The pandemic has seen changes to businesses not just in the UK but globally, with new hybrid working practices continuing to be become the normal, with less time working closely with colleagues in an office environment, potentially giving rise to concerns around mental health and wellbeing, while trying to keep up with new technology to support and improve the new work/life balance.
Skills shortages and staff availability due to illness will need to be managed well across all sectors, making sure continued engagement and development in staff training is maintained, promoting safety culture and wellbeing for new staff which will be critical in making sure workers remain safe, as failure to manage basic health and safety can lead to an increase in workplace accidents.
This will need to be supported by increased occupational health management of staff, ensuring areas such as mental health first aid and awareness training is further promoted in 2022, especially with the new hybrid working practices continuing to be normal practice across all business sectors.
About the author
Simon Broome SIIRSM Tech IOSH has over 25 years' experience around risk management, honed through his industry background and working on operating software and management systems. He is a Specialist Member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management and a Technical Member of IOSH, and also holds the NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management.
Read risk management articles by Simon
- Business Continuity Planning
- Health & Safety Bulletin - April 2019: HSE Intervention Enforcement Notices on the Increase
- Health & Safety Bulletin - April 2019: Notra Dame Blaze Highlights Risk of "Hot Works"
- Health & Safety Bulletin - May 2019: Recent Spate of Fires Caused by Electrical Faults Suggests Businesses Need to Check Electrical Systems
- Information Update - Health & Safety
- Insurance Update - Claims Defensibility Review Service
- Risk Bulletin - Health & Safety Competent Person
- Risk Alert – Why is it So Important to Have a Business Continuity Plan?
For more information or for a full review of your insurance needs, please see our insurance specialisms, contact your usual Towergate Insurance Brokers adviser or email TIB@towergate.co.uk.
The information contained in this bulletin is based on sources that we believe are reliable and should be understood as general risk management and insurance information only. It is not intended to be taken as advice with respect to any specific or individual situation and cannot be relied upon as such. If you wish to discuss your specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact your usual Towergate Insurance Brokers adviser.
