How can health and safety improve sustainability in the workplace?
Updated for 2025
Workplace health, safety and sustainability are no longer separate conversations. Increasingly, organisations are recognising that the way we protect employees and the way we protect the environment are deeply connected.
According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), workplace injuries and ill health cost the economy £20.7 billion in 2022/23 — up from £18.8 billion in 2021/22. At the same time, the UK is legally committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with businesses under growing pressure to demonstrate sustainability in their operations.
This makes health and safety professionals central players in building sustainable workplaces. By embedding sustainability principles into HSE management systems, companies can create safer environments for employees while reducing environmental impact.
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Why health, safety, and sustainability go hand in hand
The link between sustainability and safety lies in resource efficiency, human wellbeing, and risk reduction. Unsafe working practices often generate waste, accidents, or pollution — all of which erode long-term sustainability.
For example, a workplace spill doesn’t just harm employees; it may contaminate soil, air, or water, creating regulatory costs and reputational damage. Similarly, poor air quality in offices harms employee health and drives up energy costs when systems are mismanaged.
In short, you can’t achieve sustainability without robust health and safety. And you can’t build a sustainable business without looking after the wellbeing of the people at its heart.
Reducing waste through safer workplaces
Effective HSE strategies reduce resource waste and environmental harm. By preventing accidents, companies also prevent the knock-on effects of damaged stock, lost energy, and costly clean-ups.
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Case in point: The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work found that companies with strong occupational health and safety systems are 30–40% more resource-efficient than those without.
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Regular risk assessments can highlight hazards likely to generate environmental waste — such as chemical leaks, faulty equipment, or poor waste segregation.
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Linking sustainability KPIs with HSE audits ensures managers track pollution levels, disposal costs, and rework caused by unsafe practices.
This dual focus lowers operational costs and strengthens an organisation’s reputation for environmental responsibility.
Designing sustainable workplace environments
The design of the workplace is a critical factor in both safety and sustainability. Sustainable office and facility design optimises energy use while protecting health.
Natural lighting, ergonomic layouts, clean air, and biophilic design elements (plants, natural materials, outdoor views) all promote wellbeing. They also reduce reliance on artificial lighting, mechanical ventilation, and costly healthcare interventions.
Recent trends highlight the shift:
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A 2023 British Council for Offices survey reported that 72% of employees want more natural light and ventilation in workplaces, citing health and productivity benefits.
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Buildings certified under BREEAM or WELL standards consistently report lower absenteeism and higher employee satisfaction.
By working with facilities managers, architects, and designers, HSE leaders can ensure sustainability is integrated from the blueprint stage.
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Managing hazardous substances responsibly
Hazardous substances remain one of the clearest crossover points between safety and sustainability. Poor handling puts workers at risk and causes long-term environmental damage.
To address this, businesses should:
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Audit storage and handling procedures for chemicals and dangerous goods.
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Replace toxic substances with eco-friendly alternatives wherever possible.
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Set clear sustainability KPIs, such as reducing hazardous emissions and disposal costs year on year.
In 2024, the EU introduced tighter restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to severe health and environmental risks. UK companies exporting to the EU will need to comply with these regulations, making sustainable chemical management a compliance priority as well as a moral one.
Employee well-being and sustainable work practices
Health and wellbeing programmes directly support sustainable workplaces. Flexible work arrangements, safe commuting options, and access to mental health resources all create healthier, more engaged employees — which in turn reduces turnover and boosts resilience.
For example:
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Remote or hybrid work reduces commuting emissions.
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Cycle-to-work schemes and public transport incentives cut carbon while promoting fitness.
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Mental health support prevents burnout, which is increasingly seen as both a productivity and sustainability issue.
According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 46% of Gen Z workers consider workplace wellbeing programmes a top priority when choosing an employer. By promoting wellbeing, organisations not only safeguard employees but also position themselves as sustainability leaders. Additionally, this video from Spectraforce provides interesting ideas on how you can encourage better sustainability in your workplace:
Lowering operational costs and emissions
Health and safety interventions can yield rapid sustainability wins when applied to energy and resource use.
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Lighting: Replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs cuts energy use by up to 90% while improving visibility and reducing eye strain.
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Ventilation and heating: Regular maintenance ensures efficiency, lowering both emissions and utility bills.
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Renewable energy: More companies are now exploring solar panels, battery storage, and even workplace microgrids to meet sustainability goals.
A 2023 report by Carbon Trust found that UK companies who adopted energy efficiency programmes saved an average of £120 per employee annually while reducing carbon output.
Embedding sustainability into HSE management systems
Standards such as ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) can be integrated to align safety and sustainability practices.
This creates a single management system where:
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Risk assessments consider both employee safety and environmental impact.
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Training programmes address safe handling and sustainable resource use.
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Incident investigations track both workplace safety outcomes and environmental consequences.
The rise of corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD in the EU) and ESG disclosures means HSE managers must now demonstrate not only compliance but measurable sustainability performance.
The role of leadership in building sustainable workplaces
Strong leadership is essential for embedding sustainability into workplace safety culture. Leaders must:
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Communicate sustainability as part of the company vision.
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Engage employees in decision-making and sustainability programmes.
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Track and publish progress against measurable goals.
Companies like Patagonia, Unilever, and Aecom show how sustainability commitments strengthen employee loyalty and external brand reputation. In fact, BlackRock research found that organisations with strong ESG credentials outperformed peers financially during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving the long-term value of sustainable practices.
What are some case studies of sustainability in action?
If you are looking for some of the best sustainability at work case studies, check out the below examples from 3 of the biggest sectors:
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Healthcare sector: NHS England’s “Delivering a Net Zero NHS” strategy links staff wellbeing and climate action. Hospitals implementing green transport plans and energy-efficient estates have reduced carbon emissions while improving patient and staff safety.
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Construction sector: Aecom, a leader in sustainable engineering, integrates safety and sustainability in every project, from low-carbon materials to site worker wellbeing programmes.
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Fashion sector: Patagonia invests in employee wellbeing and safe manufacturing processes while championing environmental responsibility, proving that safety and sustainability can be commercial assets.
The most common FAQs around sustainability
Sustainability in the workplace means creating practices that protect employee wellbeing, reduce environmental harm, and ensure long-term economic viability. It’s about balancing people, planet, and profit.
Environmental sustainability focuses on reducing waste, emissions, and resource use within workplace operations. Examples include improving energy efficiency, recycling programmes, and reducing carbon footprints.
Key benefits include safer workplaces, lower operating costs, improved employee morale, stronger resilience to risk, and a positive brand image that attracts clients, investors, and staff.
Encourage sustainability by setting clear goals, rewarding sustainable behaviours, communicating progress, and providing staff with the tools and training they need.
Reducing waste conserves resources, saves money, and improves safety by lowering clutter and reducing hazardous material exposure.
HR can embed sustainability into training, recruitment, and staff engagement. This might include onboarding employees with sustainability goals, offering green benefits, and ensuring fair labour practices.
Social sustainability ensures employees are safe, respected, and supported. It includes fair pay, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing initiatives, and fostering a culture where staff feel valued.
Economic sustainability means businesses operate profitably while considering long-term responsibility. It includes lowering accident costs, improving efficiency, and ensuring resilience to future challenges.
