Protecting Against Workplace Ill Health: Why Prevention Matters

When people think of workplace safety, they often picture hard hats, hi-vis jackets, and guarding against accidents. But some of the most serious risks at work are less visible – they build up slowly over time and can affect workers for life.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), noise-induced hearing loss, back injuries from poor manual handling, and respiratory illnesses caused by dust and fumes are just a few examples. Stress and mental ill health are also becoming increasingly recognised as workplace hazards.

Ill health at work isn’t just about the individual. It affects families, livelihoods, and businesses. That’s why prevention and good health and safety management are essential.

Common Workplace Ill-Health Risks

• Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

  
  

  Prolonged use of vibrating tools can cause permanent numbness, tingling, and loss of grip strength. Once damage is done, it cannot be reversed. For workers, that may mean they can no longer carry out the tasks they’ve done for years. For employers, it means losing skilled staff and facing potential claims.

• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

  
  

  Repeated exposure to loud noise damages hearing, often without people realising until it’s too late. Hearing loss doesn’t just affect communication at work—it impacts family life, socialising, and mental wellbeing. For businesses, it means reduced efficiency, increased absence, and liability under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

• Manual Handling Injuries

  
  

  Back injuries, sprains, and strains are among the most common work-related health problems. These injuries can last a lifetime, making even simple daily activities painful. For employers, it means more sick leave, retraining costs, and higher insurance premiums.

• Dust, Fumes, and Hazardous Substances

  
  

  From silica dust in construction to chemical fumes in workshops and salons, respiratory hazards can cause asthma, COPD, and even cancers. The personal toll is devastating, while employers face reputational damage, legal costs, and enforcement action if risks are not managed.

• Stress and Mental Health

  
  

  Often overlooked, stress, fatigue, and burnout can have a serious effect on safety and wellbeing. They reduce concentration, increase mistakes, and often lead to long-term absence.

👉 Over the coming weeks, we’ll be breaking down each of these hazards in more detail through dedicated blogs—exploring their risks, legal requirements, and the practical steps your business can take to protect workers and stay compliant.

The Wider Impact

Workplace ill health doesn’t stay at work—it ripples out to affect families, livelihoods, and businesses.

• For workers and families:

  
  

  A serious condition like HAVS, lung disease, or chronic back pain can rob individuals of their everyday joys—from playing with children to pursuing hobbies. Families often carry the emotional and financial burden when a loved one can’t work.

• For employers and businesses:

  
  

  The economic consequences can be severe:

  
  

  • Lost productivity and delays.

  • Recruitment and retraining costs.

  • Legal costs and enforcement action.

  • Rising insurance premiums or denied coverage.

  • Reputational damage that can make it harder to win work.

  
  

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that in 2023/24, workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health cost the UK £21.6 billion, with 33.7 million working days lost. In 2022/23, 1.8 million workers reported ill health, with around 875,000 suffering from stress, depression, or anxiety, costing the economy over £415 million per week.

These figures show that ill health is not a hidden cost—it is a visible and growing problem for both people and businesses.

How Lewis Jackson Health and Safety Consultant Can Help

At Lewis Jackson Health and Safety Consultant, we understand the human and financial stakes. That’s why we provide comprehensive, practical support designed to protect your people and safeguard your business.

• Training & Toolbox Talks – engaging sessions to ensure workers understand risks and how to control them.

• Exposure Records & Monitoring – keeping track of vibration exposure, noise levels, and dust concentration to ensure compliance.

• Health Surveillance – questionnaires and assessments to identify early signs of ill health before they become long-term problems.

• Risk Assessments – tailored assessments covering HAVS, noise, manual handling, COSHH, and more.

• Data-Driven Controls – using manufacturer’s guidelines and HSE standards to determine safe usage times for tools and equipment.

• Compliance Support – reducing the risk of legal penalties, increased insurance premiums, and costly claims by keeping your workplace compliant with current regulations.

We don’t just tick boxes – we help you build a safer, healthier workplace where your team can thrive, and your business can grow without unexpected setbacks.

Final Word

Ill health at work is often silent, creeping up until it’s too late. But with the right approach, it can be prevented. Protecting your team means protecting their families, their livelihoods, and your business.

If you want to take proactive steps to reduce workplace ill health and show your workforce you care, get in touch with Lewis Jackson Health and Safety Consultant today.