Is work making you ill?

Workplace equipment supplier Slingsby estimates that well over a million workers suffer with illnesses that are caused by their work despite the vast majority of occupational illnesses being preventable.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive reveal approximately 27.3 million working days were lost due to work related ill health or injury in 2014–15 and 1.2 million people worked during the 12 month period suffering with an illness they believed was caused, or made worse, by their work.

Dominic Slingsby, operations director at Slingsby explained, ‘It’s an unfortunate fact that lots of workers fall ill or suffer with illnesses that are made worse by their work. However everyone has a legal right to stay safe and healthy at work and in nearly every instance, it’s possible to protect against work related illnesses.’

He continued, ‘There is more workplace equipment available than ever before to protect against almost every type of workplace hazard and occupational illness. This includes lifting equipment, breathing apparatus, ear defenders and a vast range of safety clothing which can all make a big difference to a workers’ health and wellbeing.’

Some of most common conditions include stress, repetitive strain injuries, back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, asthma and a range of skin conditions, which can all be triggered or exacerbated by work.

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