Why has Health and Safety become so important to companies?

[Songbirdy]

Companies are making Health and Safety their top priority, why is this?

[boxtops]

H&S has been high profile for years - partly because the penalties for non-compliance can be very serious. Staff have the right to work in a safe environment.

[Count-A-Strong]

Because we live in a litigious world.

[askyourgran]

In this day and age of compensation for almost everything it is wise to be as safety conscious as possible. We are almost a nanny state.

[Count-A-Strong]

Actually, despite the hype this is not true. Making a profit is every companies primary aim otherwise they wouldn't exist.

[sandyRoe]

Anyone whose ever worked on a building site would know that health and safety seem low on the list of priorities

[squarebear]

Because nobody takes responsibility for themselves and expects the world to wrap them up in cotton wool before they contact "Lawyers R Us".

[bednobs]

it can save them a lot of money. Plus, they have a moral and legal obligation to do it

[katekoala]

because you cant listen to the radio or watch tv without hearing that some 'fabulous' claim company can get you lots of money for everything & anything !

[zzxxee]

Health and saftey had a different name years ago it was called
common sense !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chelle7272]

Yes for us it's definately the claim culture. I work for a charity so it is not about profit, but about doing waht we can to ensure we are not liable for anything that would result in abig claim, as we would no longer ne able to run the business.

[katekoala]

completely agree - the culture in the UK is completely disappointing... everyone is looking for a claim, a refund, and excuse to complain etc etc - no one seems to take responsability for themselves. everyone talks about the greedy banks - but what about the greedy claims companies - you are able to claim for everything --- and where does everyone think this money comes from ..... the rest of us!

dont think it will change soon - but there needs to be a line at some point !