Forty one years on from the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the UK has one of the best health and safety records in the world.
That recognition is hard-fought for, with health and safety regulations being enforced up and down the country to bring injuries - and worse - to the UK workforce at the absolute minimum.
Whilst the progress is to be applauded, it has to be taken as progress only, and not the end of the battle.
Fatal injuries are at the lowest they've been in 20 years, however negative health impact cases are on the increase.
2,535 people died of the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, in 2012 due to asbestos exposure. Work-related stress and depression affected 487,000 people in 2013-14, which accounts for 39% of that period's total work-related illnesses. A further 526,000 cases of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) accounts for just under half all work-related illness complaints, as reported in 2013-14. That figure comes after an increase of 43,000 more new cases of MSDs reported in one year, at a total of 184,000 new cases.
These numbers are horrifying. "People work to live" is the popular saying, yet in 2015 we wait on new statistics that makes emphasis on health and safety more critical than ever.
Health and Safety Week aims to "encourage the workplace to embrace health", by promoting effective prevention measures, implementing operational standards and highlighting the importance of looking after your health and well-being in the workplace.
When the alternatives are risks of serious injury or ill health, a few regulatory initiatives is more than worth the metaphorical headache.
Health and Safety Week 2015 runs from 15 June - 19 June.
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