Small firms can 'make savings' through safety

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said that the start of the new financial year should act as a reminder to firms about how much could be lost through poor health and safety at work.

It said that that one in five small businesses had at least one worker that suffered an injury in 2005. Also last year, British businesses lost up to £7.8 billion through workplace injuries and ill health, even though many such incidents could have been prevented through better health and safety planning.

Injuries or illness cost employers an average of £1,200 each time, showing that businesses still needed to consider their workplace health and safety strategy, according to the HSE.

Phil Scott, HSE regional director in the East, said: "When businesses are planning for the next financial year, they should take into account the dent in profits that workplace accidents and ill-health can cause.

"Many businesses think that getting hurt or becoming ill tends to happen in exceptional circumstances. This couldn't be further from the truth. Incidents can happen in any business, regardless of size or activity."

The HSE is currently promoting its Better Business campaign, which offers advice to small firms on safer and more efficient working practices.