First published on Monday, Jun 17, 2024
Last updated on Monday, Jun 17, 2024
With several recent disturbing incidents making headlines in Ireland, from dairy farmers in fatal falls to freak accidents in waste disposal, the importance of taking health & safety measures seriously has never been underscored so clearly for business owners.
But it’s not just freak incidents that businesses have to worry about. Even hazards as small as faulty wiring or slippery floors can cost you thousands of euros when accidents happen.
In 2021, the average fine received from the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) was a whopping €124,000, highlighting just how costly a ‘laissez faire’ attitude to health & safety measures can be.
So, what are the risks of health & safety breaches, and how can you prevent yourself from landing in legal hot water? Read on to find out…
Financial penalties: The price of complacency
The first, and perhaps most obvious consequence of a health & safety breach is getting fined by the HSA. Recent examples of huge fines imposed on farms and other businesses in Ireland serve as a stern reminder of what’s at stake.
Take, for instance, Nitrofert Limited, which had to pay €350,000 following a fatal work-related incident in County Kilkenny in 2019. Or an agricultural contractor who was recently fined €65,000 for failing to prevent a devastating incident where a farmer had his right hand substantially amputated in a fertiliser spreader.
Reputation damage: Trust lost; clients gone
Neglecting health & safety can tarnish a business’s reputation in more ways than one. News of accidents, injuries, and fatalities can spread quickly, eroding trust among clients, employees, and the public.
A single incident can lead to negative media coverage, social media backlash, and a damaged brand image. In the worst-case scenario, your customers might even hesitate to work with you and seek alternative companies that prioritise safety.
Legal battles: Lawsuits and compensation claims
When health & safety failings result in harm, legal battles follow. Employees, residents, or their families may file compensation claims against the business.
Legal fees, settlements, and court proceedings drain resources and distract from core operations. Investing in a robust health & safety system can help you keep an accurate and secure record of your safety procedures, giving you better peace of mind. Seeking a system that offers round-the-clock health & safety advice is also advisable, to learn how to prevent costly legal entanglements.
Lost productivity: Absenteeism and reduced efficiency
On top of the personal cost of accidents and injuries; if your staff get hurt at work it can also disrupt workflow. Employees injured on the job require time off for recovery, affecting productivity. Moreover, unsafe conditions lead to absenteeism, reduced morale, and decreased efficiency.
A proactive health & safety approach minimises disruptions, keeps employees healthy, and maintains productivity levels.
How to shield your business against health & safety risks with BrightSafe
Luckily for you and your business, these are consequences that can be easily avoided with the right health & safety management system in place.
Introducing BrightSafe: Your all-in-one health & safety tool! Instead of taking an ad-hoc approach, BrightSafe helps you make sure you’re protected against all present and future risks. Use our end-to-end software and advisory service to:
- Complete risk assessments
- Maintain hazard reporting
- Stay compliant with your health & safety obligations
- Keep records proving your health & safety compliance
- Make use of time-saving document templates from handbooks and manuals to policies and method statements
- Boost staff awareness of health & safety with comprehensive e-learning courses
- Delegate health & safety responsibilities and tasks to staff members
- Get better peace of mind with 24/7 advice from experienced safety professionals
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