Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Work accidents and ill health cost society billions - new HSE report estimates", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 21 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/lodj.2000.02221cab.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Work accidents and ill health cost society billions - new HSE report estimates
Work accidents and ill health cost society billions - new HSE report estimates
Keywords: Work-related injury, Illness, Absenteeism, Costs
A new report published today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows that workplace accidents and ill health in 1995/96 (the most recent year for which illness prevalence estimates are available) cost society between £14.5 and £18.1 billion (in 1995/96 prices). Costs to employers are still dominated by costs due to injury and non-injury accidents which total between £2.3-£5.3 billion.
Jenny Bacon, director general of the Health and Safety Executive, commented: "The results of our research indicate that, although on many measures occupational health and safety have improved, there is still a large potential for gains to employers, as well as to individuals and society as a whole, from action to improve standards of health and safety in the workplace."
The publication updates cost estimates produced by HSE economists Davies and Teasdale for 1990. Compared to 1990, there has been a reduction in total costs to society due to workplace injuries, but a substantial increase in total costs to society due to work-related illness (some two-thirds of the total cost to society).
The report shows the extent of occupational injuries and illness and provides a breakdown of costs by industry, region and occupation. It is aimed at senior management, researchers, employers' associations and trade unions and legislators, since it provides information against which the cost of health and safety improvements may be compared.
Copies of The Costs to Britain of Workplace Accidents and Work Related Ill-health 1995/96, HS(G) 101 ISBN, 0 7176 0666, price £24.95, are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk COIO 2WA. Tel: 01787 881165 or Fax: 01787 3 13995.