Training key to avoiding costly accidents

Over 200 people are killed each year in accidents at work and over one million people are injured. Over two million suffer illnesses caused by, or made worse by, their work. Beneath these shocking headline statistics lies another factor that is much less publicised but equally concerning for business; the hidden cost of accidents. 

The Health and Safety Executive has carried out studies with 5 organisations in an attempt to calculate the true costs of accidents to companies in the UK, and the results were surprising. One organisation, a transport company, found that the cost of accidents amounted to 37% of annual profits, while another firm – a construction company – discovered that costs amounted to 9.5% of the tender price of the project being undertaken.

Training has a central role to play in the reduction of accidents in the workplace, with businesses increasingly recognising that investment in training pays dividends where an improved health and safety culture is the end result.

According to Dr Brian Newbury, Technical Director of Connaught Compliance training can help you avoid the financial costs of accidents and occupational ill health:

“Quite apart from helping your business avoid the distress that accidents and ill health cause, training helps embed a positive health and safety culture, where safe and healthy working becomes second nature to everyone. It’s important to remember that insurance doesn’t cover all of the costs associated with accidents and that lost production and demotivated staff can be difficult to recover from, particularly for small businesses.”

“The law requires that you provide whatever information, instruction and training is needed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of your employees. Increasingly, flexible e-learning courses mean that training can be delivered in a cost and time-effective way for maximum impact.”

A recent case involving a fire at a print and packaging firm demonstrates the devastating impact that accidents can have on a company. Negligence in fire prevention training meant that the 2500m² site was destroyed and trading had to cease for a significant period of time. Contracts were terminated and clients went elsewhere, leaving the business with severe cash flow problems as they awaited the insurance payout.

Brian Newbury continues: 

“It only takes a seemingly minor gap in knowledge and training to wreak havoc on a business’s operation, so it makes sense to make health and safety training a key priority and invest in getting it right. The consequences of not taking this approach are clear and with such cost effective and flexible training options available it’s a real no-brainer to put this issue at the top of your corporate agenda.”

Connaught training provide health & safety training solutions including the NEBOSH Certificate & Diploma, IOSH or IEMA courses

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