Workspace safety in 2024

With 2024 marking the 50^th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, workplace safety is in the spotlight now more than ever. When it was first enforced almost five decades ago, the act was viewed as a modern health and safety system, and has since paved the way for safer workspaces up and down the country.

Times have no doubt changed since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, yet the importance of workplace safety should never be underestimated. As we move into 2024, there are several things you should expect when upholding the health, safety and welfare of your employees.

The workspace is changing for good

While the Covid-19 pandemic flipped things on their head in the commercial and industrial worlds, post-Covid life has changed the workplace permanently.

While seen as temporary measures, remote and hybrid working are become the new norms, with employees looking to maintain a good work-life balance, and put their health and family life first. Employers continuing hybrid and remote working practices into 2024 however need to consider the health and safety of their workers, whether they’re working on-site or from home.

Physical and mental health will become priorities

While the latest figures report a decrease in workplace accidents, instances of ill health are growing. 2024 is the year when employers need to increase efforts to protect employee health within the workplace. Both mental and physical ailments should be the main focuses, whether they are impacting workers in the short or long term.

Fire regulations are also evolving

The Grenfell Tower fire is considered one of the worst disasters in modern UK history. Five years on, and lessons are still being learnt. New fire regulations have now been introduced to help prevent this devastation from ever happening again.

While the new fire regulations are applicable to high-rise residential buildings, businesses operating from these building types need to take precautions to ensure compliance and safety. As part of the new legislation, there should be better cooperation between the Responsible Persons and building owners, improved record keeping, and uninhibited access to fire safety information for all.

Manual handling improvements remain key

Manual handling is expected to be another key focus for employers based in the UK during the year ahead. Poor manual handling can after all cause several issues, including short- and long-term injuries, mental health problems, and even fatalities. With an investment in manual handling training however, workplaces can help their workers avoid a long list of hazards.