Societal Factors which Influence an Organisations H&S Standards and Priorities

Question 1

List the significant societal factors that influence an Organisations H&S standards

Answer 1

Economic Climate
Government Policy and Initiatives
Industry and Business Risk Profile
Globalization of Business
Migrant Workers
National Level of Sickness Absence and Capacity
Societal Expectations for Equality

Question 2

Economic Climate

Answer 2

Wealthy countries where basic necessities are covered are able to fund and enforce good Health and Safety standards.
A country where basic needs are not covered are not going to prioritise Health and Safety.

Question 3

Government Policy and Initiative

Answer 3

The Government is able to create legislation such as the HSWA
In 2008 the Government published a document entitled Working for a Healthier Tomorrow which stated that Life expectancy in the UK is higher than ever yet millions of working days are lost to work-related illness, Evidence suggests that the working population are healthier than those who do not work and that families without a working member are likely to suffer persistent low income and poverty. Improving the health of the working age population is important for everyone to secure higher economic growth and its associated benefits.

Question 4

Industry / Business Risk Profile

Answer 4

Higher risk work activities require higher standards of control

Question 5

Globalization of Business

Answer 5

Many businesses of all sizes operate both Nationally and Internationally
The standards demanded in the UK are very different to those required overseas
Difference in culture and communication create different expectations and standards.

Question 6

Migrant Workers

Answer 6

As a result of EU and Immigration policies the proportion of migrant workers in the UK has increased. Cultural and Communication differences.

Question 7

National Level of Sickness Absence and Incapacity

Answer 7

Sickness absence has gradually reduced but remains substantial.
A government independent review in 2011 of sickness absence found that there are around 150 million days lost to sickness absence each year.
People who are on benefits has increased from 2% in the 1970s to almost 10% today.

Question 8

Societal Expectations of Equality

Answer 8

Health and Safety standards and priorities can be determined by changes in societies expectations of equality.
The Equality Act 2010 aims to protect disabled people and prevent discrimination.
Disabled people have legal rights and Employers are required to make reasonable adjustment in the workplace to accommodate workers with disabilities.