You never think about accidents when you’re at work. Instead, you blithely wander around until one day, BOOM, a loose wire trips you and you feel your tendons snap like uncooked spaghetti as you crumple to the floor.
You probably walk around your workplace assuming that that kind of thing would never happen to you. But here are the facts – more than 78,000 people were injured in the workplace last year. Out of those 78,000 injuries, 133 were fatal.
As startling as those figures might be, they don’t guarantee that you’ll eventually fall foul of them.
Provided you have a boss who’s on the level – as opposed to some cigar-chewing villain who shirks health and safety with a shrug – you can figure out ways to keep the safety of your workplace in check.
Here are just a few.
Call the professionals
If you know your workplace is unsafe but can’t quite put your finger on how, then call UK claim lawyers to give you a helping hand. Providing stellar advice on all forms of accident, they’ll know exactly what improvements your workplace can make to keep your health on track.
Alternatively, bring an accident expert into your workplace. They can check off places that need improvement and let your boss know how to avoid a costly claims process in the future.
The power of the union
Back in the 70s, the trade unions were at their peak. They could whisper into the government’s ear make change possible for people. Then came Tory party prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who diluted the strength of the unions to the point that they, nowadays, struggle to even authorise strike action.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a leaf out of the union’s book.
Whether you’re unionised or not, look to the rest of your workforce for their backup whenever you have a complaint about health and safety at work.
Your boss can easily shoo away one employee complaint – but when 20 come knocking at their door to say the same thing, they’ll have to sit up and listen.
Cuddle up to your employer
Your boss might be a nightmare. They might make casually sexist remarks, cackle at offensive jokes and be about as likeable as an evil dictator tribute act – but you still have to find some common ground.
You don’t have to be best buddies with your boss, but having a solid professional relationship will come in handy if you want to see improvements in your workplace.
The more you’re on your boss’s wavelength, the higher the likelihood of making positive changes for your workplace. So you better start cultivating friendships.