Why spend hours trying to manage and reduce energy, or materials costs etc., if a business ignores one of the major cost areas involved in the business? The cost of stress in the work place is often overlooked – some managers even view an overloaded work schedule as evidence of their “productivity” (I would argue that they are thinking more of ego or machismo than productivity) … and they are deluding themselves. The cost of poorly managed stress to the business is potentially huge. If nothing else, this web link should at least help provoke some deeper thought on the issue.
Health & safety in schools is a cost area of particular importance for obvious reasons. An active management programme for the cost area is essential. Active management ensures a thorough understanding of prevailing legislation and its’ practical application within the “work place”.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2010/coi-em-0810.htm
The cost of a health and safety breach is considerable. The highest cost is of course paid by the individual whose life may be affected by the incident. If the relevant insurance is cover is in place it is easy to dismiss an incident as a covered cost. But the effect on the business claims record, and ultimately on the level of premiums paid can be considerable in the long term. Other costs such as absenteeism, replacement labour costs, productivity, and that most intangible of costs – reputation, are also all variously affected.
If you don’t have dedicated H&S personnel and feel that some guidance is appropriate for your school or business, you could start by talking to a professional procurement manager.
This site below is designed to appeal to both those who are new to health & safety management and also to the more mature organisation. It brings together HSE’s current material on managing health and safety in one hub, and also identifies stakeholders’ best practice.
The site shows reasons why health & safety should be managed, what needs to be managed, (linking the New Strategy themes), and points to some management solutions. It’s the first step in developing the revision of HSG65 Successful Health and Safety Management.