The Dräger Safety and Health at Work Report 2024

Research conducted by Dräger Safety UK has revealed a significant desire among both managers and employees to overhaul Great Britain’s Health and Safety at Work Act. The Dräger Safety and Health at Work Report 2024, published recently, highlights that over 90% of respondents believe the legislation should be updated to better address mental health and wellbeing.

Key Findings from the Dräger Safety and Health at Work Report 2024

The report, which surveyed 250 managers and 750 employees from UK organizations with more than 50 employees, found that 97% of managers and 94% of employees feel the Health and Safety at Work Act should be revised to reflect modern workplaces and working styles. This sentiment is driven by several key takeaways:

1. Mental Health and Wellbeing

A significant 78% of respondents see the revision of the Act as an opportunity to better address the current risk landscape and improve safety. Mental health and wellbeing were high on the list of priorities, with many respondents advocating for a greater focus on these areas.

2. Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)

75% of respondents believe there should be more emphasis on ESG issues within health and safety legislation. This includes addressing the needs of an ageing workforce, the impact of digital growth, and the changing expectations of younger employees.

3. Safety Perception

Interestingly, despite the challenges highlighted, a third takeaway is that workers feel safer at work than in previous years. This is attributed to better safety training, a focus on mental health and wellbeing, and increased employer investment in workplace safety.

4. Generational Differences

The report highlights significant generational differences in attitudes towards workplace safety. For example, 56% of Generation Z respondents fear a major safety incident in the next five years, compared to only 32% of Generation X respondents. This generational divide underscores the need for tailored training and safety protocols.

5. Training Expectations

Employees have high expectations for health and safety training. While 93% expect formal training, only 68% feel this expectation is met. Similarly, 93% expect a comprehensive induction program, but only 71% feel their employer meets this expectation.

6. Innovation and Technology

The final takeaway emphasizes the importance of keeping pace with advances in safety technology, such as digitalization and connectivity. However, only 31% of respondents feel their employer is making good use of such technology.

The Future of Workplace Safety

Looking ahead, the report identifies several challenges for workplace safety over the next 12 months. The top challenge, cited by 78% of respondents, is skills shortages in the workforce. This is followed by a younger workforce with different levels of knowledge and higher training expectations (76%), and budget cuts/constraints (74%).Mental health is also recognized as a critical factor driving the need for legislative changes. Over a third of respondents express concern about their future mental health, highlighting the potential risks that mental ill-health poses to workplace safety.

Conclusion

The Dräger Safety and Health at Work Report 2024 underscores the need for a comprehensive review and update of the Health and Safety at Work Act to better address the evolving needs of modern workplaces. With a greater focus on mental health, ESG issues, and the integration of new technologies, the legislation can be better aligned with the current risk landscape and improve overall workplace safety.For more insights and detailed findings, you can access the full report here.