The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign, "Do Your Bit", in response to workplace research which suggests that involving workers has a positive effect on health and safety performance.
Therefore, employers are being encouraged to get their employees more involved in improving health and safety during this one-year initiative which offers free or subsidised training courses. The campaign and subsidised training is initially aimed at the construction, manufacturing, transport and motor vehicle repair sectors.
"Do Your Bit" is supported by a new website, which provides practical advice and materials for businesses and details of the training opportunities, plus case studies of businesses that are already actively involving workers in health and safety.
Judith Hackitt, HSE Chair, pointed out that "good workforce involvement" can lead to both improved performance in health and safety and in productivity because staff feel motivated and engaged.
CBI Director of Employment Policy, Katja Hall, said: "Good health and safety performance relies on employees and employers working together. The HSE worker involvement campaign will not only play an important role in boosting people’s understanding of their role in health and safety management, but can also help businesses understand and remove barriers to good worker involvement."