Societal influences on H&S Flashcards
What societal influences are then on H&S?
Equality Act Media Social media External audits Economic climate insurers migrant workers government policy (local and national) trade unions trade associations employees banks shareholders courts enforcement authorities European Union International Labour Org corporate social responsibility / sustainability public / neighbours competitors industry globalisation contracts with customers financial markets
How does economic climate affect H&S
reduced training to reduce costs new workers = lack of experience = more accidents orgs more willing to invest employee cut backs = longer hrs lower morale
How do migrant workers affect H&S
language barriers - Chinese cockle pickers Morecambe 2004 - didn’t heed warnings ref incoming tide
lower H&S standards
How do banks affect H&S
willingness to invest / cash flow
How do shareholders affect H&S
investment decisions
vote directors off board
How does European union influence H&S
European Parliament, regulations (must be adhered to), directives (general requirements
What is corporate social responsibility / sustainability
economic, social and environmental - balanced approach in business
What is the ILO
UN agency formed 1919
brings together govts, employers and workers from 187 member states
sets labour standards, develops policies and programmes to set labour standards
How does govt policy influence H&S
Law & regs
industry specific initiatives eg Lofstedt
How does Lofstedt influence H&S
simplification if H&S
sample risk assessments
reg reduced by 50%
RIDDOR changes
How does industry globalisation affect H&S
UK standards of H&S exported, lower standards from abroad imported
Internal influences on H&S
Finance Production targets Profitability Deadlines Trade Unions Peer pressure
