NAA Member News: Brabners Safety Check: The importance of a proactive approach to health and safety
As we continue to see challenges across the global automotive industry, Lachlan Nisbet, partner in the regulatory and professional conduct team at purpose-led law firm Brabners, looks at how organisations in the North can take a proactive approach to health and safety to enable them to be more competitive.
Workplace injuries cost UK businesses over £7bn in 2023[1] and the automotive sector remains one of the highest-risk industries where health and safety failures carry significant financial and reputational consequences.
At a time where there is uncertainty around decarbonisation deadlines and the switch to EV vehicles, vehicle production has reduced due to lower consumer demand and there is still an underlying skills challenge, so understanding where automotive manufacturers can make improvements to health and safety can be a real gamechanger in providing a competitive advantage.
Lachlan Nisbet, partner in the regulatory and professional conduct team at Brabners, explains how taking a proactive approach to health and safety can ensure compliance and protect your people and business.
2025: A year of change for the automotive industry
The automotive industry needs to prepare for change, notably through emerging technologies, new regulations and shifting sustainability goals. With electric vehicles, automation and artificial intelligence shaping manufacturing processes, businesses are under increasing pressure to ensure that their health and safety policies keep up.
At the same time, workplace incidents remain a serious issue across the sector. The automotive manufacturing industry consistently reports high rates of workplace injuries – ranging from musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive strain to serious incidents involving heavy machinery, hazardous materials and high-voltage battery handling.
A high-risk industry: Why health and safety must remain a priority
Given the high-risk nature of the automotive sector, strict compliance with health and safety regulations is essential. The industry faces a unique set of challenges which include:
- Heavy machinery and automation – with increased automation in manufacturing, risks related to mechanical failures, trapped limbs, and operator errors have risen.
- Electric vehicle manufacturing – the handling of high-voltage batteries introduces new safety risks, requiring specialist training and protocols.
- Exposure to hazardous materials – the use of toxic chemicals, adhesives and paints pose health risks if they are not managed carefully.
- Repetitive strain and musculoskeletal disorders – assembly line work can lead to long-term health issues if ergonomic assessments are not regularly conducted.
Despite these risks, many businesses maintain a reactive approach – only seeking legal or compliance support after a regulatory breach has occurred. This leaves firms vulnerable to HSE enforcement actions, penalties and reputational damage.
The importance of a proactive approach
Automotive businesses that embed safety into their operations from the outset are better positioned to avoid expensive disruptions and regulatory breaches.
A proactive strategy should include:
- Regular risk assessments – identifying hazards before they become major issues, particularly with evolving technologies like electric vehicle (EV) batteries and automation.
- Clear and updated safety protocols – ensuring compliance with industry standards and keeping employees safe when working with heavy machinery or hazardous materials.
- Ongoing training and monitoring – embedding a culture of safety so that health and safety considerations become second nature, rather than ‘tick-box’ exercises.
- Regular reviews and strong record-keeping – demonstrating compliance in the event of an inspection or incident to avoid penalties and reputational damage.
Many companies already have well-developed health and safety strategies in place. However, as risks change – particularly with the increasing adoption of EV technologies and AI-driven automation – businesses must ensure that their safety processes align.
Brabners Protect: Supporting businesses with health and safety compliance
With businesses facing increasing regulatory scrutiny, the ability to identify and eliminate blind spots in compliance is critical. This led us to launch Brabners’ new health and safety consultancy offering, Brabners Protect. This provides access to our multi-disciplinary legal expertise and leading health and safety consultancy services through a single integrated package, tailored to your specific needs.
Brabners Protect enables businesses to:
- Assess their current health and safety management systems through an Initial Status Review, identifying risk areas and compliance gaps.
- Develop tailored strategies that address business-specific risks while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Embed proactive monitoring to stay ahead of regulatory changes and industry best practices.
- Ensure confidence in compliance through ongoing training, audits and expert guidance.
By taking a structured and proactive approach, you can reduce the likelihood of serious incidents occurring – while also ensuring that you are prepared for regulatory scrutiny at any time.
Be prepared
As the industry navigates technological advancements and regulatory shifts, businesses that prioritise health and safety now will be best positioned for long-term success. In a year of change, safety must remain a top priority.
To learn more about how you can protect your business from health and safety risks and benefit from a bespoke Brabners Protect package, get in touch with me at lachlan.nisbet@brabners.com.
[1] https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/hssh2324.pdf
