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IOSH is urging more investment in occupational safety and health to rebuild economy ravaged by the pandemic.
In its submission to the UK government's Comprehensive Spending Review, the Institution is calling for recognition of the importance of OSH as key to combatting the pandemic, but also as a guiding principle for the future of work.
IOSH wants to see more investment in the UK regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as well as the Work and Health Unit, which supports those with health conditions and workforce health and wellbeing; and the Department of Health and Social Care, whose remit includes test-track-isolate systems and the provision of PPE. It also proposes increased public health awareness campaigns.
Richard Jones, IOSH head of policy and regulatory engagement, said: 'To help address the current COVID-19 crisis and beyond, we call on the UK government and HM Treasury to support the urgent action we have proposed to protect lives and livelihoods and improve workforce health and prosperity.
'We know that good work is good for health and wellbeing and that positive feelings about work have been linked to higher productivity and profitability, as well as customer and worker loyalty, and we’re calling for ongoing health and safety commitment, resourcing and capacity-building.'
Other proposals in its submission include financial incentives for small and medium-sized businesses to support better occupational health and mental health at work.