There are a multitude of benefits to company directors being involved in health and safety management. One of the most important is that it helps to protect employees and the public from harm. Directors who are committed to health and safety are more likely to ensure that their organisation has the necessary policies and procedures in place to prevent accidents and injuries. They are also more likely to invest in training and resources to help employees understand and follow safety guidelines. 

Another benefit of company directors’ involvement in health and safety management is that it can help to improve the organisation’s bottom line. Good health and safety practices can lead to reduced absenteeism and turnover, as well as fewer accidents and injuries. This can save the organisation money on insurance premiums, legal fees, and lost productivity. 

Additionally, company directors who are involved in health and safety management can help to improve the organisation’s reputation. Customers, suppliers, and investors are increasingly looking to do business with companies that have a strong commitment to safety. Directors who are seen as leaders in health and safety can help to position their organisation as a company that is responsible and trustworthy. 

Specific ways that company directors can get involved in health and safety management 

• Set clear expectations and make safety a priority. Directors should make it clear to all employees that safety is the organisation’s top priority. This can be done through communication, policies, and procedures. 
• Provide adequate resources. Directors should ensure that the organisation has the necessary resources to support its health and safety program. This includes funding for training, equipment, and other initiatives. 
• Hold employees accountable. Directors should make it clear that all employees are responsible for following safety guidelines. This may involve disciplining employees who violate safety rules. 
• Stay informed. Directors should stay up to date on the latest health and safety regulations and best practices. This can be done by attending training courses, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals. 

Examples of how company directors’ involvement in health and safety management can have a positive impact

• In 2010, a coal mine explosion killed 29 miners. The investigation into the disaster found that the mine operator had cut corners on safety to save money. The company’s directors were found to be negligent in their oversight of safety at the mine. This example shows how a lack of director involvement in health and safety management can have tragic consequences. 

• In 2018, a chemical plant explosion killed 15 people and injured dozens more. The investigation into the disaster found that the plant operator had failed to properly maintain its equipment and had violated safety regulations. The company’s directors were found to have known about the safety problems but had failed to take action to address them. This example shows how directors can be held personally liable for safety failures. 

• In 2020, a construction company was fined after a worker was killed on the job. The investigation into the accident found that the company had failed to properly train its employees on safety procedures. The company’s directors were found to have been aware of the training problems but had failed to take steps to address them. This example shows how directors can be held financially liable for safety failures. 

In contrast, here are an example of how company directors’ involvement in health and safety management can lead to positive outcomes: 

• In 2019, a food manufacturing company was awarded the “Safety Award of Excellence”. The company’s CEO had made safety a top priority and had implemented several initiatives to improve safety performance. These initiatives included employee training, safety audits, and a hazard reporting system. 

Company directors have a critical role to play in health and safety management. Their active involvement sets the tone for the entire organisation and helps to create a culture where safety is everyone’s top priority. Companies with directors who are committed to health and safety are more likely to have. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a wide range of EHS topics 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering work activities, events and equipment 
• Management system to document control the policy on health and safety management 
• Method Statement module for the creation of working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on health and safety management 

• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding health and safety to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software