2023: A Transformative Year in UK Occupational Health and Safety - Key Developments
Wrapping up 2023: a significant year for Occupational Health (OH) in the UK, marked by several key developments and shifts in focus. We stayed on top of it all with an in-depth analysis to bring you the evolution of this year.
Here are important key takeaways:
Government Initiatives to Boost OH Provision:
The UK government has made substantial efforts to enhance the provision of Occupational Health services. This included increased funding, policy reforms, and initiatives aimed at making OH services more accessible and efficient, including funding. The emphasis has been on integrating OH into the wider public health framework, ensuring that workplace health is not just about injury and illness prevention but also about promoting overall wellbeing.
Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) Focus on SME Support:
The SOM has particularly concentrated on supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs often lack the resources of larger corporations for comprehensive OH services. The SOM's initiatives likely involved providing tailored advice, resources, and support systems to help SMEs develop and implement effective OH strategies. This is crucial since SMEs make up a significant portion of the UK's economy, and their workforce's health directly impacts productivity and economic growth.
At OH One, we support initiatives and developments within the occupational health field, so we took the necessary steps to become the Society of Occupational Medicine corporate supporters. We couldn’t be more proud to demonstrate your commitment to workplace health and wellbeing!
Adaptation to Post-Pandemic Working Conditions:
The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to influence OH practices. There has been a greater focus on mental health, remote working ergonomics, and managing long COVID symptoms in the workplace. This indicates a shift from a primarily physical health focus to a more holistic approach that includes psychological wellbeing.
Mental health in workplaces was in focus and should be leaders’ top agenda for 2024. Here’s the SOM guide
The government emphasized the importance of mental health and stress management in workplaces.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released updated guidance on managing work-related stress.
Recommendations for employers include increasing communication, offering counselling, and training to recognize and address signs of stress, particularly in the education sector.
Technological Integration:
There has been a noticeable increase in the use of technology within OH services. Telemedicine, digital health assessments, and data analytics have become more prevalent, providing more efficient and accessible OH services. This technological shift has likely improved the reach and effectiveness of OH programs, especially in remote or underserved areas.
Increased Awareness and Training:
There has been a push towards greater awareness and training in occupational health. This includes educating employers and employees about the importance of OH, the risks associated with various industries, and the benefits of proactive health measures in the workplace.
Regulatory Changes and Compliance:
The year may have seen updates or revisions in OH-related regulations, pushing businesses to comply with the latest standards. This ensures that workplaces remain safe and health risks are minimally exposed to employees.
This year, we saw several pieces of legislation become law, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent workers from mistreatment. Two bills on the topic of employment regulation became law this year: the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 and the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Act 2023. The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 sets in law several provisions regarding the right to predictable work patterns for agency and non-agency workers. It amends the Employment Rights Act 1996. It allows employees and agency workers to seek a predictable work schedule if they satisfy certain criteria.
Enhanced Asbestos Management Guidelines
The UK updated its asbestos management guidelines in June.
The new guidelines require stricter use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and detailed decontamination procedures for equipment and clothing after handling asbestos.
The objective is to align with the European Parliament’s Directive 2003/18/EC and reduce asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Focus on Preventative Health:
Preventative health measures have become a central theme in OH. Instead of solely focusing on treating work-related illnesses and injuries, there's been a shift towards preventing these issues from occurring in the first place.
Collaboration with Other Health Disciplines:
There's been an increased collaboration between OH professionals and other health disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach helps in addressing the multifaceted nature of worker health, including physical, mental, and social aspects.
2023 in the UK saw a comprehensive and evolved approach to Occupational Health, with an emphasis on government initiatives, SME support, adaptation to changing work environments, technological integration, and a focus on preventative and holistic health care. This evolution indicates a more mature and rounded approach to workplace health, reflecting the changing dynamics of the modern work environment.
OH One was born from the desire to help companies create a happier and healthier workplace. We are a SEQOHS Accredited Occupational Health Provider, which means all our services and processes are independently reviewed, clinically endorsed, and upheld to the highest standards.
We are a team of specialist nurses, experienced doctors, occupational health physicians, and physiotherapists who are dedicated to improving your employees’ physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing and we are excited to step into 2024, which will be a transformative year for everyone.
Why us? Find it out here