It is hard to demonstrate a direct link between media coverage of health and safety and the behaviour of specific firms. There is evidence, however, that media articles help to shape perceptions of health and safety and of regulation more broadly, among both employers and the wider public. This is important for three reasons: - articles that trivialise health and safety appear to have an influence on how some employers view the current health and safety regulatory regime, those who enforce it and regulation in general; - articles that link health and safety to areas that are outside the responsibility of the regulator make the Health and Safety Executive appear accountable for activity over which it has no control, as well as add to the confusion of some employers about their responsibilities under health and safety legislation; - media coverage can have a disproportionate effect on how some employers calculate the likely impact of the risks they face, especially from civil claims. All in all, when there is a name and shame of major blue chip firm it has to be remembered this can work against a business. People can very quickly come up with the wrong association all round.
Related Articles -
Health and Safety, Safety, Advice,
|