How a fall at work took one man on a journey to change safety culture

Rebecca Watson Date published: Apr 26, 23

No company ever wants to see their workers get hurt on the job and will do everything they can to protect their people.

The United Nations World Day for Safety and Health at Work happens every year on 28 April and is a day dedicated to raising awareness of workplace safety.

But accidents do, unfortunately happen, prompting two pivotal questions -  why is this still the case, and how do we stop them? Someone with first-hand knowledge, and a strong view on both those questions, is Jason Anker.

Jason Anker: an advocate for workplace safety

Jason Anker’s story is one of tragedy, but also of resilience and determination.

In 1993, when Jason was just 24 years old, he fell from a ladder on a construction site. The fall left him paralysed from the waist down and changed his life dramatically. The costs to his personal life, his family and friends cannot be quantified. He lost his freedom, his livelihood and hope for the future. However, as Jason puts it: “It’s not about the fall, it’s about the bounce.” He eventually refused to let his accident define him, and instead uses his experience to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety.

This year is the 30^th anniversary of that fall, and to mark it, Jason is undertaking a series of fundraising events such as a tandem skydive and scaling Mount Snowdon in Wales. The money raised will go to the No Falls Foundation and Mental Health UK

Jason feels passionately that his accident was preventable. He believes that a lack of communication between workers and managers can lead to dangerous situations. This isn’t just about training and process, but a significantly increased focus on mental wellbeing. Jason firmly believes that if he had been in a better place mentally that day, he would never have stepped on that ladder. He says if we are to reduce incidents in the workplace, we must consider the impact stress, anxiety and mental ill-health have on decision making, and find ways to mitigate them.

This is something Ideagen highlighted in our 2023 predictions report, with increased pressures from the cost-of-living crisis creating an environment that could lead to poor decision making. To prevent accidents like Jason's from happening, employers must take a more proactive approach to workplace safety. This involves implementing and enforcing safety protocols, providing adequate training and PPE, and creating a culture of safety where workers feel comfortable speaking up about their concerns.

As well as ensuring all workers and contractors are properly trained and provided with the necessary equipment to do their jobs safely, companies need to find ways to support their people with mental wellbeing. Stress and mental illness is already the top reason for workplace absence across both the UK and US, but the point Jason makes, is how many of the ‘other’ types of accidents – slips, trips and falls - have poor mental health as a causal factor?

A role for tech

Technology is a great enabler of better workplace safety. There are various tools and practices that organisations can implement to reduce the risk of accidents at work. For example, the use of automated safety systems, can greatly reduce the risk of falls from height. Implementing ergonomic design principles in the workplace can also help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders.

However, perhaps the most important factor in ensuring workplace safety is creating a culture of safety. This means promoting open communication and ensuring that all workers feel empowered to report safety concerns. It also means investing in proper training and equipment and creating a workplace culture that prioritises safety above all else.

Safety culture was front of mind when we developed Ideagen EHS. Ensuring incidents or near misses can be reported easily – from handheld devices, mobile phones, tablets or dedicated computer workstations – is key functionality.

Ideagen EHS also enables auditing and investigations, so that patterns can be identified and mitigating actions put in place. And if Jason is right, part of that investigation needs to focus on how a person was feeling at the point of incident or near miss.

Jason Anker's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of workplace safety, and the devastating impact that accidents can have on individuals and their families. Employers must take a more proactive approach to workplace safety, and employees must play an active role in ensuring their own safety. By implementing the right tools, practices, and culture, organisations can create a safer workplace for everyone.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is as good a time as any for organisations – large and small – to refocus on employee safety, taking practical steps to minimise risk and utilise technology to support them on their safety journey.