Health and safety needs to be sustainable
- Lorna McBreen
- Jul 22
- 5 min read
Sustainability is typically described as using resources over a long period in ways that cause no harm to the environment, economy development, or social wellbeing. Today, that definition is being extended to include health and safety in the workplace.
Implemented well by individual companies, the benefit can be higher operational resilience in a safer work environment. This, in turn, leads to raised levels of productivity underpinning long-term success.
Dual benefits
It should come as no surprise that sustainability and workplace safety are linked concepts.
They both emphasise responsible practices to protect employees, the environment, and strategic company interests. Therefore, it is logical that integrating sustainability into workplace health and safety should create safer, healthier, and more environmentally responsible workplaces.
At the same time it can improve overall company performance and reputation.
Digging deeper
However, dig a little deeper and health and safety is a fundamental aspect of sustainability which, viewed from several different but mutually-supporting perspectives, can bring additional rewards.
For example, as a basic workplace activity, sustainability can make the physical assurance of health and safety more effective and efficient. However, on a strategic “people, planet and profit” level, health and safety delivered via core business activities can boost overall corporate sustainability.
Deeper still
Seen from a wider perspective still, sustainability in health and safety based on a wide co-operation between companies, government bodies and communities, where safety is embedding into daily life with sustainable support, protects society from risks but also improves relationships with nature.
Interconnected strategies
How is this integrated approach meant to work in practice?
When health and safety is seen through a sustainable lens, the aim is to create conditions where prevention can be prioritised, resources used responsibly, and business priorities balanced with ecological and social goals to meet current concerns and reinforce future progress and prosperity.
For example, resilience can be increased by embedding eco-friendly practices. This might include preventive measures such as regular health screenings. Another is to carry out workplace physical space audits to prevent accidents caused by poor resource use or environmental degradation. Implementing employee awareness programmes is a third. The list goes on.
The idea is that together, regular safety audits, risk assessments, and training programmes, help to identify potential hazards which can then be mitigated before they escalate into major issues.
Eco-friendly materials and education
Another high priority is to use eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient equipment, and biodegradable safety equipment, to minimise environmental impacts and buttress health and safety.
One other vital factor is education.
This helps to share the risks and safe practice knowledge needed for long-term resilience — and expand partnerships between government and government agencies, businesses, plus grassroots organisations. These partnerships can incentivise green practices, introduce stricter safety regulations, and provide funding for health initiatives.
Employee benefits and regulations
Workplace sustainability, by definition, has a strong moral and ethical as well as pragmatic base.
It is also a key driver for employee satisfaction and wellbeing. This can cover practical developments — from ergonomically designed workspaces and processes that reduce risks of repetitive strain injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and other health issues, through to mental health initiatives.
When employees feel safe and valued, their job satisfaction tends to increases. This leads on to lower turnover rates, higher morale levels, and more productive and motivated employees. Investing in health and safety demonstrates a firm commitment by a business to improving employee welfare.
Periodic health checks also tend to reduce absenteeism, again improve productivity, and lead to the early detection of illnesses, all of which minimise long-term medical expenses and healthcare strains.
When employees are actively involved in creating and running safety programmes and decision-making processes, there is evidence that they are more likely to uphold safe work practices over long periods and report potential hazards.
Stakeholders and corporate reputation
The benefits to companies do not end there.
Good workplace safety records enhance reputation and encourage positive relationships with stakeholders — who typically include employees, customers, investors, and regulatory agencies.
A strong reputation can reinforce customer loyalty, increase business opportunities, attract top talent, and strengthen business co-operation. In short, a healthy health and safety record can differentiate a company and, as a result, boost its sustainable growth.
Sustainability also plays a strong role in future-proofing businesses against dynamic challenges such as fast-changing regulations, deepening climate crises, and spiralling market demands.
Green planet
There is, of course, a further reason for actively incorporating sustainability into routine workplace activities — reducing impacts on an already vulnerable planet. Cutting carbon footprints helps individual company to comply with regulations and the UK to meet its legally-binding net zero commitments.
There is mounting evidence that brand-conscious consumers are increasingly aware of the impacts of business and industry on the environment, a factor that could make a crucial difference between making a purchase or not. Similarly, there are indications that employees feel good about working for companies that are reducing their carbon footprints.
Identifying and removing risks
These are the goals and end-benefits. The next question is how can they be achieved?
Sustainable workplaces are particularly able to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks of the types listed above linked to physical (machinery), chemical (hazardous materials), biological (pathogens), ergonomic (workstation design) and psychological (stress) hazards.
They are then well placed to reduce the environmental impact of potential accidents, chemical spills, and fires that could harm both ecosystems and neighbouring or downstream communities.
Cultural priorities
Making this work in practice requires strong workplace cultures.
Safety standards compliance is a basic sustainability tenet that can help to prevent accidents while also demonstrating a clear public commitment to responsible business practices.
Linked to providing the right personal protective equipment, safe operating procedures, plus time and resources invested in good employee training, businesses can in return reduce the social, environmental and economic costs of workplace accidents and incidents. Training should include the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
It is important to note that cultures that prioritise safety as a core value are frequently also backed by supportive management policies, as well as employee behaviours that encourage workers to look out for each other.
Waste reduction
Health and safety protocols can additionally be designed to reduce waste by encouraging responsible consumption and efficient resource use.
They can, for instance, minimise the use of hazardous materials and stress the proper handling and disposal of toxic substances to both protect people from harm and safeguard ecosystems.
Effective hazardous substances management under COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations protects workers while also reducing environmental contamination risks. Similarly, safety protocols for waste management and chemical handling ensure businesses minimise their environmental footprints to help create a more sustainable future for everyone.
Another aspect of waste reduction is energy. Safety measures such as energy-efficient lighting lowers environmental impact but maintains safe working conditions.
In addition, to minimise waste generation at its source, it is advisable to work with suppliers that follow sustainable practices themselves.
Sustainable safety gear
Sustainable materials were mentioned above. To expand on this point, high-quality safety gear and equipment minimises ecological impacts and is important in maintaining high protective standards.
Innovative technologies are revolutionising workplace health and safety too. Wearable devices that monitor health metrics, or smart systems which detect workplace hazards, are improving individual protection but also boost sustainability by reducing energy use and promoting a culture of accountability.
Safety training to sustainability principles ensures employees understand the importance of eco-friendly practices — reducing waste and conserving energy — and maintaining safety standards.
The underpinning message is that sustainable health and safety is not just about compliance but also responsible choices that benefit the environment, business, and community.
Takeaways
Integrating health and safety with sustainability is increasingly important. It can make companies and business organisations more resilient and better equipped when facing and responding to more extreme, frequent, and varied crises, and also adapting swiftly and flexibly to change.
From an economic perspective, it ameliorates the costs of preventive measures and use of resources in healthcare, emergency response, and environmental management. In parallel, sustainable health and safety improve the quality of life for employees and others potentially affected by company operations while also benefiting the local and global environment.
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