When health and safety is mentioned, people inevitably think that only employers and employees are affected. But have you considered the wider impact of serious health and safety incidents or fatalities? The impact is surprisingly wide.
Who Can Be Affected by HS Incidents, Injuries or Fatalities?
● Injured person(s)
● Families
● Friends
● Employers
● Work colleagues
● NHS
● Insurers
● Social care providers and rehabilitators
● Counsellors
● People responsible for causing incidents
● Emergency services
● First aiders and fire marshals
● Solicitors and courts
● Third-party companies and contractors
Effects on Families
• Loss of earnings, debt, reduced quality of life and caring responsibilities
• Mental health issues (stress, anxiety and depression)
• Hospital visits, counselling and rehabilitation, resulting in additional costs and time
• Legal proceedings and associated stress, costs and time
• Impact on other family commitments, e.g. childcare
Effects on Employers
• Loss of production and revenue
• Damage to equipment or premises, leading to increased expenses
• Reputational damage
• Dealing with enforcement bodies, solicitors, insurers and courts, including legal costs and fines
• Civil personal injury claims leading to compensation
• Increased insurance premiums
• Reduced staff morale, affecting performance, health and absence levels
During 2024–2025, there were 124 work-related deaths and 59,000 non-fatal injuries, with a total cost to the economy of £23 billion. Now consider how many parties were affected, how they were affected and at what cost.
As this article is intended for guidance purposes only, employers are advised to contact the Health and Safety Helpline for advice. We can offer initial guidance over the telephone and also provide a bespoke health and safety support service for all your drafting needs.
