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News release

23 June 2010 - NR 28/10

Good practice in health and safety adds up to great savings for our economy

In light of yesterday’s revelation by the Chancellor to hike taxes and cut benefits, simply improving health and safety at work can shave billions of pounds off the nation’s debt. Over £100 billion is being lost through working-age ill health* annually, according to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

At a Westminster reception later today, Steve Granger, IOSH President –Elect, will stress to new MPs how introducing better health and safety practices among UK businesses could save Britain as much as £31.8 billion pounds currently caused by accidents and ill health at work.

He wants our new government and IOSH to join forces to save the country money and improve conditions for workers. Steve believes a ‘coalition’ between politicians, decision makers, employers and workers can help to keep the wheels of industry and commerce running smoothly and efficiently and subsequently reduce the nation’s deficit.

“We know from studies that positive feelings about work are linked with higher productivity, profitability and staff retention, and also that ‘good work’ is beneficial to health and wellbeing,” says Steve.

“And we also know that failure to keep people safe and healthy at work can be very costly. Put quite simply, it devastates lives and families, disrupts business and services and ultimately, damages our economy and society,” adds Steve.

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* Working-age ill health includes work-related ill health and covers non-work illness in people of working-age

Please see 'Making the business case for good health and safety'

Costs to UK PLC of poor health and safety:

Deaths

Workplace (last two years) 413

Road (work-related) p.a. 1,000

Cancers (work-related) p.a. 8,000

Injuries

Reportable in 08/09 246,000

Working days lost due to

Ill Health 24.6m

Workplace Injuries 4.7m

Stress 11.4m

MSDs 9.3m

Total £ Incalculable

Potential savings to UK Plc if we manage health and safety effectively:

To employers £3.9 – £7.8 bn

To individuals £2.46 - £5.12 bn

To the economy £13.1 - £22.2 bn

Total potential savings £22.2 bn

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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.