Save lives, save money - new campaign from IOSH

26 May 2011

As the UK government’s cost-cutting measures start to bite, IOSH is launching Li£e Savings, a new campaign to remind businesses that good health and safety can actually save money.

In a welcome ‘win win’ message for the business sector, IOSH is making it clear that smart companies investing in sound health and safety management can see a significant return on investment, in cash savings as well as a range of central business benefits.

Says IOSH President Steve Granger: “You only have to look at the scale of some of the savings companies have already made to see what’s possible – E.ON saved nearly £12 million in just one year with its absence management strategy, AstraZeneca saved £5 million with a new focus on rehabilitation and health promotion and British Gas has saved nearly £2 million since it began a road risk initiative a few years ago.”

Adds Caroline Patel, Head of Campaigns at IOSH: “Health and safety couldn’t be further from the old ‘burden on business’ stereotype. Today’s professionals understand that good health and safety management goes to the heart of business – done well, it can not only cut costs, but improve productivity, quality, retention, motivation and reputation. It’s a long way from being an optional extra. Even a small annual investment in wellbeing or health and safety initiatives can pay big dividends.”

And IOSH has a message for government too – better health and safety management of UK plc could mean savings of up to £22 billion a year for the public purse. The Institution today launches its six-point action plan for government, outlining simple ways it can help save money for business and the cash-strapped economy.

IOSH’s Li£e Savings campaign, which is launched today at its annual Honorary Vice Presidents event at the House of Lords, offers resources to help businesses as well as showcasing a range of case studies from IOSH members, featuring the work they have done to achieve improvements in health and safety while at the same time saving their organisations thousands or even millions.

Says Steve Granger: “It’s time to get the message out that good health and safety management doesn’t just mean stopping people getting killed, injured or ill at work – it can also mean saving significant sums of money.”

• If you’re an IOSH member and you’ve created or implemented a health and safety initiative that’s led to significant savings for your workplace, as well as cutting illness and injury, then we want to hear from you. Share your success story by emailing jasmeen.daji@iosh.co.uk.