Too often the insurance industry is seen as putting up charges and imposing unreasonable conditions. In this case however, the industry is shown to be having a positive impact on society.
The Value of Health and Safety Report 2005, published today, shows that more health and safety professionals surveyed cited media profile and reputation (55%), and commercial considerations (49%), than cited pressure from insurance companies (38%) as having a considerable influence on health and safety policy at their company.
IOSH President Lawrence Waterman said, ìIf the insurance industry is playing an important role in encouraging good health and safety practices amongst their clients it is a good thing. However, good health and safety does not encumber itself with strangulating regulation, it is important the insurance industry understands the need for selective application. We at IOSH are happy to work with insurers and employers to ensure sensible and effective health and safety regulation.î
Neil Jones of MDH added, ìWhen organisations appreciate that high standards of health and safety performance are not only ethical and legal imperatives, but are also critical elements in commercial success, a culture of continuous improvement becomes a genuine priority. While reductions in insurance premiums will always be welcomed, the broader commercial issues of stakeholder perception, share holder value and recruitment and retention of talent are all enhanced when high standards of occupational safety and health are embedded in everyday corporate life.î
The Value of Health and Safety 2005 report was first published in Safety and Health Practitioner magazine and is based on the fourth Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) / Macmillan Davies Hodes (MDH) salary and attitudes survey. As with the previous survey in 2002, the 2005 survey seeks to gauge the opinions of safety and health professionals on a range of key issues, as well as checking on salary levels.
For further information on MDH please contact Neil Jones on 01992 552552
New study shows improvements in health and safety not primarily driven by insurance concerns
Too often the insurance industry is seen as putting up charges and imposing unreasonable conditions. In this case however, the industry is shown to be having a positive impact on society.
