A new survey has demolished claims that health and safety is a heavy financial burden on business. Far from being a hindrance, the findings revealed that health and safety can be used as a driver for growth, given that protecting workers saves money - work-related accidents and ill health costs businesses nearly £8 billion a year through absenteeism, low productivity and legal bills.

The research, conducted by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, found the overall cost of health and safety failures to the public purse, including welfare and health bills, is estimated at £22bn.

It echoes Prospect's own claims that cost cutting, not deregulation, is behind a package of measures announced by the government which will impact on the work of the Health and Safety Executive.

Click here to read why Prospect believes cuts to the Health and Safety Executive will result in more deaths and serious accidents.