One of the key ways of keeping people safe in any environment is using the correct signage

Wednesday, 22 February 2017

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) there were 144 UK workers killed at work between 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016. Managing Director of Stocksigns Group Danny Adamson responds to the shocking statistics and explains how having the correct signage in place can lead to greater prevention of accidents in the workplace.

Stocksigns is one of Britain’s leading sign makers and digital printers with over 60 years of expertise.

In November 2016, the HSE released its annual statistics report* with information about workplace-related injuries and illnesses. The HSE UK statistics also showed that there were 1.3 million people suffering from a work-related illness, over 621,000 work-related injuries and 2,515 people died from mesothelioma due to past asbestos exposure.

Danny Adamson explains, “Accidents are unpredictable, however there is a lot that can be done to prevent accidents happening in the first place. One of the key ways of keeping people safe in any environment is using the correct signage.

“In the past 20 years, there has been a downward trend in the rate of fatal work-related injuries. In 1992 the safety signs directive was adopted by all European Union member states. In 1996 the changes were implemented through the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals Regulations) act. This required employers to provide specific safety signs whenever there is a risk that has not been avoided or controlled by other means.

“The introduction of Safety Signs and Signals Regulations protects workers and members of the public. Since then the rate of fatal injury has reduced by over 50%. In 1996 there were 0.9 fatal injuries per every 100,000 workers, today the figure is 0.4.

“There is a correlation between the introduction of safety signage and a reduction in the number of accidents. The first step of ensuring safety to everyone is being able to alert them to danger and having compliant signage in place. Today there is a huge range of signs available for all types of hazards. Signage is a small investment, but it will encourage safer working environments.”

RoSPA’s campaign manager Rebecca Hickman said, “Our work over the past 100 years has taught us that accidents do not have to happen, and that’s why we’re stepping up our activities to help keep people safe. Our mission is to save lives and reduce injuries and our vision is to lead the way on accident prevention. RoSPA plays a unique role in UK health and safety. As a member organisation that campaigns for safety change we also provide services and support to help organisations on their own journey to become safer and healthier places in which to work.”

Stocksigns has a range of signs available for all situations and provide an expert service to give customers the best advice and guidance. All of their signs are HSSA (Health and Safety Sign Association) assured and are fully compliant with ISO 7010, the UK standard for safety signs.

It is essential for businesses to have up-to-date signage. Enforced by the HSE, if non-compliant signage is being used it could lead to extensive fines or serious consequences including prison sentences, personal injuries or even loss of life.

The signmakers are currently celebrating eight years of partnership with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and are donating 20p from every sign sold to the Brighter Beginnings appeal. The Brighter Beginnings campaign is part of RoSPA’s centenary celebrations. The funds raised will help provide new parents with information packs to give their little ones a safer start in life.

Links:

HSE Statistics: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf
Stocksigns Website: https://www.stocksigns.co.uk/
Stocksigns Twitter: https://twitter.com/Stocksigns
Stocksigns LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stocksigns
RoSPA: http://www.rospa.com/
RoSPA Brighter Beginnings: http://www.rospa.com/campaigns-fundraising/current/keeping-k...

ENDS

*Figures are based on estimates of self-reported workplace injury and work-related illness, sourced from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). The LFS is a national survey run by the Office for National Statistics. Figures quoted relate to the year 2015/16, see http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh1516.pdf?pdf=hs... pages 3 (work-related ill health) and 5 (workplace injury). The reports take place in the period of January 2015 to January 2016 and March 2015 to March 2016.

Danny Adamson is available for interview. For further information, please contact Adam Betteridge on 0333 344 2341 or email adam@famouspublicity.com, Tabitha Monkhouse on 0333 344 2341 or email tabitha@famouspublicity.com or Tina Fotherby on 07703 409 622 or email tina@famouspublicity.com.

About Stocksigns

Stocksigns group started life as a screen-printing company in 1955 and have become the go-to company for the very latest in signage and digital printing. The business provides high quality signage for all situations and has made many bespoke pieces for places such as Gatwick Airport.

Stocksigns’ sign range also includes all forms of safety signs and general signage including Emergency Fire Escape signs, Road and Traffic Signs, Fire Exit Signs, Braille Signs, Photoluminescent Signs and Hazard and Warning Signs through to No Smoking Signs.

All of Stocksigns’ departments are expertly trained in the latest industry innovations, from keeping up to date with legislation to new developments in digital printing. The firm has in-house specialists in design, site surveys, production and signage installation.

The Stocksigns Group also includes First Call Signs and MessageMaker. First Call Signs is a leading provider in quality temporary signage for the construction, events and festival industries. It’s sister company MessageMaker is a UK LED sign and display manufacturer with over 20 years' experience.

Stocksigns is a member of RoSPA and the HSSA and its signs are ISO 7010 compliant.

Address: Stocksigns Group Ltd, Ormside Way, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2LG