We help them to keep their systems in good working order and to maintain their obligations to both their employees and the law under the Health & Safety Act. To find out more please call us today on 0845 689 1300.