In the UK, the excitement that surrounded last summer’s Paralympic Games was testament to just how much public perceptions around disability have changed in recent years. Team GB’s performance was nothing short of inspirational and you’d be forgiven for thinking that equality has now been achieved across all areas of life.

But while good progress has been made over the past decade, there are still far too many people who are unjustifiably put at a disadvantage, notably in employment. Sometimes it is not a disability that prevents someone from working, but the fact that not enough is being done to accommodate their requirements.

According to Scope’s research, disabled people are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than those who are not. Aside from the ethical and legal concerns this raises, businesses and the wider economy are losing out by not recruiting and retaining those who have a disability. The charity goes on to say that just a 10 per cent rise in employment within this demographic would contribute an additional £12 billion to the treasury by 2030.

Furthermore, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that safety is cited as a reason why some employers do not take on a person with a disability, even though there are ‘very few cases’ where groups of workers can be legally excluded. There is a misconception that potentially hazardous places such as factories, warehouses and building sites are unsuitable for those with mobility challenges – however forward-thinking employers are increasingly dispelling these myths.

Taking on a disabled employee brings a host of benefits, not just to that person who is able to live more independently, but also to the wider workforce. Valuing diversity frequently attracts the most talented candidates and creates a culture of inclusivity that keeps teams motivated.

Increasingly, new technology is helping to make workplaces both safer and more accessible for everyone. It is often necessary to cordon off areas where maintenance work is being carried out or to warn members of the public about a possible danger, but it should not create obstacles. The Tensabarrier, for example, is commonly used in the busiest points of premises to improve navigation, so we developed a new base, with a rounded, lower profile and low leading edges. This enables wheelchair users who are visiting to pass over the base easily, and reduces the risk of trips and falls for everyone, particularly those with sight or mobility issues.

Accessibility is essential when taking on a disabled person but is can also become a priority if an existing staff member sustains injuries in an accident or is diagnosed with a health condition. As well as fulfilling their legal duties, many employers do not want to lose an experienced employee so will do everything they can to support them in their role. It could be that adjustments need to be implemented quickly so firms must work closely with all workers, while ensuring they are up-to-date on the latest legislation.

Perhaps understandably, some business owners and managers are concerned about the cost of making workplaces more accessible. However, it is worth remembering that a company may be eligible for a government grant through the Access to Work scheme, which can help fund adjustments. Sometimes change can be as simple as offering flexible working hours or providing large text documents, which require little investment.

Thankfully, being disabled no longer prevents people getting or staying in a job but clearly more needs to be done to ensure everyone enjoys the same opportunities. Employers who invest in accessibility create inclusive and safe working environments for all, regardless of whether someone has a disability or not. Sometimes just a small level of investment is required, but the reward of a highly motivated team can be enormous.

The latest government guidelines on employing people with disabilities and health conditions can be found at www.gov.uk.

For more details on Tensatorâ, visit www.tensatorgroup.com

With budgets tightening and demands on workers ever increasing, more and more construction projects are now being completed overnight to minimise disruption to members of the public. It is not just the reduced visibility caused by these darker conditions, which poses a potential hazard to staff; dwindling concentration levels and tiredness can also result in the occurrence of accidents.

The chance of being involved in a workplace accident can be up to 36% higher during the hours of darkness, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe working environment at all times.

Working the evening shift on a construction site can be particularly problematic for staff, and not only because of the reduced levels of visibility. Research suggests that darker conditions can also significantly decrease concentration levels, and for those in potentially hazardous jobs, this could be fatal.

This does present a challenge for site managers – how do you guarantee projects are still undertaken efficiently and are completed on time, whilst ensuring complete safety for your workers? The simplest solution would be simply to work longer into the hours of daylight, but for some projects that require a closure of road networks and other nearby facilities this simply isn’t possible.

There will be a temptation to push through these night shifts by being ‘extra vigilant’ when on site, without proactively addressing the issue of reduced light. With budgets tightening and demands on staff increasing all the time, it is essential that employers display due diligence when it comes to the safety of its workers. Fortunately, stricter Construction (Design and Management) regulations have identified the need for intervention.

We have recognised the need for site managers to be able to quickly and easily highlight hazardous or restricted areas during periods of limited light and poor weather conditions.

During periods of darkness, workers can often miss hazards and areas of risk, particularly when they are on tight deadlines and are rushing. The go-to method of tackling this problem is through the erection of traditional signage, warning workers about the potential dangers ahead. However, there is a risk that staff can become a little desensitised to displays like this, particularly on sites where workers can be based for long periods of time.

Nevertheless, site managers and construction companies need to take responsibility to be innovative with their health and safety guidelines – particularly in locations that are new to workers.

Innovation could mean revamping training protocols that firms already rely on, or providing a thorough ‘recce’ of the area – though this will need to be updated throughout the construction process as risks and other hazards change over time. It can also be achieved through the installation of new practical solutions that ensures areas of risk can be pinpointed easily.

New equipment and materials have also been designed to address this problem. Safety cones, which are a staple feature on most construction sites, can help identify risky areas, though can be easily moved. Having a physical means of managing the movement of people on site means that staff will have to physically break an obstruction in order to access a hazardous area. This will further reduce the risk of injury and demonstrate a high level of accountability by employers.

Not only can these precautions help to prevent accidents to staff in the workplace, this equipment can also alert members of the public to steer clear of these sites while work is taking place.

According to HSE research, around 65,000 non-fatal workplace injuries were reported by construction workers in 2014/15. The most common of these resulted from slips, trips and falls (23%) followed by falls from heights (19%) and being struck by an object (11%). The risk of these events could have been reduced dramatically by clearly signposting potential hazards.

Recognising that safety in its depots and vehicle repair workshops could be improved, Stagecoach UK Bus turned to queue management specialist, Tensator.

As part of an initial trial at Stagecoach's Hastings depot, Tensator developed and installed its high visibility barrier system with pit protection posts to cordon off dangerous pit areas. Simple clips connected the webbing posts to pit bridges, with retractable technology allowing the safety barrier system to move with the bridge, ensuring that the pit is cordoned off at all times.

Tensator designed the system to include high visibility yellow webbing with 'Beware Open Pit' messaging, and accompanying visuals, so it would be clearly seen by engineers and ground floor staff.

Recognising that safety in its depots and vehicle repair workshops could be improved, Stagecoach UK Bus turned to queue management specialist, Tensator.

As part of an initial trial at Stagecoach's Hastings depot, Tensator developed and installed its high visibility barrier system with pit protection posts to cordon off dangerous pit areas. Simple clips connected the webbing posts to pit bridges, with retractable technology allowing the safety barrier system to move with the bridge, ensuring that the pit is cordoned off at all times.

Tensator designed the system to include high visibility yellow webbing with 'Beware Open Pit' messaging, and accompanying visuals, so it would be clearly seen by engineers and ground floor staff.