#United States #Toronto #Workplace Safety #Employee Wellbeing #EcoOnline

Introduction

In a thought-provoking study by EcoOnline, a renowned provider of safety and sustainability software, the findings shed light on a significant paradox: while a vast majority of North American workers report feeling safe in their work environments, serious safety concerns persist. According to the research, which involved over 5,700 employees across not only North America but also the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics, a staggering 81% of respondents perceive their workplace as safe. Yet, nearly half of them—46%—have encountered either directly or indirectly a workplace accident or an illness.

Key Findings

Perceived vs. Real Safety

Despite the overwhelming sense of security among employees, the study unveils alarming safety gaps. Most concerningly, the majority of incidents reported are stress-related—54%, with a pronounced vulnerability among Canadian workers, where 68% attribute their experiences to workplace stressors. This discrepancy between perceived safety and actual experiences highlights a crucial area for employers to address if they wish to enhance employee wellbeing.

Chemical Safety Gaps

Another critical area identified by the study is chemical safety. Approximately 44% of surveyed workers are regularly exposed to chemicals at their jobs. Alarmingly, 40% of these individuals do not believe their employers are taking adequate steps to mitigate these risks by substituting hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. While 78% of the workforce has received formal training regarding chemical safety, access to crucial safety data sheets (SDS) is a challenge, as many workers report that these resources are not readily available via mobile devices or QR codes.

The Lone Worker Dilemma

A notable trend revealed in the data is the rise of lone workers, comprising one in three employees (35%). Of this group, only 45% feel their employer prioritizes lone worker safety. This situation presents a significant gap when compared with the broader workforce, where 53% express confidence in their safety conditions. Notably, psychosocial risks—including mental health issues and fatigue—are top concerns for lone workers, overshadowing traditional physical hazards and accidents.

The Need for Digital Solutions

As the workplace evolves, employees express a desire for more digital tools to enhance health and safety. A remarkable 70% of workers believe that increased access to digital health and safety instruments would boost their sense of security, a sentiment particularly strong among younger employees aged 18-34, where support rises to 81%. However, despite the willingness to report incidents digitally, a significant number of workers remain dependent on conventional reporting methods, indicating a resistance to transition. Moreover, 62% of respondents are open to the incorporation of AI technologies to improve workplace safety, highlighting a clear opportunity for organizations to leverage technology in fostering safer environments.

Addressing Safety and Sustainability

The survey also indicates that sustainability is an essential aspect of the overall workplace experience. An impressive 72% of North American workers prioritize their companies' efforts to minimize environmental impact. Nonetheless, there's a worrying disconnect, as only 33% of respondents believe their firms utilize a recognized ESG framework, and a quarter are unaware of what ESG entails. This gap in communication signals a pressing need for organizations to align their environmental initiatives with employee expectations.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the survey results, Tom Goodmanson, CEO of EcoOnline, emphasized the importance of integrating safety, stress reduction, and sustainability into the workplace experience. "Providing a supportive and productive environment goes beyond compliance; it is about fostering employee wellbeing. With 81% of workers considering leaving their job due to inadequate conditions, it's clear that the interconnections between safety, sustainability, and job satisfaction must be addressed proactively. Embracing technological advancements is essential for mitigating psychosocial risks and making genuine sustainability commitments to retain talent and enhance engagement. This approach is not merely a regulatory obligation but a fundamental business necessity."

The full report contains further insights into the perspectives of frontline workers, presenting a valuable resource for organizations striving to improve their workplace safety and sustainability frameworks.