Informa Markets

Author Bio ▼

Safety and Health Practitioner (SHP) is first for independent health and safety news.
May 13, 2009

SHE09- Nip accidents and claims in the bud via a strong H and S culture

Don’t crack under the credit crunch was the message to SHP Arena

delegates from Peter Forshaw, partner with law firm Weightmans, who

outlined the importance of accident prevention and claims containment

in a recession.

Reminding delegates that we are now apparently in the grip of the worst

recession since the 1930s, with 2.2 million out of work, and rising,

Peter said the implications for employers are manifold: “Increased

absenteeism, the potential for reduced expenditure on health and

safety, the loss of skilled personnel, a shift in workforce perceptions

of health and safety, a possible increase in outsourcing, and in

workplace violence — all of which adds up to more demands on health and

safety managers.”

As to whether all of this is creating an upsurge in the number of

personal-injury claims, Peter said there is no universal agreement.

Evidence from the last recession, in the 1990s, shows there was no

significant increase but, he warned, things are different this time:

“There are more claims management companies, more ‘no-win, no-fee’

arrangements, and people know more about their rights, and how to,

claim.”

The key to defending claims, and particularly spurious ones, is to make

sure you have a strong health and safety culture and systems. In fact,

argued Peter, this is actually the best time for employers to focus on

health and safety. He explained: “When things are quiet at work, and

there are maybe fewer people, that is the best time to take stock and

to prepare for when the green shoots of recovery eventually appear.

Also, there is generally greater diligence among employees not to put a

foot wrong.”

Among the things Peter suggested employer should do were to review all

risk assessments and systems of work to make sure they remain suitable

and sufficient in changed circumstances; ensure all staff are trained

and that training is understood; check all PPE and don’t be tempted to

purchase less suitable alternatives; and ensure regular maintenance of

work equipment.

He added: “Do have the courage of your convictions — don’t be tempted

into knee-jerk reactions, and don’t make changes for change’s sake.”

Elaborating on the issue of perception of health and safety, he

referred to a recent statistic from the National Accident Helpline,

which revealed that 62 per cent of employees believe their employers

are scrimping on health and safety as a cost-cutting measure. Warned

Peter: “Perceptions that health and safety is not of high concern will

generate claims, so employers need to do all they can to prevent these

from arising. Health and safety must be done, and be seen to be done.

Let employees know that it remains at the top of the agenda.”

In terms of anticipating future claims — because many are lodged years

down the line after an incident is said to have occurred, Peter had the

following advice: “Go through your accident records for the last three

years to identify possible incidents for claims — for example, RIDDOR

incidents and other serious injuries, as well as any serial claimants.

Then, collate the evidence on any claims you might have to defend —

bring together in one place things like your accident book, the

accident investigation report, photos, training records, etc.”

Finally, he reminded delegates that the health and safety and human

resources functions must work closely together, particularly in terms

of keeping track of any employees who are made redundant, or leave the

company, and who may have witnessed any incidents.

Peter concluded: “Clearly, these are challenging times for those in

health and safety. Yes, the recession adds extra pressure on existing

workloads but it also provides opportunities to review and improve

systems. Health and safety must remain at the top of the agenda.”

The Safety Conversation Podcast: Listen now!

The Safety Conversation with SHP (previously the Safety and Health Podcast) aims to bring you the latest news, insights and legislation updates in the form of interviews, discussions and panel debates from leading figures within the profession.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation today!

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments