Health & Safety News Brief
Occupational Health & Safety Information Service
Who benefits from health and safety?
Health and safety in the workplace - from offshore rigs to hairdressing salons - is under the spotlight, as part of a new study being carried out by Loughborough University.
Managers from across 30 organisations will be interviewed and hundreds of employees surveyed as part of the study, to look at the benefits of good occupational health and safety management for both workers and their bosses.
Jane Ward, of the Department of Human Sciences, which is carrying out the project, said: "Companies in the UK spend millions of pounds on occupational health and safety every year, but exactly how has all the regulation, legislation and information improved working life?
"The effect for employees goes beyond working in a safe environment. It affects how they feel about their job and organisation, in terms of things like job satisfaction and organisational commitment."
Researchers will ask managers about their views on health and safety, including issues such as compensation claims, while employees will be asked about their job satisfaction and their general health and well-being.
Ms Ward added: "The project will increase understanding about who benefits from health and safety, and how, helping both employers and employees to appreciate the positive effects of a safe and healthy work environment."
The project is sponsored by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Researchers are currently recruiting organisations for the project.
Any managers interested in taking part should contact Jane Ward on Tel: +44 (0) 1509 228485 or by email at J.K.Ward@lboro.ac.uk.