NEWS

Overhaul HASAWA to shift workforce safety attitudes, study finds

New research says legislation requires a shift to represent today’s world of work.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 needs to be overhauled and doesn’t represent modern workplaces or working styles. This is one of the findings taken from a new piece of research exploring UK workplace attitudes to safety.

The survey of over 1,000 workers, canvassing 750 employees and 250 managers, was taken across verticals including transport, construction and manufacturing. In it, nine in ten workers believe the legislation, which came into force nearly 50 years ago, is no longer relevant in a world of work changed significantly since the pandemic and shifting attitudes towards mental health.

A shift in thinking

Respondents of the survey commissioned by Dräger were also asked what factors could influence a shift in thinking around safety and health. Offered a choice including ESG, budgets, an ageing workforce, diversity and inclusion, potential unionisation and technology, 82% said a greater focus on mental health and wellbeing could contribute a change in thinking.  Despite this, some felt the wellbeing agenda was being prioritised over ‘traditional’ safety risks such as confined spaces or working at height.

Issues around finance, such as limited funding and an expectation to do more with less, scored similarly with 81% of workers suggesting less pressure around budgetary constraints could also shift future expectations around safety.

Looking Short-term respondents plan to address challenges around skill shortages; the training expectation of a younger workforce; and the impact of new technology will figure highly over the next 12 months.

Shifting the dial

Generally, the study reflects wider societal questions around technology, the ageing workforce and a generation expecting employees to fall in line when it comes to mental health. In the report’s introduction, Dräger’s CEO Matthew Bedford, said a fresh cohort of workers with new outlooks and expectations is shifting the dial. “Our research indicates that the younger generation is challenging and disrupting traditional views towards workplace safety, and in doing so potentially driving positive change, although this may well also create challenges for businesses.”

Related Topics

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments