How do Occupational Health services support employer duty of care?

Date: 03/05/2023

 

As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to ensure your employees’ safety and well-being in the workplace. Commonly referred to as 'duty of care' - it involves providing suitable working conditions, appropriate training and guidance, and responding quickly if something goes wrong or an accident occurs.

What can employers do to ensure their duty of care requirements are met?

Companies can fulfil their obligations to support their employees' wellbeing and safety in the workplace by choosing UKIM as their provider of Occupational Health services. Businesses, can find ways to create healthier working environments for staff members without compromising safety or efficiency. In this blog post, we look at proactive solutions for supporting your employers' duty of care. 

What is the employer's duty of care in the workplace?

Your duty of care as an employer includes taking reasonable steps to prevent workplace injuries, providing proper training and resources, and promptly addressing any hazards or risks. In addition to the legal obligations, creating a safe workplace can also boost employee morale and productivity. By prioritising your employees’ wellbeing, you are fulfilling your duty of care and creating a positive and successful work environment.

Why are preventative measures important for promoting employee wellbeing?

As employers, we are responsible for ensuring our employees are hitting their targets in the office. Still, it is also important to ensure their physical and mental well-being is cared for. 

Providing healthy snacks, encouraging regular exercise or offering flexible working options can all help to have a positive impact helping employees to feel supported and valued in their roles. These small steps can have a big impact on staff retention and strengthen your reputation as an employer that truly cares for its employees. In addition, when employees feel looked after, they are more likely to be engaged and productive, which can lead to better performance and success for the business.

At UKIM, we can further support your efforts by suggesting and implementing a range of preventive measures that will further promote your employee wellbeing whilst also significantly impacting productivity, motivation and job satisfaction. 

Promoting a culture of health and safety at work

In today's fast-paced work environment, promoting a culture of health and safety is of utmost importance. It not only protects the well-being of employees but also enhances productivity and morale. Establishing safety protocols, providing adequate training, and continuously evaluating and improving safety measures are crucial to fostering a safe and healthy workplace. Encouraging open communication and creating an environment where employees feel empowered to report hazards or accidents without fear of retaliation is essential. Investing in your employee’s health and safety ultimately pays dividends, leading to better employee retention and a robust bottom line for the company.

How to identify and address workplace hazards that could lead to illness or injury

As a professional, it is important to identify and address hazards that could potentially lead to illness or injury in the workplace. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for ourselves and our colleagues. This includes identifying potential hazards such as slippery floors, exposed electrical wires, or dangerous machinery. Once hazards have been identified, it is crucial to take immediate action to eliminate or minimise the risk of harm to individuals in the work environment. This may include implementing safety protocols, providing protective gear, or adjusting work practices. By being proactive in identifying and addressing potential hazards, we can prevent accidents and illnesses from occurring and ensure a safe workplace for everyone.

Supporting employers with managing stress, mental health and employee absence due to sickness or injury

As an employer, navigating the complexities of managing employee illness, injury, and mental health issues can be challenging. Not only is it important to provide support for those going through these difficult circumstances, but it's critical for businesses to maintain a productive and healthy workforce. Fortunately, there are resources available to help organisations support their employees during times of stress or absence. By offering wellness programs, mental health resources, and flexible work arrangements, employers can create a workplace culture that values the well-being of its staff. Businesses can build a more committed, engaged, and productive workforce by prioritising employee health.

How UKIM’s Occupational Health services can help assess risks and improve safety in the workplace

Occupational Health services, play a pivotal role in assessing risks and improving safety in the workplace. Through comprehensive assessments and evaluations, our team of Occupational Health professionals will provide recommendations on measures that need to be taken to enhance workplace safety. They will also design customised health and safety programs that address any unique risk factors that are specific to the industry you work within. Investing in our range of tried and tested holistic occupational health methods will tackle the physical and mental health challenges your workforce may encounter whilst demonstrating a commitment to creating a healthy and supportive work environment for employees.

In conclusion, Occupational Health services are invaluable in helping employers meet their duty of care by taking a proactive approach to promoting and protecting employee wellbeing. From identifying potential hazards to providing advice on preventive measures, our Occupational Health services will help employers become aware of the risks posed in the workplace and identify strategies for effective risk management - something that is increasingly important when considering the complexities and nuances of modern work life.  Moreover, from designing safety protocols to managing employee sickness and stress, embracing Occupational Health services helps employers deliver a culture of health and safety in the workplace - setting high standards that contribute towards more productive and motivated employees. UKIM Occupational Health Services offer comprehensive support on all matters relating to employee health and safety, so don't hesitate to reach out if your organisation could benefit from our team's expert knowledge.

Our Employee MOT checklist is a useful document that outlines some of the key OH health improvement support services we can provide to improve employees’ health & wellbeing.

If you’re interested in providing your workforce with a robust range of health improvement support services, get in touch

UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing, Brenner House, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland DH4 5RA

Call 0191 512 8220 or email: wellbeing@ukim-oh.com

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Alan Ballard is Partnership Director at UKIM.
With over 15 years experience in the Occupational Health sector, Alan has worked on some of the largest OH contracts in the UK, utilising his skills in Project Management, Modelling and Account Management.

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