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Key facts and statistics
Occupational safety and health is a global concern with significant impacts on worker health, productivity, and economic stability. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 2.3 million people die annually due to work-related accidents or diseases. In the UK alone, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 142 fatal injuries at work in 2020/21, and 441,000 injuries occurred in the workplace, costing businesses approximately £16.2 billion.
Key definitions
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) - IOSH is the world's largest professional body for health and safety practitioners. Founded in 1945, it provides resources, training, and certification for OSH professionals and aims to improve workplace safety standards globally.
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) - Refers to the practice of ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. It involves the implementation of safety regulations, risk assessments, and preventive measures to reduce workplace hazards.
The role of IOSH
Setting standards and best practices
IOSH sets industry standards for health and safety practices. It develops and disseminates best practice guidelines, ensuring OSH professionals have up-to-date knowledge and skills. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, IOSH helps organisations stay compliant with legal requirements and enhance their safety protocols.
Professional development and certification
One of IOSH's primary roles is to provide professional development opportunities for OSH practitioners. The institution ensures that individuals are competent in their roles through various certification programmes, such as the IOSH Managing Safely and IOSH Working Safely courses. These certifications are recognised internationally and benchmarked for professional excellence in OSH.
Advocacy and policy influence
IOSH actively engages in advocacy and policy-making to influence national and international health and safety regulations. By collaborating with governments, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders, IOSH ensures that OSH policies are robust, effective, and aligned with current industry needs.
Research and innovation
The institution invests in research to identify emerging risks and develop innovative solutions to workplace safety challenges. IOSH-funded research projects contribute to the global knowledge base, providing valuable insights that shape future OSH practices and policies.
Best practices for implementing legislation and regulations
Conduct regular risk assessments
Regular risk assessments are fundamental to identifying potential hazards and implementing control measures. Employers should ensure that assessments are thorough, documented, and reviewed periodically.
Provide continuous training
Ongoing training is essential to maintain a safe working environment. IOSH's training programmes, such as Managing Safely and Working Safely, provide employees and managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage risks effectively.
Foster a safety culture
Creating a culture that prioritises safety involves engaging employees at all levels. This includes open communication about safety issues, encouraging reporting of hazards, and recognising good safety practices.
Stay informed of legal requirements
Businesses must stay informed about current OSH legislation and regulations. IOSH offers resources and updates to help organisations comply with the latest legal requirements.
Use technology for compliance management
Leveraging technology, such as ComplyPlus™, can streamline compliance management. ComplyPlus™ helps businesses manage their legislative and regulatory obligations efficiently, reducing non-compliance risk and improving overall safety performance.
Recommendations
- Invest in IOSH certification - Encourage OSH professionals within your organisation to pursue IOSH certifications. This will ensure they have the latest knowledge and best practices in occupational safety and health.
- Implement a comprehensive OSH management system - Utilise tools like ComplyPlus™ to effectively manage compliance with OSH regulations. This system can help track training, conduct risk assessments, and monitor compliance.
- Engage with IOSH resources - Stay updated with IOSH publications, guidelines, and research findings. These resources provide valuable insights and practical advice for enhancing workplace safety.
Conclusion
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) promotes safe and healthy workplaces globally. By setting standards, providing training, influencing policy, and conducting research, IOSH helps organisations achieve high levels of compliance and safety. Businesses are encouraged to engage with IOSH resources, invest in professional development, and utilise technology like ComplyPlus™ to manage compliance effectively.
Ensure your organisation meets the highest standards of occupational safety and health. Explore our comprehensive compliance management software, ComplyPlus™, and discover how it can streamline your regulatory obligations and enhance workplace safety. Click here for more information on our training courses and compliance solutions.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
