The 5 biggest health and safety risks in 2018
OSHCR, the occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register has been looking at the 5 biggest risks that could damage your workforce and business in 2018.
#1 AI Phobia
The introduction of artificial intelligence and automation in workplaces and jobsites may cause an increase in anxiety at work and mental health conditions.
The fear of losing your job to a robot has been a popular topic this year, and this potential threat to employees may contribute to a rise in workplace stress and anxiety.
#2 Remote & Freelance Employees
Hiring remote and freelance employees will become increasingly popular in 2018 with the ability to hire a remote employee who can work from anywhere in the world via the internet.
However, problems may arise when remote or freelance employees pop in and out of the office without being properly briefed in regards to health and safety procedures.
While these employees might be working in places out of your control, you might still be liable for their occupational health and safety.
#3 Digital & Technology Careers
Digital and tech based careers are big business and this sector will continue to have a major impact on the construction industry in 2018. Poor eyesight and obesity are two of the main healthcare concerns.
Long working hours spent staring at a computer screen can cause damage to the eyes as we strain to focus on work without sufficient breaks.
A screen or laptop that has not been set up to comply with health and safety standards may cause neck and muscles strain along with repetitive strain disorder.
Careers that involve minimal movement can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and teamed with a poor diet, obesity.
#4 Antibiotic Resistance
In late 2017 and early 2018, Aussie flu took the UK by storm with a significant increase in cases of flu. Flu can quickly spread in a busy workplace and some healthcare professionals are warning about antibiotic resistance, where a growing number of infections become harder to treat with antibiotics. Infections can include pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea and flu.
#5 Machinery
Using automation, and in particular machinery on the jobsite, can help speed up production and increase revenue for a business, but anyone who is responsible for, or in contact with such equipment must be fully trained on how to operate the machine or work in the vicinity of the machine without considerable risk of injury.
OSHCR warns of the potential risk to the health and safety of employees when training is not properly in place.
The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register
OSHCR provides a platform for UK businesses to find and employ the help of professional Health and Safety consultants, from a web-based directory. For more information and to find a Health and Safety consultant for your industry please visit www.oshcr.org .
