Construction tops burnout despite wellbeing lead
New research from Westfield Health finds that above-average wellbeing provision in construction is failing to prevent burnout, with a quarter of the sector’s workforce affected, more than any other industry.
The study found that provision of core benefits in construction outperforms the UK average. Private healthcare (16% vs. 13%), health cash plans (7% vs. 6%) and health check-ups (20% vs. 18%) all exceed national figures, and 89% of workers consider their wellbeing support useful. Yet one in four construction workers report burnout, and more than one in ten say they feel burnt out all the time.
The figures point to a clear gap: provision is present and recognised, but it isn’t translating into prevention. The missing piece appears to be support targeted at the specific pressures construction workers face, rather than provision designed for the average workforce.
Read more on the HSM website.
HSE launches consultation on workplace injury and illness reporting
Great Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety is inviting businesses, employers, health practitioners and industry stakeholders to help shape the future of workplace incident reporting in Great Britain.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today (Tuesday 7 April) launched a public consultation on The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
The consultation marks a significant opportunity to update regulations that underpin how work-related injuries, ill health and dangerous occurrences are reported to the regulator. The proposals are designed both to strengthen protections for workers and to cut unnecessary administrative burden on businesses.
Businesses now have the opportunity to consult on proposals for both legislative and non-legislative changes.
Read more on the HSE website.
Millions gain access to sick pay and parental leave
Landmark employment rights reforms came into force on 6th April, upgrading the world of work for the 21st century.
Employees will now receive Statutory Sick Pay from their first day of sickness absence – rather than having to wait until the fourth day, regardless of how much they’re getting paid. This will benefit millions of people across the United Kingdom, who will get around 400 million a year extra in sick pay.
By ensuring people can rest and recover without fear of losing income, the reforms are expected to help reduce the duration of sickness absences, boost productivity, and limit the spread of illnesses.
32,000 new fathers and partners have also gained the right to paternity leave from the first day in a new job – rather than having to wait six months to be eligible. New day one rights to unpaid parental leave have also begun, which will benefit 1.5 million working parents across the UK who will no longer have to wait a year before qualifying.
Read more on the HSM website.
Construction firm fined after death of teenage labourer
A construction firm has been fined £40,200 after a teenage labourer died falling down a ventilation shaft on a London building site.
Renols Lleshi, 19, was helping to dismantle scaffolding on the 12th floor roof garden of a block of flats being built at the Ark Soane Academy site, Mill Hill Road, London W3 on 5 July 2023. As he stepped onto a ventilation shaft the covering gave way, and he fell six floors to his death.
Renols father said “My family and I are devastated by the loss of Renols. To know that his death was caused by an accident which was entirely avoidable only makes our loss even harder to cope with.
“We are grateful to the Health & Safety Executive for their efforts to investigate the accident and prosecute one of those responsible for Renols’s death. However, nothing anybody can do can bring our loved one back or lessen our grief in any way.”
Read more on the HSM website.
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