Proactive protection: Targeting your top illness and injury risks with occupational health

Time and again, studies reveal that physically and mentally healthy staff are more engaged, motivated, and productive. However, to reap the benefits of a fit and focused workforce, businesses need to take a proactive approach to illness and injury prevention. 

Occupational health – an integrated solution spanning risk assessments, health surveillance, and hazard monitoring – protects your team with robust, ongoing safety and support measures that tackle the root causes of job-related health risks.

Designed and delivered by an experienced health and safety partner, a comprehensive occupational health programme helps you head off costly sick leave and productivity drops, uncover emerging health concerns, and identify environmental hazards and unsafe practices that could significantly disrupt your operations. 

It’s a worthwhile investment, with research showing measurable advantages to safeguarding employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) highlights that effective occupational health support can decrease short-term absences by over 30%. Similarly, a Deloitte study shows that for every £1 spent on supporting workers’ mental health, employers get about £4.70 back in increased productivity. 

A tailored occupational health plan provides an essential early warning system to soften the impact of job-related illness and injuries. With the right measures in place, it’s possible to protect your people while boosting work rate, commercial resilience, and regulatory compliance. 

This blog explores the most common health risks faced by UK builders merchants – and how targeted occupational health efforts can reduce or eliminate them. 

Maximising your occupational health investment: Three focus areas for builders merchants  

1. Reducing repetitive strain injuries (RSI)‍

Everyday yard and retail tasks – including lifting, carrying, stacking, and using hand tools – can lead to long-term conditions if not addressed promptly. Because health complaints such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back pain often develop gradually, many employees dismiss initial symptoms until they require intensive treatment or extended time away from work. 

Occupational health promotes early intervention by assessing posture, technique, and working patterns to prevent ongoing strain. Support and solutions might include: 

• Introducing ergonomic assessments to optimise lifting techniques, workstation layouts, and hand tool design.
• Rotating tasks to minimise repetitive motions and allow employees’ muscles and joints to recover between jobs. 
• Training staff on correct posture, lifting practices, and manual handling techniques. 
• Introducing mechanical aids or trolleys to reduce strain when moving heavy or awkward loads.
• Encouraging early reporting of pain or discomfort, allowing occupational health practitioners to step in before health concerns become chronic injuries.

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2. Heading off exposure-related illnesses

Exposure to airborne toxins like wood dust, isocyanates (found in paints, varnishes, and adhesives), and aerosols from metalworking fluids can lead to debilitating lung diseases, including occupational asthma, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Similarly, handling hazardous substances can trigger contact dermatitis and other skin-related problems. 

These conditions typically progress undetected or ignored, highlighting the critical role of regular health surveillance and employee training in avoiding irreversible harm. Depending on your unique safety challenges, your occupational health partner may recommend: 

• Implementing routine health surveillance – including lung function tests and skin checks – for employees regularly exposed to hazardous vapours, dusts, and substances.
• Supplying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, gloves, and barrier creams.
• Providing clear guidance and training on handling contaminants and working in line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. 
• Maintaining adequate ventilation in workspaces, particularly where dust, fumes, or sprays are present.
• Keeping detailed and accurate exposure records and regularly reviewing them to detect trends or emerging risks.

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3. Preventing stress-related conditions‍

While mental health challenges are often less visible than physical illnesses or injuries, they’re just as debilitating – for workers and employers alike. 2024/25 estimates by the Institute for Public Policy Research and Trade Union Congress (TUC) show £400 million is lost each week in productivity due to stress, depression, and anxiety, totalling around £21.6 billion per year.

Occupational health professionals can pinpoint emerging signs of burnout or anxiety, suggesting practical interventions such as:  

• Conducting stress risk assessments to identify high-pressure tasks or work patterns.
• Scheduling regular check-ins and one-to-one meetings to keep tabs on employee wellbeing.
• Signposting helpful resources, including counselling, mental health first aiders, or employee assistance programmes.
• Exploring flexible working, task rotation, and reasonable workload distribution.
• Creating a workplace culture where staff feel secure in reporting stress or burnout.

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Download our free occupational health white paper  

Without appropriate control measures, workplace dusts, fumes, and other hazardous substances can cause life-changing health conditions. Our free white paper – Occupational health: The business benefits of a proactive approach – shares the basics of occupational health, its business benefits, and the key elements of a cost-effective prevention programme. Our sector experts also explain your legal compliance requirements and how early intervention can enhance profits and performance. 

We’ve covered: 

• Common industry hazards and associated health issues. 
• How to improve engagement, productivity, and absence levels through occupational health. 
• The business case for occupational health investment.
• Six costly occupational health myths.
• Practical plans to assess risk, raise standards, and prevent exposure.
• The advantages of working with an occupational health partner. 

Download your free copy now  

For custom solutions to your toughest compliance challenges, speak to our experienced team of health and safety specialists. Get in touch on 0330 043 4015 or email hello@opus-safety.co.uk.